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Engine & cooling
Acura RDX Engine problems by year
230 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Acura RDX's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
Engine complaints by model year
Latest RDX engine complaints
My 2021 Acura RDX A-Spec AWD had approximately 89,000 miles when this incident occurred on [October 23rd] on I-10 in Tempe Arizona]. My wife was driving when the vehicle displayed emissions and brake-system warnings, lost power and slowed unexpectedly. She was unable to restart it at that time. The unexpected loss of power in freeway traffic created a safety concern. I was subsequently able to drive the vehicle to the dealership. Acura of Tempe inspected the vehicle. Its written diagnosis reported an "ENGINE TEMP...
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HIGH" warning, misfires after the vehicle had been sitting, an empty coolant reservoir and low radiator coolant. The dealer diagnosed a head gasket leaking coolant into a cylinder and recommended head gasket replacement, with further inspection for cylinder-head damage. The dealer provided an approximately $4,000 repair estimate, with potential additional costs depending on the cylinder-head findings. I am reporting the unexpected loss of power and the diagnosed coolant intrusion as a potential safety defect. I can provide the dealership's written diagnosis and estimate. Approximate speed at the time: 65 MPH. Crash, injuries or fire: [None. Current repair status: [not repaired ].
The engine cooling system failed due to a coolant loss issue caused by an internal engine problem. The vehicle experienced repeated coolant loss, overheating, and was later diagnosed with a head gasket failure. The failed components were repaired/replaced by an Acura dealer and may be available for inspection upon request through repair records and replaced parts if retained. The failure created a safety risk because the vehicle overheated while driving and while idling in traffic. Loss of coolant and engine...
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overheating could result in sudden loss of vehicle power, engine damage, or a breakdown in unsafe locations such as roadways. The issue was especially concerning because the symptoms occurred without an immediate warning that allowed enough time to safely prevent the failure. Yes. The coolant loss and overheating concern was confirmed by service providers. An Acura dealer mechanic performed testing that indicated combustion gases were present in the cooling system. The vehicle was later inspected and repaired by an Acura dealer, who replaced the head gaskets and related components. The vehicle was inspected by Acura dealership personnel during diagnosis and repair. Acura was contacted regarding the failure and a request for goodwill assistance was submitted. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives regarding this issue. Yes. Prior to the final failure, the vehicle showed symptoms of coolant loss and overheating. I had to add coolant m
Car goes into limp mode all the time and fuel cuts on and off
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 TSB, 10 year 150,000 miles. Vehicle has 103,000 miles. Dealer is stating no TSB for this VIN, however the number one issue noted through internet searches and this database.
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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
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 passengers, nearby vehicles, and pedestrians. The vehicle has been serviced as scheduled at the local Honda factory dealer since new with supporting receipts. No engines repairs had been made to the vehicle since new. ...
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The issue was identified when the car was in for routine scheduled maintenance and I asked the dealer to check for the cause of momentary rough idle at engine startup. No diagnostic codes were set or found. This relatively new low milage vehicle has never overheated or been exposed to driving conditions that one would expect to be related to a blown head gasket. During repair, no issues were found with either the head or block. The master technician indicated it appeared the head gasket was faulty and failed.
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.
Head Gasket blown known problem with Honda and Acura 2.0T I didn't know of this issue until it occurred to Loi Me in 2025 My Acura dealership told me it's a huge problem with the Acura RDXand it should be a warranty extension similar to the warranty extension for other Honda products done in August 27, 2026 I was lucky and my head gasket didn't blow while I was driving I'm also concerned that it's gonna happen again I'm not sure if the problem was resolved with the new head gasket or it's a stomach problem with the motor that has not been addressed yet
The vehicle's keyless access/security and body control system malfunctioned. An authorized Acura dealer previously diagnosed water intrusion from blocked panoramic sunroof drains, including water reaching the Body Control Module (BCM) Multiplex Control Unit. The dealer reported that this was causing false security alarm activation and battery drainage and recommended BCM replacement. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request.The condition has since escalated. The security alarm...
