The Lemon Index2020 Acura RDX.
The 2020 Acura RDX is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 143 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 287, 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.
Lemon alert. 2.9× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2018
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 348 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura RDX year. 2020 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 1K to 25K miles on the car (84 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 2K–8K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 0K–4K 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.
- airbags 2024
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Show all 5 recalls
- 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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
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 234 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Service Bulletin - The front and/or rear brakes make a high-pitched squeal when lightly…
- Dealer Message - 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 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Acura RDX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3300–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I was driving on the highway and the car slamed on its brakes by itself to a complete stop nothing was in front of me and almost got hit from behind. I called dealership said was a known issue with no fix at this time.
2020 Acura RDX owner · NHTSA complaint 11338347
More owner reports
Vehicle has a high pitch squeal from both the front brakes at low speed.
NHTSA complaint 11317340
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Acura RDX reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.9× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 287; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura RDX year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2020 Acura RDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (29%), brakes (15%) and transmission & drivetrain (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 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 2020 Acura RDX get?
23 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 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 2020 Acura RDX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,600 and 25,000 miles. The middle report was at 6,400 miles, from 84 complaints.
Does the 2020 Acura RDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Acura RDX cost in fuel a year?
About $3300 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Acura RDX have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Acura RDX year is better than the 2020?
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