The 2021 Acura RDX is a recognized value-for-money choice in the compact SUV segment. With a long list of standard features and a sharp design, the RDX also offers a turbocharged drive. Acura may not be as well established as its counterparts. However, carrying the same DNA as Honda, Acura highlights high-reliability standards and commendable after-sales services. The 2021 Acura RDX comes across a reasonable count of problems with 22 complaints and 1 recall registered with the NHTSA. The SUV finds its compact-SUV class rivals in the BMW X3, the Audi Q3, and the Volvo XC60. The 2021 Acura RDX earns the 5th spot on the list of top-10 compact SUVs for the 2021 model year. Here’s a closer look at the car.
User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Problems
- Engine: Engine stalling resulting in a sharp loss of power is the major engine problem with the Acura RDX. Users report the SUV driving in the ‘limp-mode’. A sudden loss of power can risk rear-ended collisions and injury.
- Brakes: User complaints report instances of vehicle braking with no driver inputs. Sudden braking increases the chances of crashing and puts the occupants at risk.
Electrical Problems
- Electrical malfunction: The most common electrical problem with the SUV is the auto-emergency braking malfunction. AEB malfunction results in abrupt braking under driving conditions. Abrupt braking puts both the vehicle operator and the fellow motorists at risk of crashing.
- Infotainment: Acura RDX users face struggles with the hands-free infotainment features. Apple Car Play and Android Auto crash often resulting in a loss of cell phone connectivity.
Exterior Problems
- Sunroof/moonroof: As seen with most vehicles, the issue of the sunroof or moonroof exploding without an impact is common with the RDX. Acura claims expansion of the sunroof due to high environmental temperatures to be the main cause.
- Windshield: Shattering or cracking of windshields is common with the Acura RDX. Users report damage to the windshield without any kind of impact. Acura claims that environmental temperature and pressure variations are the main cause of the problem.
- Tires: Few Acura RDX complaint cases report tire blowouts with no signs of a puncture. Users mention receiving low tire pressure warnings before the blowouts.
- Body: Few RDX users report issues with the SUV hood. The hood cable/latch is prone to breaking which prevents the opening of the hood. This restricts performing fluid top-ups and can risk damage to the vehicle.
Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
December 2, 2021 |
21V939000 |
The driveshaft may fail. |
Driveshaft failure may cause a sudden loss of drive power, or can cause the vehicle to roll away when parked if the parking brake is not applied. Either condition can increase the risk of crashing or injury. |
Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BBY, NBW, and OBX. |
Should you buy the 2021 Acura RDX?
The 2021 Acura RDX is a good choice in the compact SUV class. The RDX offers versatile drivability suiting both the city commute and outdoor touring. The SUV works great for a family vehicle. The 2021 RDX comes across a few user complaints ranging from engine stalling to brake issues. However, there are no major problems recorded with the SUV. The 2021 model year for the RDX records a single recall case and receives a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Acura partners with Honda for the after-sales services and resolving recalls. Honda approaches both the Acura and Honda cases alike without a bias. The 2021 RDX gets the stamp of approval from CarHp.