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repeatedly activated without cause and became difficult or impossible to silence. The dashboard displayed, "Keyless Access System Problem\. See Your Dealer." During the latest episode, the engine spontaneously started without an authorized remote start command, and attempts to stop the engine were unsuccessful. The 12-volt battery was therefore disconnected to disable the vehicle and will remain disconnected until the vehicle is taken to the Acura dealership for diagnosis. This created a safety risk because the vehicle demonstrated unintended engine operation and loss of normal control over engine shutdown, creating potential risks of unintended operation, exhaust carbon monoxide exposure if this occurred in an enclosed area, and battery depletion. The dealer has confirmed the water intrusion and BCM security system malfunction. However, the unauthorized engine start and failure to shut down event occurred after that diagnosis and has not yet been evaluated by the dealer. Before the unauthorized start, symptoms included repeated false alarms, battery drainage, documented water intrusion, and the Keyless Access System warning. The warning was photographed at approximately 81,416 miles during the same period of escalating electrical security problems.
My RDX experienced a water-intrusion failure involving the panoramic sunroof drainage system and associated electrical components. An authorized Acura dealer diagnosed the right-front sunroof drain as backed up/overflowing, allowing water to reach the Body Control Module (BCM/Multiplex Control Unit). The dealer attributed abnormal security-alarm activation and battery drain to the water-damaged BCM and indicated that the BCM required replacement. The dealer also identified a blocked right-rear sunroof drain that...
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allowed water to reach the tuner, causing radio/stereo malfunction and requiring tuner replacement. The water intrusion reached critical electrical components and caused unpredictable electrical behavior, including unexplained security-alarm activations, exterior lights remaining illuminated, complete battery discharge, loss of keyless access, and ultimately a no-start condition that rendered the vehicle inoperable. After the battery was depleted, I had to use the manual key to enter the vehicle. This created a risk of being stranded and raised concerns about the reliability of the vehicle's electrical systems. There were no known dashboard warning lamps or conventional warning messages before the failure. AcuraLink recorded unexplained security-alarm activations on August 16, 2026, at 10:27 PM EDT and again on August 19, 2026, at 10:51 AM EDT. During the overnight incident, the alarm activated and the exterior lights remained on until the recently replaced battery was completely discharged. The car also experienced radio/stereo problems traced by the dealer to water reaching the tuner, and water was present in the passenger-footwell area. My car was inspected and the problem confirmed by an authorized Acura dealership. The car is available for inspection and available upon request.
The light comes on due to an emission system warning, shaking, and a lack of power; the engine is severely misfiring. This is the second time I have complained about this to the NHTSA
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine started shuddering and vibrating, and the vehicle stalled. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the head gasket had failed. The contact was later informed that the bolts on the turbocharger also failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Premature valve cover gasket oil leak and rear shock absorber oil leak at 43,818 miles At 43,818 miles on 04/25/2026, Acura dealer documented on RO [redacted]: "Valve cover gasket leaking - Recommend replacement $500+Tax" and "Rear Shock/Strut starting to leak oil residue $435.64". This is premature failure. Valve cover oil leak can cause engine fire hazard - oil leaking onto hot exhaust. Rear shock oil leak causes loss of stability and increased stopping distance. Dealer quoted over $3,500. Repaired at...
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independent shop with OEM parts for $1,670. Honda Case #[redacted] denied goodwill citing out of warranty. VIN: [[redacted]], 44k miles, well maintained. Request investigation for 2019 RDX premature oil leaks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle lost all coolant and could be smelled. Vehicle was towed to dealership before it could overheat. Diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head at 88,000 miles. Vehicle has never been modified, tracked, nor has it ever overheated. All service has been performed on time and at Acura dealership since I purchased the vehicle brand new. Vehicle is still at dealership. I've researched and found many other owners experiencing the same problem with the crack occurring in the exact same spot on the cylinder head.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data