Acura RDX Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 145 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Acura RDX across 18 model years. The 2019 model year has the most (37). The words owners use most often: “torque converter” (9% of reports).
- 145power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 43%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.
- Torque converter: mentioned in 13 of 145 complaints (9%)
- Transfer case: mentioned in 10 of 145 complaints (7%)
- Limp mode: mentioned in 8 of 145 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 61 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 145 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 3 an injury.
Acura RDX power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 RDX | 1 | 100% | — |
| 2025 RDX | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2023 RDX | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2021 RDX | 13 | 11% | 128,000 |
| 2020 RDX | 22 | 6% | 4,607 |
| 2019 RDX | 37 | 8% | 7,100 |
| 2018 RDX | 12 | 16% | 3,761 |
| 2017 RDX | 24 | 30% | 49,869 |
| 2016 RDX | 9 | 22% | 42,544 |
| 2015 RDX | 4 | 1% | 30,839 |
| 2014 RDX | 2 | 1% | 33,750 |
| 2013 RDX | 7 | 4% | 25,950 |
| 2012 RDX | 2 | 13% | — |
| 2011 RDX | 2 | 13% | 87,749 |
| 2010 RDX | 2 | 9% | 112,500 |
| 2009 RDX | 1 | 7% | 50 |
| 2008 RDX | 2 | 6% | 1 |
| 2007 RDX | 2 | 4% | 40,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2021
Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, or cause the vehicle to roll away when parked if the parking brake is not applied. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BBY, NBW, and OBX.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2013
Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
DTC Code is registering Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance stuck or off (P0741) This can lead to ruining my transmission. It was an extended warranty to 150,000 miles or 10 years for known issue. Service Bulletin 23-029. Honda corporate refuses to pay or let a more local Honda dealership…
DTC23-029 and SB P0741 âtorque converter and transmission system problemâ illuminated on dash. My vehicle is eligible based on 10 year or 150k miles per warranty extension however the dealership where I purchased the vehicle, A bra. Ananda, and A bra America are denying coverage for the needed…
Transfer case is leaking. Then the engine overheated. Confirmed and inspected by the dealer. No warnings prior to the incident.
Transmision warning light comes on along with side warning indicator , stays on till vehicle is turned off . Then may or maynot come back on . Very intermitent.
Prior to the 5,000 mile oil change, I experienced at least five transmission shifting issues and reported the problem to Bergstrom Service Department. They test drove it and found no issues at that time and could not repeat the shifting issues while I was there. From what I have observed, the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Acura RDXs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 145 owner complaints about power train 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 power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Acura RDX?
The most frequent phrase is “torque converter”, in 13 of 145 complaints, followed by “transfer case” (10).
Other Acura RDX problems
- Exterior Lighting problems (612)
- Visibility/wiper problems (249)
- Air Bags problems (232)
- Engine problems (219)
- Electrical System problems (163)
- Service Brakes problems (108)
See all Acura RDX problems.