Last updated: 2026-04-20
Acura RDX Reliability by Year
The Acura RDX averages 76/100 across 7 model years, rated good.
Acura RDX Reliability Overview
The Acura RDX, covering model years from 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 78/100, indicating a generally good performance with notable improvements in recent years. Common issues reported include spontaneous shattering of rear windows in earlier models and steering problems in 2025, while the 2026 model year shows no complaints and a high reliability score of 87/100. With a high reliability rating of 4.5/5 and lower-than-average annual repair costs of $497, the RDX is well-suited for those seeking a luxury compact SUV with a focus on reliability and manageable maintenance expenses.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2019–2023), facelifted 2022.
Best & Worst Acura RDX Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Acura RDX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Acura RDX year is 2024 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (82/100) and 2025 (81/100).
Acura RDX Years to Avoid
The worst Acura RDX year is 2019 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to unknown or other (116) issues.
Acura RDX Reliability Score Trend
Acura RDX reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 81/100 compared to 71/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Acura RDX
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Acura RDX has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Acura RDX.
2025 Acura RDX
1 recalls · 27 complaints
The 2025 Acura RDX has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 27 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Acura RDX. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (21), Service Brakes (2), Wheels (1).
2024 Acura RDX
1 recalls · 10 complaints
The 2024 Acura RDX has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 10 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Acura RDX. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (4), Visibility Wiper (2), Seats (1).
2023 Acura RDX
1 recalls · 16 complaints
The 2023 Acura RDX has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 16 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Acura RDX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (3), Engine (3), Electrical System (3).
2021 Acura RDX
2 recalls · 99 complaints
The 2021 Acura RDX has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 99 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Acura RDX. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (21), Service Brakes (10), Air Bags (10).
2020 Acura RDX
4 recalls · 327 complaints
The 2020 Acura RDX has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 327 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Acura RDX. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (89), Visibility Wiper (63), Engine (29).
2019 Acura RDX
4 recalls · 417 complaints
The 2019 Acura RDX has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 417 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Acura RDX. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (116), Visibility Wiper (74), Engine (45).
2018 Acura RDX
1 recalls · 71 complaints
The 2018 Acura RDX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 71 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Acura RDX. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Fuel System, Gasoline (17), Power Train (10), Fuel Propulsion System (10).
Found Your Acura RDX? Check Its History
Every Acura RDX has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Acura RDX Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$497
Repair Frequency
0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk
6%
$362 below the luxury compact SUVs average of $859/yr.
Ranked #1 of 11 among luxury compact SUVs.
Acura RDX Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Acura Models
Compare all Acura models by reliability
Compare Acura RDX With Similar SUVs
The Acura RDX competes with other compact suvs such as Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Audi Q3 reliability
9 years tracked · 158 complaints
BMW X1 reliability
9 years tracked · 188 complaints
Mercedes-Benz GLC reliability
8 years tracked · 543 complaints
Lexus NX reliability
9 years tracked · 321 complaints
Volvo XC60 reliability
8 years tracked · 242 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Acura RDX reliable?
- The Acura RDX has good reliability with an average score of 76/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Acura RDX?
- The best year for the Acura RDX is 2024 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. It has 1 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 Acura RDXanalysis →
- What are the Acura RDX years to avoid?
- The Acura RDX years to avoid include 2019 (66/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Acura RDX?
- The Acura RDX has an estimated annual repair cost of $497, which is $362 below the luxury compact SUVs average of $859. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Acura RDX.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
See incorrect data? Report an issue