The Lemon Index2016 Acura RDX.
The 2016 Acura RDX is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 22 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 42, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 2 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 41 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura RDX year. 2016 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 5K to 34K miles on the car (26 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- 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.
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 157 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Service bulletin - replace the front brake discs and pads to remedy front brake noise during…
- Service news article - while driving under steady cruise (between 30 and 65 mph) or light…
- Dealer message - american honda (ahm) is investigating certain 2016-2017 ilxs, rdxs &…
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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Acura RDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3450–3600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Collision mitigation breaking system engages randomly when not necessary. Seems to be heat related as it occurs during very hot weather. A sudden stop is jarring and could be dangerous.
2016 Acura RDX owner · NHTSA complaint 11010810
More owner reports
Hands free link causes battery to drain and this issue is with lots of Honda and Acura different models and Honda knows about this problem and still choose to ignore it.class action lawsuit filed in california about this issue.
NHTSA complaint 11209152
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Acura RDX reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 42; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura RDX year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2016 Acura RDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (27%), brakes (23%) and engine (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Acura RDX have?
2 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 2016 Acura RDX get?
22 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Acura RDX safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Acura RDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,000 and 34,000 miles. The middle report was at 25,500 miles, from 26 complaints.
Does the 2016 Acura RDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Acura RDX cost in fuel a year?
About $3450 to $3600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Acura RDX have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Acura RDX year is better than the 2016?
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