The Lemon Index2013 Acura RDX.
The 2013 Acura RDX is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 48 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 43, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 22 to 23 mpg combined. The best Acura RDX year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 162 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura RDX year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 13K to 76K miles on the car (39 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- airbags 2019
The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containi.
- airbags 2016
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- transmission & drivetrain 2013
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Acura told dealers about
Acura sent dealers 122 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- An investigation into cause of noise, ticking, clicking, rattling, or tapping, in steering column
- An investigation into steering column noise (clicking, tapping, ticking or rattling), when…
- Service bulletin - there is front brake noise during light brake pedal application
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura RDX SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Acura RDX SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Keyless ignition button allows drivers to turn the engine off and left the vehicle while the shift is not in parking. In my case, the vehicle rolls and almost had an accident.
2013 Acura RDX owner · NHTSA complaint 10509706
More owner reports
I got an air bag recall notice from march 2016 that stated my air bag would be replaced by summer of 2016. Still not replaced.
NHTSA complaint 10914132
This recall has been announced since february 2016 (7 months ago), but the parts are still not available. I am not confident that my car is safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint 10904967
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Acura RDX reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura RDX year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2013 Acura RDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (62%), electrical (8%) and steering (6%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Acura RDX have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Acura RDX get?
22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2013 Acura RDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 13,000 and 76,000 miles. The middle report was at 47,500 miles, from 39 complaints.
Does the 2013 Acura RDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 6% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Acura RDX cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Acura RDX have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Acura RDX year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2016 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works