Which Acura RDX Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)

The Acura RDX is a stylish crossover SUV that is small and lightweight. Acura is Honda’s premium automobile branch. The Acura RDX has been constructed on its platform from the third generation.

However, several Acura RDX has received various complaints. Braking troubles, numerous bad interiors, a malfunctioning navigation system, suspension damage, and electrical issues are among the most significant errors with Acura RDX.

In this article, I will let you know about the most reported problems with the Acura RDX years that you should avoid.

Acura RDX Years to Avoid (List of Years)

The Acura RDX has been on the marketplace since 2006. Honda’s well-known branch comprises three generations. However, there are years in all three generations that should be avoided.

The following years from the Acura RDX range should be neglected:

• 2007 Acura RDX
• 2008 Acura RDX
• 2010 Acura RDX
• 2013 Acura RDX
• 2016 Acura RDX
• 2017 Acura RDX
• 2019 Acura RDX
• 2020 Acura RDX

Several consumers have complained about the Acura RDX 2007, 2008, and 2010 model years from the first generation. However, they are not as horrible as the previous two generations.

The suspension, brakes, and electrical systems of the second-generation RDX were all problematic. The years 2013, 2016, and 2017 are noteworthy.

Only three variants of the Acura RDX were manufactured in the third generation. The first two, 2019 and 2020, are regarded as the weakest of the RDX series.

Worst Years of Acura RDX:

This year received the highest amount of complaints on the Car Complaints website. The worst year of the Acura RDX is:

• 2019 Acura RDX

The models received 40 complaints which are more than double that of any other on the list. Most of the issues are with the braking system and the engine. Stay away from this year at all costs.

What Makes These Acura RDX Years Worth Avoiding?

Acura’s reputation for reliability and driving performance is noteworthy. Although the firm has enjoyed a lot of success, the RDX model still has significant issues. So, let’s take a closer look at the most widely reported concerns each year.

1. 2013 Acura RDX Problems

The 2013 Acura RDX has had several reports on suspension problems, electrical problems, and accessories problems.

The most critical concern of the year was excessive noise from the suspension. Over time, the front and rear bumpers, as well as the struts, become damaged. Upgrading these fixed the problem for the majority of 2013 RDX. Replacing shocks is also advised in many forums.

Apart from this issue, vehicle seat deterioration, sun visor breakdown, battery failure, dim or blown headlights, and excessive vibrations are other challenges to be addressed.

NHTSA complaints say that the vehicle had a critical problem with the airbags. The check airbag light stayed illuminated for some customers. Also, airbags not deploying when collided was a major concern.

2. 2016 Acura RDX Problems

Next in the line of bad Acura RDX is the 2016 year. The brakes squealed when pressed hard. After only about 10,000 miles, it would not stop making annoying noise.

Replacing the rotors and the pads of the brakes would solve the issue. It would cost $350 just to get rid of the noise. Although the company claimed this situation to be normal, many customers got angry with them.

The car sometimes refused to start due to a faulty battery. Upgrading the battery is the only reported solution. The handsfree was known to drain the battery consistently.

Some transmission issues were seen in the vehicle such as hesitating to accelerate. Other notable challenges were Apple CarPlay incompatibility, lane assists not working, and clunking sound from the rear suspension.

3. 2017 Acura RDX Problems

The most-reported problem on the Acura RDX 2017 is about the inter accessories and the transmission.

Internal difficulties were widespread, with the navigation system refusing to operate at critical periods. Another flaw was Bluetooth’s inability to connect to devices.

Hesitant shifting, abrupt slamming into gear, jerky downshifting, and other transmission issues are all common. For numerous users, the power steering also failed.

There were several reports on vehicle speed control problems and engine troubles combined with defective power train and electrical dysfunctions. The inside does not appear to be as high-end as some of its more current competitors.

4. 2019 Acura RDX Problems

The Acura RDX 2019 was filled to the brim with complaints. Many people on forums and blogs suggested avoiding the vehicle as they have suffered from it.

This entirely lemon vehicle has many engine problems. Some of the more frustrating ones include losing acceleration, stopping while passing, and the oil light glowing all the time.

Like most other models, the brakes on this year’s model didn’t fail to screech. This problem might develop even after a month of owning the vehicle. The powertrain was not offered as an option by the manufacturer.

This model’s handling isn’t fantastic. The tires are worn out, and the throttle response is poor. Information management that refuses to operate, navigation system faults, liftgate glass fracturing, windows that make noise, and windshields that chip simply is all major problems.

Aside from these concerns, the Acura RDX 2019 had difficulties with the fuel system, airbags, transmission, electronics, and the exterior.

5. 2020 Acura RDX Problems

Problems with this year are unacceptable because this is the most updated model from Acura RDX. Most of these are about the engine and power train.

The loss of acceleration in “Limp Home” mode is a rather rampant problem. Other engine problems include rapid sputtering and deceleration without notice.

Many consumers have been enraged by the power train troubles that happened within 3,000 miles this year. Countless users were irritated by Apple CarPlay’s abrupt disengagement and the popping sound from the speakers.

The roof cracking sound from body movement, engine not turning over, fuel system difficulties, driver’s seat belt failing to fasten, airbags not engaging, and other faults are all present in the car.

Which Acura RDX Years are Safe to Buy?

You should always avoid buying the older models of any cars. Keeping that in mind, these are the best Acura RDX to buy in the present era:

• 2009 Acura RDX
• 2011 Acura RDX
• 2012 Acura RDX
• 2018 Acura RDX
• 2021 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX 2009 boasts a lot of modern amenities and precise performance. The year has also received great crash-test results. The 2011 RDX was one of Honda’s top models, having the fewest consumer complaints. It also has a decent price tag.

The steering control of the year 2012 has gotten a lot of excellent feedback. Ultimately, it’s a wonderful bargain that’s reasonable these days. The 2018 Acura RDX is one of the greatest second-generation vehicles on the marketplace today. It gets excellent fuel mileage compared to most of its competitors.

The Acura RDX 2021 is a stylish exclusive SUV that offers a fair value. It comes with a reasonable entry price and a lot of basic features.

The following graph shows the number of complaints and recalls for the Acura RDX:

Model Year	Complaints Recorded	Recalls
2007	9	3
2008	8	3
2009	1	2
2010	14	2
2011	4	2
2012	2	2
2013	15	3
2014	9	2
2015	9	3
2016	19	2
2017	14	1
2018	4	0
2019	40	2
2020	16	1
2021	1	0

Conclusion

I’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know about the Acura RDX years to avoid. I’ve also included all of the issues that the avoidable years have encountered. Stay away from the 2019 model.

If you want to buy any of the cars I’ve classified as the finest, take my advice.

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