Is the Acura RDX more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?

Based on our data, the Acura RDX is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 55/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Acura RDX or the Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) 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 Tesla Model Y?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Acura RDX has a lower complaint rate at 13 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 24.3 for the Tesla Model Y. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Acura RDX or Tesla Model Y safer?

Both the Acura RDX and Tesla Model Y received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

Acura RDX vs Tesla Model Y: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Acura RDX

Good

Tesla Model Y

Mixed

Choosing between the Acura RDX and the Tesla Model Y? 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 Acura RDX currently leads with an average score of 78/100 compared to 55/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Acura RDX and Tesla Model Y Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Tesla Model Y is in its second generation, which began in 2025. This model is still early in its generation cycle, suggesting potential for first-year reliability issues as Tesla works out initial kinks. The first generation of the Model Y ran from 2020 to 2025 and received a significant refresh in 2025, likely addressing earlier concerns. In contrast, the Acura RDX is in its third generation, which started in 2019 and ended in 2023. This model underwent a facelift in 2022, typically indicating a mature platform with improved dependability. Late in its cycle, the third-generation RDX likely benefited from refinements, making it a potentially more reliable choice compared to the newly introduced Model Y.

Verdict

The Acura RDX is more reliable than the Tesla Model Y, scoring 78/100 vs 55/100.

The Acura RDX demonstrates stronger reliability with an average score of 76/100 compared to the Tesla Model Y's 55/100. The RDX also has fewer recalls, totaling 14 over eight years, versus the Model Y's 83 across seven years. Additionally, the RDX experiences fewer owner complaints, with 13 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Model Y's 24.3. While the Model Y lacks specific repair cost data, independent estimates suggest the RDX's annual repair costs are a manageable $497, making it the more reliable and cost-effective choice.

Key Differences

1Acura RDX has 69 fewer total recalls
2Acura RDX scores 23 points higher in reliability
3Acura RDX has 11.3 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Acura RDX

—

0Tesla Model Y

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Acura RDX vs Tesla Model Y: Which Is More Reliable?

Acura RDX vs Tesla Model Y at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Acura RDX	Tesla Model Y
Reliability Score	78/100	55/100
Years Tracked	8	6
Total Recalls	14	83
Complaints per 10k Sold	13	24.3
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	5	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Acura RDX and Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y exhibits a higher volume of complaints related to forward collision avoidance, vehicle speed control, and electrical systems, with significant crash-linked concerns particularly in steering and airbags, where 60 and 42 crash-linked complaints respectively were reported. In contrast, the Acura RDX's problem profile is dominated by issues categorized as unknown or other, with visibility/wiper and engine-related complaints also notable, though it has significantly fewer crash-linked incidents. While the Model Y encounters substantial safety-related issues, particularly with its collision avoidance and steering systems, the RDX's complaints are less severe in nature with minimal crash involvement. Overall, the Model Y's reliability concerns are more concentrated in safety-critical systems compared to the more varied but less severe complaints of the RDX.

Acura RDX vs Tesla Model Y common problem areas comparison
Component	Acura RDX	Tesla Model Y
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	6.3Average
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3.1Average	2.3Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.4Very Low	3.1Average
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.8Very Low	2.4Low
STEERING	0.4Very Low	2.4Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.6Very Low	1.9Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	2Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	1Very Low	0.4Very Low
ENGINE	1.1Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.8Very Low	0.2Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.9Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.6Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	0.4Very Low	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.3Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY	0.2Very Low	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.2Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.1Very Low
SEATS	—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 Tesla Model Y?

The Acura RDX incurs an annual repair cost of $497, with an average of 0.4 visits per year to the repair shop and a 6% risk of major repairs. In contrast, industry estimates for the Tesla Model Y's repair costs are not explicitly available, but electric vehicles like the Model Y typically have lower maintenance needs due to fewer moving parts. While the Acura RDX presents predictable yearly expenses, its higher repair frequency and risk of major repairs may lead to unexpected costs. For cost-conscious buyers, the Tesla Model Y may offer a better value over time, especially considering potential savings from lower maintenance and repair needs. Over five years, the Acura's repair expenses could total approximately $2,485, excluding major repairs, suggesting that the Tesla Model Y might be a more economical choice in the long run.

How Does Acura RDX vs Tesla Model Y Reliability Compare by Year?

Acura RDX vs Tesla Model Y year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Acura RDX	Tesla Model Y	Edge
2025	81/1001R / 27C	70/1002R / 69C	Acura RDX
2024	82/1001R / 10C	63/1005R / 254C	Acura RDX
2023	82/1001R / 16C	53/10015R / 997C	Acura RDX
2021	77/1002R / 99C	46/10021R / 991C	Acura RDX
2020	67/1004R / 327C	46/10022R / 264C	Acura RDX

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Acura RDX scored 82/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Acura RDX vs the Tesla Model Y?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Acura RDX is the better choice. With a reliability score of 76/100 and only 14 total recalls, it offers a dependable driving experience. The estimated annual repair cost is $497, and the repair frequency is low at 0.4 times per year, making it suitable for those who want peace of mind and predictable expenses. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a technologically advanced vehicle despite potential reliability concerns, the Tesla Model Y might appeal to you. However, with a reliability score of 55/100 and 83 recalls, it's crucial to be prepared for possible issues, especially with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control systems. This option may suit you if you're enthusiastic about electric vehicles and willing to manage the associated risks.

Acura RDX vs Tesla Model Y: Common Questions

Is the Acura RDX more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?: Based on our data, the Acura RDX is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 55/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Acura RDX or the Tesla Model Y?: The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) 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 Tesla Model Y?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Acura RDX has a lower complaint rate at 13 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 24.3 for the Tesla Model Y. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Acura RDX or Tesla Model Y safer?: Both the Acura RDX and Tesla Model Y received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Acura RDX comparisons

Acura RDX vs Audi Q3 reliability Acura RDX vs BMW X1 reliability Acura RDX vs Mercedes-Benz GLC reliability Acura RDX vs Lexus NX reliability Acura RDX reliability by year Acura RDX years to avoid

More Tesla Model Y comparisons

Tesla Model Y vs KIA EV6 reliability Tesla Model Y vs Ford Mustang Mach-E reliability Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 reliability Tesla Model Y vs BMW X3 reliability Tesla Model Y reliability by year Tesla Model Y years to avoid

Decided between Acura RDX and Tesla Model Y? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue