I actually like the 2021 Acura RDX. A good friend of mine has one, and I will never not turn down a ride in it. It’s comfy!
The good news is that he’s had no problems with it. At all.
That said, these things aren’t perfect. As a matter fact, as I write this, I’m trying to diagnose the issue a friend of mine is having with the sunroof in her RDX (which is described below). It’s driving me – and her -crazy.
Common Problems
Even though I’m about to list a relatively long list of problems, the RDX isn’t that bad compared to other SUV’s. For example, check out my list of Honda Pilot problems. It’ll make the RDX seem perfect.
Driveshaft Failure
- What is it? The most serious issue reported with the 2021 Acura RDX is driveshaft failure. This happens because the left or right front driveshaft is made from improperly heat-treated steel.
- Why is it dangerous? If the driveshaft fails, the car can suddenly lose power or even roll forward when parked if the parking brake isn’t applied. This increases the risk of accidents.
- Recall Information: In late September 2021, Honda was informed about this problem by the supplier of the driveshafts. A recall was issued, and notification letters were sent to affected owners. Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries or crashes due to this issue. Yet.
Sunroof and Windshield Issues
- Sunroof Problems: Some owners have reported issues with their sunroofs (as I described above). Problems include the sunroof exploding or cracking.
- Popping Sounds: Many drivers have also experienced loud popping noises, especially when driving over uneven surfaces.
- Cold Weather Issues: These noises and problems seem to be worse during cold weather, which can make the glass more brittle.
- Windshield Problems: The windshields on some RDX models are prone to shattering or cracking. This is obviously more dangerous than the sunroof issues.
Engine Problems
- Engine Malfunctions: owners sometime report sudden power loss while driving.
- How to Fix It: Turning the engine off and then back on resolved the issue. This is only a temporary fix though, so I highly recommend having a mechanic check things out.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Issues
- Braking Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the forward collision-avoidance system. For example:
- A customer once told me that his brakes activated while driving on the freeway, even though there was no danger.
- Another customer experienced a sudden stop while cruising at 55 mph. Luckily he was on a road that wasn’t so busy.
Touchpad Controller
The 2021 Acura RDX features a 10.2-inch infotainment screen controlled by a touchpad. Many users find it complicated and hard to operate. Personally? I’m not much of a fan of it either – as it seems slow and laggy to me.
Reliability of the 2021 Acura RDX
Despite its issues, the 2021 Acura RDX is generally considered reliable. Not only has it received high ratings in various reliability assessments, my friend has had zero issues with his.
- Reliability Score: RepairPal ranked the RDX first among 11 luxury SUVs, with a score of 4.5 out of 5.
- Safety Ratings: The IIHS awarded the RDX a Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a five-star rating in crash tests.
Longevity
- Expected Lifespan: With proper care, the 2021 Acura RDX can last between 15 to 20 years, reaching up to 300,000 miles. Remember – Acura is actually Honda, which makes some of the most longest lasting cars in the world.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial. Following Acura’s service intervals and addressing minor issues promptly can help prolong the vehicle’s life.
I’d also not recommend towing anything over 1500 pounds with the RDX. Even though it’s capable of light towing, it causes a lot of stress on the entire driveline.
Recalls
The 2021 Acura RDX has had only one significant recall, which is related to the driveshaft failure.
- How to Check: You can visit the NHTSA website and enter your vehicle’s VIN to see if it has been recalled.
- Recall Action: Honda has asked all registered owners to bring their vehicles in for repairs, which will be done at no cost.
