The Lemon Index2019 Acura RDX.
The 2019 Acura RDX is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 176 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 274, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 23 to 24 mpg combined. The best Acura RDX year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 440 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura RDX year. 2019 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 3K to 30K miles on the car (129 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 3K–17K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 3K–25K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2026
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- seat belts 2023
A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, preventing the seat belt buckle from latching.
Show all 5 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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 223 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engineering request for investigation - American Honda Motor Co., Inc
- Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc
- Engineering request for information - American Honda Motor Co., Inc
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura RDX 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Acura RDX 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3300–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle would not change gears, stuck in first gear going over 50 mph on the highway.
2019 Acura RDX owner · NHTSA complaint 11243519
More owner reports
Driving at hwy speed, raining and accelerated past slow semi trucks, check engine light came on and vehicle went in to limp mode almost causing an accident
NHTSA complaint 11351343
After driving for an hour on the highway about 65 mph, the check engine light came on and I was unable to accelerate. I had to pull over on the highway, and shut my car off and turn the car back on. The car went into "limp mode"
NHTSA complaint 11172730
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Acura RDX reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 274; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura RDX year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2019 Acura RDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (38%), transmission & drivetrain (14%) and electrical (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Acura RDX have?
5 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 2019 Acura RDX get?
23 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 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 2019 Acura RDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,200 and 30,500 miles. The middle report was at 11,200 miles, from 129 complaints.
Does the 2019 Acura RDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Acura RDX cost in fuel a year?
About $3300 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Acura RDX have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Acura RDX year is better than the 2019?
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