2015 Acura RDX Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.4

Ranked #7 in 

Compact SUV
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$35,095 - $40,195
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2015 Acura RDX

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Disliked by Users

  • N

    Nick

    18/05/2016

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... improved ride over the more expensive Acura. Handling; the body roll is annoying and feels downright unstable on twisty roads. Fuel economy, throttle response, and acceleration are dismal on the "Multi-Point/Low Pressure Fuel Injection" compared to "Direct Injection" engines found on other similar and lower priced vehicles of the same vintage and category. The controls and displays are awkward at best and are not at all intuitive. Compared to earlier model Acura vehicles, theseRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • CG

    Car guy

    19/07/2015

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... you'll see plenty of similar comments about the 2013 to present RDX and the same issue with 2014 - present MDX and TLX. There are other quality issues/non-user friendly quirks with the RDX but the horrible suspension was a deal breaker (and ridiculous for a $36K "luxury vehicle"). I've now sold the RDX - my first and last Honda/Acura product. Very happy with a German SUV now.Read More

    Source: edmunds

2015 Acura RDX Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

374

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 19, 2024

Ever since its introduction in 2007, the Acura RDX improved buyers’ accessibility to the luxury compact SUV class. In all aspects, it promises to be an inch-perfect proposition. It comes with a standard V6 engine for appreciable performance standards, reeks of luxury with its finely crafted interior, and has a cleverly spaced cabin that bestows ample space and features. Even in terms of reliability, the SUV cannot be questioned. The 2015 iteration of the RDX has just 123 complaints and 3 recalls, which seem fair for a vehicle in its class. Most of its complaints deal with its exterior lighting and airbag units, however, there are some variegated minor niggles as well. A 2015 Acura RDX for sale starts at $35,000 and breathes down the neck of rivals like the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, and the Volvo XC60.

2015 Acura RDX User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints

  • Delayed recall response: Among the 2015 Acura RDX issues, buyers of the SUV have reported the airbags failing upon deployment, which causes chemical gases to spread within the cabin. In one known case, a user had reported injuries due to the malfunction. To deal with the issue, Acura has introduced three recalls. However, the first known recall, referenced by NHTSA ID: 16V061000, has failed to provide timely relief to the buyers due to the non-availability of required components.

Mechanical Complaints

  • Problems with the suspension unit: The 2015 Acura RDX suspension problems are neither concerning nor widespread. In a couple of known cases, buyers have reported distinct issues with their SUVs. While the first problem is concerned with damaged front axles, the second issue deals with fractured rear shocks, both of which warrant a replacement. Additionally, one buyer had to replace their entire suspension system for reasons that are not yet known.
  • Issues with the transmission unit: The 2015 Acura RDX transmission issues have been reported on trusted unofficial forums. In almost every case, complainants have recorded the inability of the transmission unit to shift at lower gears, causing the vehicle to jerk excessively. While there is no certain reason for the recurrence of the issue, some buyers have reported that the transmission fluid requires replenishment at quick intervals.

Structural Complaints

  • Peeling paint: Buyers of the 2015 Acura RDX have reported the vehicle’s paint peeling from numerous locations. These include the rear roof, window frames, and hood. This is a similar issue as reported by the owners of the Acura MDX and is most commonly noted in the units equipped with the Pearl White paint.
  • Explosion of sunroof: Among the 2015 Acura RDX problems, buyers have also reported the vehicle’s sunroof exploding without impact or incidence. Complainants have recorded the glass pane shattering, which causes an almost explosion-like sound.

Exterior Complaints

  • Dim headlights: The 2015 Acura RDX headlight issues are concerned with their inadequate illumination. Over the years, buyers have recorded the SUV’s low beam headlights losing their illumination, which hampers the frontward visibility. As a result, the vehicle needs to be driven on a high-beam setting only. The reason for this problem is concerned with the deterioration of the metal lining and reflective coating of the low-beam headlight housing that can only be corrected through replacement. Despite being the most widespread complaint, there is still no recall to address the issue.

2015 Acura RDX Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

27th June 2019

19V500000

Explosion of the driver’s frontal airbag inflator

Due to propellant degradation, after exposure to high temperature and humidity, the airbag inflator may explode.

Dealers will replace the frontal airbag inflator, free of cost.

2.

6th Mar 2019

19V812000

Explosion of the driver’s frontal airbag inflator

Due to a manufacturing shortcoming, the front airbag inflator may explode on deployment.

Dealers will replace the frontal airbag inflator with an alternate unit, free of cost.

3.

3rd Feb 2016

16V061000

Driver’s frontal airbag inflator might rupture

In the 2015 RDX equipped with the dual-stage driver frontal airbag, the inflator may rupture due to moisture intrusion.

Dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge.

Should you buy the 2015 Acura RDX?

Absolutely! Benefiting from its rich Japanese heritage, the 2015 Acura RDX delivers class-competing performance. It coalesces functionalism with reliability and promises to be a top-notch family-oriented option. While there are some complaints listed to the compact SUV’s name, each problem has a definitive solution. So, even if you have any issues in your ownership experience, Acura’s proactive approach might come in handy. Nonetheless, if you want the flamboyance that is attached to a historically luxurious nametag, the 2015 Volvo XC60 is an incredible alternative.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

October 2, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11691110

Components: 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

NHTSA ID Number:
11691110

Incident Date:
October 2, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5J8TB3H3XFL

Consumer Location:
PELION, SC

Summary
Can't see to drive at night with low beams on. Miss turns at night.

August 22, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11682432

Components: 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

NHTSA ID Number:
11682432

Incident Date:
August 22, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5J8TB4H32FL

Consumer Location:
SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ

Summary
The headlights on the vehicle are VERY dim, so much so that driving at night is really not safe. At any ...

August 19, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11681749

Components: 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

NHTSA ID Number:
11681749

Incident Date:
August 19, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5J8TB4H34FL

Consumer Location:
LEBANON, OR

Summary
Purchased car with ~96k miles. Drove at night and had extremely low road visibility due to lighting. Repl...

August 12, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11680227

Components: 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

NHTSA ID Number:
11680227

Incident Date:
August 12, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5J8TB3H32FL

Consumer Location:
AUSTIN, TX

Summary
At night when I turn on my headlights, they turn on, however they do not reflect properly causing severe ...

July 29, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11677122

Components: 120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

NHTSA ID Number:
11677122

Incident Date:
July 29, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
5J8TB3H33FL

Consumer Location:
FORSYTH, GA

Summary
The headlights on this vehicle are terrible. Have to drive with brights on at night or cannot see. I repl...

80/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

69/100Average

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

78/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

0/100Worst

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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