Acura RDX problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 6, 2026

Most documented Acura RDX problems are recall campaigns. 2007–2016 models are in the Takata driver air bag recall (16V061), while the 2019-on third generation has fuel pump, seat belt buckle and seat weight sensor recalls, plus a 2025 power steering software fix (25V582). Check the VIN for open repairs before buying any RDX.

CarWhere lists 7 documented RDX issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

RDX generations at a glance

Acura RDX generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
3rd gen	2019–2026	Electric power steering can lose assist (recall 25V582) · Passenger seat weight sensor can crack and misfire air bags (recall 26V332) · Front seat belt buckle may not latch (recall 23V158) · Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recalls 20V314, 21V215, 23V858) · Steering gearbox not tightened, can corrode and bind (recall 24V114)
2nd gen	2013–2018	Shifter can leave Park without the brake in freezing weather (recall 13V143)
1st gen	2007–2012	Takata driver air bag inflator can rupture (recall 16V061)

3rd gen RDX problems (2019–2026)

Electric power steering can lose assist (recall 25V582) (2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: 3rd gen (2019–2026)
Years:: 2025
Powertrain:: All

The electric power steering software on 17,330 2025 RDX models may not be calibrated properly. The system can drop into a failsafe mode and lose power assist, making the steering heavy. Dealers reprogram the EPS software for free; owner letters were mailed October 20, 2025.

Symptoms

Steering suddenly feels heavy
Power steering warning light

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 25V582 (2025-09) · 17,330 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Passenger seat weight sensor can crack and misfire air bags (recall 26V332) (2019–2024)

Safety recall

Generation:: 3rd gen (2019–2026)
Years:: 2019–2024
Powertrain:: All

Recall 26V332 (May 2026) replaces the front-passenger seat weight sensor on 2019–2024 RDX models and many other Honda and Acura vehicles. A cracked sensor can short-circuit and make the air bags deploy unintentionally in a crash. It expands recall 24V064; the 98,892 total is for the entire campaign.

Symptoms

Passenger air bag status light behaving oddly
Often no warning before a crash

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 26V332 (2026-05) · 98,892 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2][3]

Front seat belt buckle may not latch (recall 23V158) (2019–2020)

Safety recall

Generation:: 3rd gen (2019–2026)
Years:: 2019–2020
Powertrain:: All

A manufacturing issue can let the seat belt buckle channel interfere with the release button, so the front belts may not latch. The recall covers 2019–2020 RDX models plus CR-V, Accord, Odyssey and Insight years (448,613 vehicles in all). Dealers replace the release buttons or buckles as needed.

Symptoms

Belt tongue will not click into the buckle
Belt releases unexpectedly

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 23V158 (2023-03) · 448,613 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recalls 20V314, 21V215, 23V858) (2019–2020; other years by VIN)

Safety recall

Generation:: 3rd gen (2019–2026)
Years:: 2019–2020; other years by VIN
Powertrain:: 2.0L turbo

The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine. Recall 20V314 covered 2019 RDX models (135,995 vehicles across all models), 21V215 expanded it to 2019–2020 RDX, and 23V858 later added more 2013–2023 Honda and Acura models, including some RDX units. Dealers replace the fuel pump assembly for free.

Symptoms

Engine will not start
Stalling while driving

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 20V314 (2020-05) · 135,995 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][6][7]

Steering gearbox not tightened, can corrode and bind (recall 24V114) (2024)

Safety recall

Generation:: 3rd gen (2019–2026)
Years:: 2024
Powertrain:: All

On a small batch of 2024 RDX and 2023–2024 Odyssey models (186 vehicles), the steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, letting water in. Corrosion can make the gears bind. Dealers replace the electric power steering rack free of charge.

Symptoms

Steering feels notchy or stiff
Power steering warning light

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 24V114 (2024-02) · 186 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8]

2nd gen RDX problems (2013–2018)

Shifter can leave Park without the brake in freezing weather (recall 13V143) (2013)

Safety recall

Generation:: 2nd gen (2013–2018)
Years:: 2013
Powertrain:: All

In sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock on 2013 RDX models (and 2012–2013 CR-V and Odyssey models) can become slow and let the shifter move out of Park without the brake pedal pressed. That breaks federal rollaway rules (FMVSS 114). Dealers install an updated blocking mechanism. The 204,169 count covers all three models.

Symptoms

Shifter moves out of Park without pressing the brake in cold weather

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 13V143 (2013-04) · 204,169 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9]

1st gen RDX problems (2007–2012)

Takata driver air bag inflator can rupture (recall 16V061) (2007–2016)

Safety recall

Generation:: 1st gen (2007–2012) and 2nd gen
Years:: 2007–2016
Powertrain:: All

Recall 16V061 covers the dual-stage driver frontal air bag in 2007–2016 RDX models, spanning the first two generations, plus many other Honda and Acura vehicles. Moisture can get into the inflator and, over time, cause it to rupture. Dealers replace the inflator free; the recall began March 2017. Recall 19V182 replaces some 2007–2016 RDX inflators that were themselves installed as remedy or service parts. The 2,232,187 count covers all models.

Symptoms

No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
If any air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to an Acura dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 16V061 (2016-02) · 2,232,187 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10][11]

Related RDX research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an RDX was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Acura build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Acura build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most significant Acura RDX recalls?

For older RDX models it is the Takata driver air bag inflator recall 16V061 (2007–2016). For the third generation, the fuel pump recalls (20V314, 21V215, 23V858), seat belt buckle recall 23V158 and seat weight sensor recall 26V332 cover the most vehicles.

Does the 2025 RDX have a power steering recall?

Yes. Recall 25V582 covers 17,330 2025 RDX models whose electric power steering software may not be calibrated, which can cause a loss of steering assist. Dealers reprogram the software for free.

Is a new RDX coming?

Acura said in January 2026 that a fourth-generation RDX with a two-motor hybrid system is coming and that 2026 RDX production would be suspended later in the year. This page lists issues for the 2007–2026 gas models.

Are 2013–2018 RDX models in the Takata recall?

Yes, 2013–2016 RDX models are included in driver inflator recall 16V061, which runs from the 2007 to the 2016 model year. The 2013 RDX also had brake-shift interlock recall 13V143.

How do I check an RDX for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup and at recalls.acura.com. Recall repairs are free at Acura dealers regardless of mileage or owner.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

NHTSA recall 25V582000: Loss of Power Steering Assist — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 26V332000: Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 24V064000: Air Bag May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 23V158000: Seat Belt Buckle May Not Latch — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 20V314000: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 21V215000: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 23V858000: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 24V114000: Improperly Tightened Steering Gear Box Assembly — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 13V143000: Brake Shift Interlock/FMVSS 114 — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 16V061000: Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
NHTSA recall 19V182000: Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. or Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Acura and the model names are trademarks of their owners.