Acura RDX Engine Problems
Owners have filed 219 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Acura RDX across 17 model years. The 2019 model year has the most (90). The words owners use most often: “limp mode” (22% of reports).
- 219engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 73%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Limp mode: mentioned in 49 of 219 complaints (22%)
- Started flashing: mentioned in 15 of 219 complaints (7%)
- Power engine: mentioned in 13 of 219 complaints (6%)
- Suddenly lost: mentioned in 12 of 219 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 103 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 219 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 5 a fire.
Acura RDX engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 RDX | 1 | 3% | 380 |
| 2024 RDX | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2023 RDX | 4 | 17% | — |
| 2022 RDX | 1 | 3% | 900 |
| 2021 RDX | 23 | 20% | — |
| 2020 RDX | 55 | 16% | 5,450 |
| 2019 RDX | 90 | 20% | 8,000 |
| 2018 RDX | 11 | 14% | 21,600 |
| 2017 RDX | 11 | 14% | 21,000 |
| 2016 RDX | 7 | 17% | 40,000 |
| 2015 RDX | 3 | 1% | 120,000 |
| 2014 RDX | 2 | 1% | 61,000 |
| 2013 RDX | 2 | 1% | 100 |
| 2012 RDX | 1 | 7% | 6,500 |
| 2010 RDX | 2 | 9% | 73,500 |
| 2008 RDX | 1 | 3% | 80,000 |
| 2007 RDX | 4 | 8% | 147,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists engine for the Acura RDX. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Car goes into limp mode all the time and fuel cuts on and off
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the head gasket had failed and that the engine and head gasket needed to be replaced. The…
2021 Acura RDX has cold start, uses coolant and will stumble, limp mode approaching 2000 RPM. Vehicle will flash check engine light and then will go away when vehicle is restarted. Using search criteria noted TSB issued for same make model and year with an extended warranty being offered through…
The vehicle had 84400 miles at the time a blown head gasket was diagnosed by a Honda factory dealer. Was told not to drive vehicle further as sudden and catastrophic engine failure could occur. Unexpected and sudden engine failure at moderate to highway speeds, can create serious safety issues for…
Engine was replaced 12/13/25 due to cracked cylinder head causing oil to leak into exhaust and fill cylinder 2 and 3. 09/21/26 new engine replacement done in December 25, has now blown cylinder head gasket seal in under 12,000 Miles. Causing coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Acura RDXs have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 219 owner complaints about engine for the Acura RDX. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Acura RDX engine?
No recall currently lists engine for this vehicle.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Acura RDX?
The most frequent phrase is “limp mode”, in 49 of 219 complaints, followed by “started flashing” (15).
Other Acura RDX problems
- Exterior Lighting problems (612)
- Visibility/wiper problems (249)
- Air Bags problems (232)
- Electrical System problems (163)
- Power Train problems (145)
- Service Brakes problems (108)
See all Acura RDX problems.