Last updated: 2026-04-20

Acura RDX

1 Acura RDX Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Acura RDX average of 76/100

The Acura RDX years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 66/100. The best Acura RDX year to buy is 2024 82/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Acura RDX scores significantly below the model average of 76/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 66/100 due to unknown or other (116) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 79/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Acura RDX Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Acura RDX average of 76/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201966/100Good4417Unknown Or Other (116)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Acura RDX

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).

4 recalls417 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Unknown Or Other (116), Visibility Wiper (74), Engine (45), Power Train (34), Electrical System (30), Structure (22)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Acura RDX Problems?

Top reported issues across all Acura RDX model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

233 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER

148 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

ENGINE

84 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

75 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

62 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STRUCTURE

60 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Acura RDX Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Acura RDX

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).

Score: 79/100 (Good)1 recalls71 complaints
View full 2018reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Acura RDX year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Acura RDX Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Acura RDX Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Acura RDX years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Acura RDX years: 2019 (score: 66/100). These model years score significantly below the Acura RDX average of 76/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 10 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Acura RDX have?
Across all years in our database, the Acura RDX has a total of 14 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Acura RDX worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 76/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Acura RDX problems?
The most common Acura RDX problems are unknown or other (233 complaints), visibility/wiper (148 complaints), engine (84 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Acura RDX reliable long-term?
The Acura RDX has an average reliability score of 76/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Acura RDX generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Acura RDX generation is the Second generation (TB3/4) with an average score of 79/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Acura RDX?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Acura RDX is $497 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2024 Acura RDX a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Acura RDX is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 10 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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