Last updated: 2026-10-10

Acura RDX

Acura RDX Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 78/100

Skip the 2019 and 2020 Acura RDX. Both years draw heavy owner complaints about rear window glass that breaks on its own and engines that cut power while merging or passing. The 2024 model is the year to buy, with far fewer complaints on file.

Verdict

Avoid
2019 66/1002020 67/100
Buy
2024 82/100
Model average
78/100
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 78/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201966/100Good4417Unknown Or Other (116)
2202067/100Good4327Unknown Or Other (89)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Acura RDX

Rear window glass that breaks on its own is the top complaint, often on parked cars or cold mornings with the defroster running. Owners also report power cutting out under hard acceleration, a flashing check engine light, and limp mode at 20 to 30 mph. Restarting usually clears it, but dealers often find no codes.

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 →
67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Acura RDX

Rear glass shatters on its own, sometimes seconds after the defroster or remote start comes on. Owners say dealers acknowledge a bulletin but refuse to cover the repair. The engine also drops into limp mode under hard acceleration, with reports as early as 1,840 miles. One owner's intercooler replacement did not stop it.

4 recalls327 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Unknown Or Other (89), Visibility Wiper (63), Engine (29), Structure (24), Power Train (21), Electrical System (18)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Acura RDX Problems?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

233 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

2019: Rear liftgate glass shatters with no impact, often with a loud bang like a gunshot.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

148 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

2019: Rear window glass breaks on its own, sometimes cracking first and then dropping chunks into the cargo area when a door shuts.

ENGINE

84 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

2019: Power cuts out under hard acceleration, usually while passing or merging at highway speed.

POWER TRAIN

75 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2018

2019: Sudden power loss on the highway is the main pattern, with a flashing check engine light and a restart that brings the car back to normal.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

62 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2018

2019: The infotainment screen goes dark, taking the backup camera with it, or stays on after shutdown and drains the battery.

STRUCTURE

60 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2021

2020: Rear liftgate glass shatters while the car is parked or as a door is closed, and one owner was cut while cleaning up the glass.

Best Acura RDX Year to Buy Instead

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Acura RDX

The 2024 has been on the road long enough to trust its record, and it has only 10 owner complaints against 417 for the 2019 and 327 for the 2020. Its main complaint is a vibrating driver side mirror, not shattering glass or power loss. It has one recall and one fire report, so check the VIN.

Score: 82/100 (Excellent)1 recalls10 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Acura RDX has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Acura RDX Years by Generation

Acura RDX Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Acura RDX years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2019 and 2020. Both sit well below the model's own average in owner complaints. The main issues are rear window glass that shatters on its own and engines that lose power under hard acceleration. Each year also has four recalls on file.
Which Acura RDX years have transmission problems?
The 2019 shows the clearest pattern in the data. Owners describe sudden highway power loss, a delay of about 3 seconds before the transmission responds, and gears sticking until restart. One owner reports metal shavings in the fluid and a $13000 repair. Power train complaints appear across other years too.
Is the 2021 Acura RDX a good year?
It is a middle option. The 2021 has far fewer complaints than the 2019 and 2020, but more than the 2023 and 2024. Its top complaints include service brakes and air bags. If your budget allows, the 2024 is the stronger buy.
Is the 2026 Acura RDX the most reliable year?
It rates highest, but that does not make it the safest choice. The 2026 has no owner complaints or recalls on file, which mostly reflects how little time it has had on the road. The 2024 has a longer record and is the better-supported pick.
Why does the rear window break on the 2019 and 2020 RDX?
The data does not name a cause. Owners report the glass breaking while parked, when a door closes, or after the rear defroster or remote start comes on, often in cold weather. Some say replacement glass was backordered, and some saw repeat failures.

How we score every Acura RDX model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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