Owners have reported 2 crashes and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2021 Acura RDX. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints21
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report several recurring issues with the 2021 Acura RDX, most notably the spontaneous shattering of rear windows and sunroofs without impact, which can lead to shattered glass inside the vehicle and potential safety hazards. Complaints frequently mention the rear window shattering while parked or driving, and sunroofs exploding, sometimes startling drivers and posing a risk to following vehicles. Additionally, some owners describe issues with the AcuraLink app causing unintended vehicle starts, which could lead to dangerous situations if the vehicle is in an enclosed space. These issues often occur within the first few years of ownership, with some reports indicating timelines post-warranty. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they may require attention or repairs.
Owner complaints10
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report several issues with the service brakes on the 2021 Acura RDX, with a notable pattern of squeaking brakes, particularly when reversing or at low speeds. Complaints frequently mention loud squeaking or screeching noises from the rear brakes, sometimes requiring additional force to stop the vehicle. Some owners indicate these issues arise shortly after purchasing the vehicle, with mileage as low as a few weeks from new. Safety implications include one report of a crash involving the Automatic Brake Hold feature failing to maintain the vehicle in a stopped position, leading to unintended forward movement. Additionally, multiple owners describe brake judder at higher speeds and concerns about brake components like calipers and rotors, though specific mileage ranges for these issues are less clear.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints10
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to a recall on the airbag system, specifically citing delays in the availability of parts needed for the recall repair. Many owners express frustration over the extended time taken by the manufacturer to provide these parts, with some indicating that they have been waiting for over a year. Additionally, a unique complaint involves the front passenger seat sensors not registering lightweight passengers, resulting in the airbag system not engaging. This issue is noted as a safety concern, although no accidents or injuries have been reported. These complaints are primarily centered around the unavailability of recall parts and the functionality of passenger seat sensors, which potential buyers should consider.
Owner complaints9
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2021 Acura RDX frequently report issues with the rear window spontaneously shattering, often occurring when closing a door or while the vehicle is parked. Multiple complaints describe the glass shattering without any apparent external force, resulting in glass shards spreading throughout the vehicle's interior and surrounding area. Additionally, some owners mention problems with windshield washer nozzles being clogged, leading to a non-functional washer system, and intermittent failures of the wipers. Safety implications include potential harm from shattered glass and reduced visibility due to non-operational wipers or washers. These issues appear to occur regardless of vehicle mileage, with some reports indicating the problems arise shortly after purchase.
Owner complaints9
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2021 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to the panoramic sunroof, with many describing popping or knocking noises when driving over bumps or entering driveways. Several complaints indicate that this noise may be linked to flexing or improper bolting of the sunroof, as outlined in Acura's service bulletin 23-004. Some reports detail more severe incidents where the sunroof glass has shattered, with one account mentioning minor injuries from glass debris. Additionally, there is a singular report of a broken hood latch, preventing access to essential fluids. The complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but the sunroof issues appear to occur in vehicles shortly after purchase or within the first few months of ownership. Safety implications include potential injuries from shattered glass, especially when occupants are present in the vehicle.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints8
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to sudden power loss while driving, often accompanied by flashing engine lights and various warning indicators. These symptoms typically occur during highway driving, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain, and can result in dangerous situations where the vehicle rapidly decelerates, necessitating emergency maneuvers to reach safety. Complaints indicate these problems can arise in vehicles with mileage ranging from as low as 128 miles to over 10,000 miles. Additionally, some owners mention persistent issues with the transfer case, leading to costly repairs. These issues pose potential safety risks, particularly due to the sudden loss of power and the associated challenges in maintaining control at highway speeds.
Owner complaints6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Acura RDX frequently report issues related to sudden power loss and unexpected acceleration. The most common symptoms include the vehicle entering "limp mode" with a flashing check engine light, resulting in reduced speed and responsiveness, often after restarting the car or during highway driving. These problems typically occur in vehicles with mileage ranging from approximately 10,500 to 11,500 miles. One reported incident resulted in a crash when the vehicle surged forward unexpectedly while parking. These issues have significant safety implications, as they can lead to dangerous situations such as near-collisions on highways. Multiple owners express concerns about the inability of dealerships to diagnose the problem due to the lack of error codes, despite a related service bulletin existing.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2021 Acura RDX. Complaints frequently mention the infotainment system failing, with screens going blank and causing distractions while driving. There are also instances of the vehicle unexpectedly starting remotely without user input, posing a risk when parked in enclosed spaces. Additionally, some owners describe complete electrical shutdowns during wet conditions, affecting engine, transmission, and safety systems like power steering and collision warnings. A faulty seat weight sensor in the front passenger seat is also noted, intermittently failing to engage the airbag for lighter occupants. These issues highlight potential safety risks, particularly with unexpected remote starts and system shutdowns.
Owner complaints4
ENGINE
Owners report that the 2021 Acura RDX experiences sudden loss of engine power during acceleration, particularly when attempting to pass other vehicles on the highway. Complaints frequently mention the check engine light illuminating and the vehicle entering "limp" mode, limiting speed and responsiveness. These incidents commonly occur in rainy conditions and at varying mileages, with one report specifying 7,322 miles. Safety implications are significant as multiple owners describe near-miss accidents due to the vehicle's inability to maintain speed, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering the vehicle's reliability and safety.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners report that the 2021 Acura RDX experiences issues related to steering and other electronic systems, with multiple complaints highlighting a complete loss of steering ability. Typical symptoms include the display of error messages for the Lane Keeping Assist System, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Electric Power Steering, leading to the vehicle being undrivable. In some cases, a "DTC P061B PCM internal malfunction" is diagnosed, requiring a PGM-FI software update to resolve the problem. These issues result in the vehicle being disabled and necessitate towing to a dealership, with no prior warnings given. Owners do not specify a mileage range, but the safety implications include a total loss of vehicle control, which is critical information for potential buyers.
