Acura RLX Problems by Year
NHTSA has 113 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Acura RLX, across 7 model years (2014–2020). The 2014 model year has the most complaints (84). The most reported problem area overall is steering.
Acura RLX years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RLX year: 2014. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2014 RLX: 84 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2015 RLX: 11 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2018 RLX: 6 complaints, 1 recall
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Acura RLX problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 59 | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 23 | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 14 | 4 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 13 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Acura RLX model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 RLX | 3 | 1 | 5★ | Steering | |
| 2019 RLX | 0 | 3 | 5★ | — | |
| 2018 RLX | 6 | 1 | 5★ | Electrical System | |
| 2017 RLX | 3 | 0 | 5★ | Suspension | |
| 2016 RLX | 6 | 0 | 5★ | Structure | |
| 2015 RLX | 11 | 3 | 5★ | Steering | More complaints than other years |
| 2014 RLX | 84 | 5 | — | Steering | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Acura: all Acura models · Acura VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura RLX years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2014 (84) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical RLX year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Acura RLX?
Steering, with 59 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the Acura RLX have?
7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.