Last updated: 2026-04-20
2025 Acura RDX Reliability Report
The 2025 Acura RDX scores 81/100 ("Excellent"), but its complaint rate of 8.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the 2025 SUV segment average of 4.1, with most reports concentrated in steering (78%).
Recalls
1
Complaints
27
Complaint Rate
8.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$497
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- STEERING (21)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- WHEELS (1)
Should You Buy the 2025 Acura RDX?
The 2025 Acura RDX earns an Excellent 81/100 reliability score.
However, its complaint rate of 8.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the SUV segment average of 4.1, driven largely by steering and steering (21) reports.
If buying used, confirm recall repairs are complete and inspect steering and steering (21) carefully on the test drive.
Compared to the 2026 Acura RDX. See also the 2024 Acura RDX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +$362 cheaper to maintain than avg luxury compact SUVs
- +Low major repair risk (6%)
- +Low recall count
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −STEERING complaints dominate (78%)
Compare 2025 Acura RDX With
2025 Volvo XC60
Reliability: 76/100
2025 BMW X1
Reliability: 73/100
2025 Lexus NX
Reliability: 77/100
2025 Audi Q3
Reliability: 75/100
2025 Porsche Macan
Reliability: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STEERING (21)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2025 Acura RDX carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Acura RDX Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2025 Acura RDX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STEERING
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2025 Acura RDX vehicles. The software for the electric power steering (EPS) assist may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the EPS system to enter a failsafe mode, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
Consequence
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the EPS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is GMS. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 11, 2025.
Buying a used 2025 Acura RDX? Check its history first
Every 2025 Acura RDX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 Acura RDX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.5%
Safety Technologies
Acura RDXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$497
vs $859 avg for luxury compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
6%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
23 MPG
Running cost: $3,500/yr
Fuel + repair
21 city / 26–27 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,000 |
| RDX AWD A-SPEC 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 21 | 26 | 23 | $3,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Acura RDX.
Test power steering for sudden loss of assist
Inspect for multiple warning lights on the dashboard
Check brake system for unusual noises or autonomous braking
Verify Lane Keeping Assist and collision mitigation systems function properly
Ensure steering wheel does not lock during operation
Confirm vehicle recalls have been addressed
2025 Acura RDX Common Problems by Component
27 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent steering failures in the 2025 Acura RDX, often occurring while driving at speeds between 30 to 55 mph. Typical symptoms include loss of power steering, difficulty steering, and the vehicle veering unexpectedly, often accompanied by multiple system warning lights such as for the brake system, Lane Keeping Assist, and collision mitigation. Complaints often describe these issues occurring with vehicles having low mileage, around 2,000 to 5,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one incident involving a crash and others narrowly avoiding collisions due to sudden steering lock-ups. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering issues and the associated safety risks reported by multiple owners.
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the brakes on the 2025 Acura RDX, including a humming noise and loud sounds when reversing. Another complaint describes an incident where the vehicle autonomously braked while driving around a curve, causing a temporary loss of power steering and triggering multiple alarms, including warnings for Lane Keep Assist and the braking system. This issue occurred shortly after vehicle acquisition, though specific mileage is not mentioned. Safety implications are noted, as one owner describes struggling to control the vehicle in traffic. These reports suggest potential brake system irregularities that may affect vehicle control and safety.
WHEELS
1 complaintTwo issues with this brand new Acura RDX 2025: 1) Herky/Jerking brakes. Experienced this issue weeks after purchasing. Lots of vibration when applying brakes....happens often. Took car back to Acura dealership and they said brakes working as designed. 2) Very soft /no tension in brake pedal. This issue arose within last few months. Press on brake pedal and often it goes to floor panel. Very concerning.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintWhile driving on the highway, without warning the tire tread separated from the rim causing danger to myself. Luckily I was able to pull to the side of the highway to await assistance. State police was called and the car was eventually towed to the dealership. The entire tire literally separated from the rim. Tire size: 235 /60 R 18.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2025 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after the third attempt, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that several days later, the message “Idle Stop - Temporarily Interrupted - System Warming up or Charging” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur,e and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 380.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintThe windshield is distorted and when looking through it is like looking through a convex piece of glass. I went onto the Acura forum and there are numerous complaints. My daughter won't drive the car because its dangerous she said. Its like looking through a fish bowl. all forum complaints were similar to mine. driving for any amount of time is difficult.
When Do 2025 Acura RDX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
2024
2023
2025
(Current Model)
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Acura RDX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Acura RDX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Acura RDX?
How many recalls does the 2025 Acura RDX have?
Is the 2025 Acura RDX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 Acura RDX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
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