Is the Acura RDX more reliable than the Lexus NX?

Based on our data, the Lexus NX is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Acura RDX or the Lexus NX?

The Lexus NX has more recalls (47) compared to the Acura RDX (14). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Acura RDX or the Lexus NX?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus NX has a lower complaint rate at 6.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 13 for the Acura RDX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Acura RDX vs Lexus NX: Reliability Compared

Acura RDX

Good

More Reliable

Lexus NX

Good

Choosing between the Acura RDX and the Lexus NX? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus NX currently leads with an average score of 78/100 compared to 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Acura RDX and Lexus NX Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Lexus NX is in its second generation, which began in 2021. Being relatively early in its generation cycle, the newer platform might still be addressing initial teething issues, typical with recent redesigns. The first generation, which ran from 2014 to 2021, received a facelift in 2018, suggesting a mature platform that had become well-sorted over time. The Acura RDX is currently in its third generation, introduced in 2019, with a facelift occurring in 2022. This vehicle is now in the latter part of its generation cycle, indicating a more refined and stable platform due to the resolution of early issues that often accompany new designs. Buyers might find the RDX to be more reliable due to its established generation history.

Verdict

The Lexus NX is more reliable than the Acura RDX, scoring 78/100 vs 76/100.

The Lexus NX and Acura RDX both offer commendable reliability in the compact SUV segment, but the Lexus NX holds a slight edge. With an average reliability score of 78/100 compared to the RDX's 76/100, the NX also has fewer owner complaints at 6.3 per 10,000 sold versus the RDX's 13. While the RDX benefits from a lower number of recalls, its higher complaint rate and estimated annual repair cost of $497 suggest potential for more frequent issues. Overall, the Lexus NX emerges as the more reliable choice, given its stronger reliability score and lower complaint frequency.

Key Differences

1Acura RDX has 33 fewer total recalls
2Lexus NX has 6.7 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Lexus NX scores 2 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Acura RDX

—

2Lexus NX

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Acura RDX vs Lexus NX: Which Is More Reliable?

Acura RDX vs Lexus NX at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Acura RDX	Lexus NX
Reliability Score	76/100	78/100
Years Tracked	8	9
Total Recalls	14	47
Complaints per 10k Sold	13	6.3
Year Wins	3 (1 tied)	3 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Acura RDX and Lexus NX?

The Lexus NX and Acura RDX exhibit distinct problem profiles in terms of complaint categories and severity. The Lexus NX has notable issues with its electrical system, which accounts for 20 complaints, including 3 crash-linked incidents, and service brakes, with 11 complaints and 4 crash-linked. In contrast, the Acura RDX shows a higher volume of complaints overall, with significant concerns related to unknown or other issues (233 complaints) and visibility/wiper problems (148 complaints), though only one crash-linked incident is reported for each of the power train and structure categories. While both models have electrical system complaints, the Acura RDX does not show the same level of crash-linked severity in this category as the Lexus NX.

Acura RDX vs Lexus NX common problem areas comparison
Component	Acura RDX	Lexus NX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3.1Average	0.5Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	2Low	0.1Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.8Very Low	0.4Very Low
ENGINE	1.1Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	1Very Low	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	0.8Very Low	0.2Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.6Very Low	0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.3Very Low	0.4Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	0.4Very Low	0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.4Very Low	—None
STEERING	0.4Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	—None
SEATS	—None	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	—None
TIRES	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura RDX or Lexus NX?

Independent repair cost data for the Acura RDX indicate an annual repair cost of $497 with a repair frequency of 0.4 visits per year and a 6% chance of encountering a major repair. In contrast, while specific figures for the Lexus NX are not available, industry estimates often suggest Lexus models are known for their reliability and potentially lower repair frequency and major repair risk compared to competitors. For cost-conscious buyers, the Acura RDX offers a clear picture of expected maintenance costs, translating to approximately $2,485 over five years. The Lexus NX, with its reputation for reliability, might present fewer repair visits and a lower risk of major repairs, potentially making it a better long-term value despite the lack of specific cost data.

How Does Acura RDX vs Lexus NX Reliability Compare by Year?

Acura RDX vs Lexus NX year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Acura RDX	Lexus NX	Edge
2025	81/1001R / 27C	77/1007R / 13C	Acura RDX
2024	82/1001R / 10C	77/10014R / 129C	Acura RDX
2023	82/1001R / 16C	77/10010R / 27C	Acura RDX
2021	77/1002R / 99C	82/1000R / 30C	Lexus NX
2020	67/1004R / 327C	82/1000R / 26C	Lexus NX
2019	66/1004R / 417C	77/1002R / 41C	Lexus NX
2018	79/1001R / 71C	79/1001R / 36C	Tie
2026(predicted)	82/100(predicted)	77/100(predicted)	Acura RDX

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Acura RDX scored 82/100 and the 2021 Lexus NX scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Acura RDX vs the Lexus NX?

If you prioritize fewer recalls and lower repair costs, the Acura RDX could be your better choice. With only 14 recalls compared to the Lexus NX's 47, the RDX presents a more stable recall history. Additionally, its estimated annual repair cost is $497, offering clarity on potential expenses. However, consider its higher owner complaints rate of 13 per 10,000 sold and a 6% major repair risk. For those seeking slightly higher reliability and fewer owner complaints, the Lexus NX might be more appealing. With a reliability score of 78/100 and 6.3 complaints per 10,000 sold, the NX edges out the RDX in these areas. However, be mindful of its extensive recall history and unspecified repair costs and frequency, which may imply hidden maintenance challenges. Ultimately, choose the Acura RDX for predictable maintenance costs and fewer recalls, while the Lexus NX suits those valuing reliability and fewer complaints despite potential unknowns in repair aspects.

Acura RDX vs Lexus NX: Common Questions

Is the Acura RDX more reliable than the Lexus NX?: Based on our data, the Lexus NX is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Acura RDX or the Lexus NX?: The Lexus NX has more recalls (47) compared to the Acura RDX (14). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Acura RDX or the Lexus NX?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Lexus NX has a lower complaint rate at 6.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 13 for the Acura RDX. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Acura RDX comparisons

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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.

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