Owners have reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Acura RDX. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints89
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2020 Acura RDX frequently report spontaneous shattering of the rear windshield, often while the vehicle is parked or shortly after entering the car. Complaints describe the glass breaking without any apparent external force, sometimes accompanied by a loud noise. Incidents occur in various settings, including garages and parking lots, and are noted to happen even when the car is off or idling. Many reports indicate that this issue is known to Acura, with references to a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 22-014), yet owners often face out-of-pocket repair costs. Although no crashes or injuries are reported, the sudden nature of the shattering poses potential safety risks, especially if it occurs while driving.
Owner complaints63
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners report frequent incidents of the rear windshield shattering spontaneously in the 2020 Acura RDX, often without any external impact or warning signs. Complaints commonly describe the glass breaking while the vehicle is parked or upon using the rear defroster, particularly in colder temperatures. Some reports indicate that the issue occurs even when the vehicle is stationary, with mileage not always specified, but several mention occurrences around or after the warranty period. Safety implications include potential visibility obstruction and unsecured vehicles, though no crashes or injuries are reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of this recurring issue, especially since some owners note a Technical Service Bulletin has been issued, yet repairs may not be fully covered if the vehicle is out of warranty.
Owner complaints29
ENGINE
Owners of the 2020 Acura RDX frequently report issues with the engine losing power, particularly during acceleration, often accompanied by a flashing check engine light. This problem is commonly noted in rainy conditions and can result in the vehicle entering "limp mode," significantly reducing speed and requiring a restart to resolve temporarily. Many complaints indicate this issue occurs at various mileages, with some reports as early as 5,300 miles and others at higher mileages near 92,000. Safety implications include potential risks of accidents due to sudden deceleration in traffic, though no crashes are explicitly reported. Additionally, some owners mention repeated head gasket failures and challenges with obtaining necessary recall parts, adding to maintenance concerns for potential buyers.
Owner complaints24
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2020 Acura RDX frequently report issues with the rear window shattering spontaneously, often without any external impact or warning. Many complaints describe the rear window shattering while the vehicle is parked or shortly after using the rear defroster, with some incidents linked to cold weather conditions. In addition to the rear window, there are also mentions of sunroof-related noises and malfunctioning, such as popping sounds and failure to close properly. Safety implications include reports of sharp glass debris inside the vehicle, with one injury reported during cleanup. These issues appear to occur regardless of mileage or specific timelines, suggesting potential manufacturing or design concerns.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints21
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Acura RDX frequently report issues with sudden loss of power and the vehicle entering "limp mode," often accompanied by a flashing check engine light. These incidents typically occur during acceleration, such as merging onto highways or overtaking, and are sometimes linked to wet weather conditions. Complaints commonly mention the need to restart the vehicle to regain normal function, with some reports indicating occurrences at mileages as low as 1,390. Safety implications are evident, with one crash resulting in two injuries and multiple instances of near-miss situations due to the sudden deceleration. Buyers should be aware of these recurring powertrain issues, particularly in vehicles with mileage around 5,000 to 40,000 miles.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints20
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2020 Acura RDX frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, with common complaints involving loud squealing or grinding noises from the brakes, often at low speeds or during initial use after the vehicle has been parked. These symptoms typically appear within the first few thousand miles, with many owners experiencing recurring issues even after brake pads and rotors are replaced. Some reports also mention unintended braking activation without driver input, posing potential safety risks, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. Buyers considering a used 2020 Acura RDX should be aware of these recurring brake noise and performance issues, as well as the reports of sudden braking, which may affect vehicle safety and reliability.
Owner complaints18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Acura RDX frequently report issues with the electrical system, including unexpected stalling, loss of power, and malfunctioning infotainment systems. Symptoms often described include the vehicle entering "limp mode," flashing engine lights, and complete electrical shutdowns, sometimes accompanied by flickering lights and unresponsive electronics. Complaints often mention these issues occurring at various mileages, with some incidents leading to dangerous situations such as loss of power on highways. One report involves a fire originating from the dashboard, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported electrical issues, which may impact vehicle reliability and safety.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints16
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to a fuel system recall, specifically citing delays in obtaining parts for necessary repairs. Complaints commonly mention a "parts distribution disconnect," indicating that parts for the recall are unavailable, which has led to frustration over extended repair timelines. Some owners describe symptoms such as difficulty starting the vehicle, stalling while driving, and illuminated warning lights, with these issues occurring around 20,000 to 58,000 miles. While most complaints do not report immediate failures, a few instances of stalling could imply potential safety concerns. This context is relevant for used car buyers considering the 2020 Acura RDX, especially regarding potential wait times for recall repairs.
Owner complaints9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners report that the 2020 Acura RDX frequently experiences sudden loss of power, particularly during acceleration on highways or in rainy conditions. Common symptoms include the vehicle decelerating unexpectedly, the check engine light flashing, and entering a "limp mode" where acceleration is severely limited. These issues are often resolved temporarily by turning the car off and back on. Complaints typically occur around mileage as low as 2,800 to about 7,300 miles. Safety implications are noted, as several owners describe the vehicle slowing in high-speed traffic without warning, creating hazardous situations. These problems are linked to moisture entering the turbocharger intercooler system, as indicated by multiple reports and service interventions.
Owner complaints3
STEERING
Owners of the 2020 Acura RDX report issues related to steering and vehicle control, with some incidents involving unintended acceleration and deceleration. One complaint details a crash where the vehicle suddenly jerked right and accelerated without driver input, leading to a collision. Another owner describes an incident where the engine shuttered and lost power on the highway, which temporarily resolved after restarting the car. Electrical system failures are also noted, with reports of sporadic loss of control. These issues are reported at mileage under 50,000, with significant safety implications, including crashes and potential loss of vehicle control.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
