The 2013 RDX has seen 83 complaints and 3 recalls, a decent number for a refreshed vehicle according to the trend. The recalls are regarding the brake shift interlock issue and the driver’s airbag issue while the majority of the complaints also highlight the airbag issues along with exterior lighting issues and other miscellaneous problems as well. In its class, the Acura MDX rivals the Volvo XC60, the Audi Q5, and the BMW X3. "Craig Searer" experiences that memory seat can be an issue with its inconsistent functioning. To know more, click on the video below:
Acura RDX user complaints and problems
Engine problems
- Vibration issue: A few owners have faced vibration issues from the transmissions of their vehicles. While driving, the transmission vibrates and judders. In one instance, the owner has faced severe jerking issues while driving below 40 mph speeds.
- Vehicle rollaway: One owner reports this issue. After he parked the vehicle, putting it in park mode, the vehicle rolled away after some time, hitting other vehicles.
- Hesitation from transmission: Along with the vibration issues of the transmissions, a few owners have faced hesitation from the transmissions while driving. While accelerating, the transmissions of the affected vehicles hesitate.
Safety problems
- A high-pitched squeal from brakes: A single complaint has been recorded by the NHTSA regarding this issue. The owner states in the report that while driving at low speeds and applying the brakes with light pressure, the brakes would make abnormally high-pitched squealing noises and the same occurs while going down slopes too. The brake pads were replaced and the discs were resurfaced but the issue recurred.
Miscellaneous problems
- Low beam headlamps becoming too dim: A lot of owners were hit by this issue where the excessively dim low beams of the headlamps would make driving at night difficult. The inner reflective coating of the headlamps would delaminate resulting in poor output from the headlamps.
- Premature failure of rear shock absorbers: Several 2013 Acura RDX models have faced this issue. The premature failures of the rear shock absorbers would result in a clunking noise while driving and would require replacement.
2013 Acura RDX recalls
|
S.No. |
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
April 15, 2013 |
13V143000 |
Brake Shift Interlock/FMVSS 114 |
If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. |
|
2 |
February 3, 2016 |
16V061000 |
Driver's Frontal Airbag Inflator May Rupture |
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began in March 2017. |
|
3 |
March 6, 2019 |
19V182000 |
Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator May Explode |
An explosion of an inflator within the driver’s frontal airbag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger, or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's airbag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2019. |
Should you buy a used Acura RDX?
The Acura RDX serves as a strong opponent to the dominating German luxury SUVs in the segment and gets plenty of things right. Among the RDX’s strengths is its strong performance from the updated V6 motor, more spacious cabin, and a generous list of standard features. In terms of reliability too, the SUV has managed to hold its ground however, according to the NHTSA records the previous generation of the SUV was slightly better than the updated current model. Hence getting a used example is absolutely fine but do carry out the mandatory inspection for any problems.
