The Lemon Index2021 Acura RDX.
The 2021 Acura RDX is worse than average by owner complaints: 64 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 116, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 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 116 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Acura RDX year. 2021 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 60K miles on the car (12 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 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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2021
A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.
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 194 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 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 FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Acura RDX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3300–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I bought this car from a Honda dealership 1 month ago and my brakes are squeaking very loud when reversing my car. It happens every morning and is very frustrating. I would like this fixed for it being such an expensive car.
2021 Acura RDX owner · NHTSA complaint 11630484
More owner reports
Since buying this car Iâve had a few occasions where the car has not slowed down and feels like the transmission is pushing the car more than it should under hard breaking.
NHTSA complaint 11532587
during acceleration on highway to pass a vehicle the Acura RDX lost power and decelerated. Check engine light came on....engine lost power to accelerate/maintain highway speed almost causing an accident.
NHTSA complaint 11459776
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Acura RDX reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 116; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Acura RDX year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2021 Acura RDX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (22%), brakes (12%) and transmission & drivetrain (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 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 2021 Acura RDX get?
23 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Acura RDX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Acura RDX cost in fuel a year?
About $3300 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Acura RDX have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Acura RDX year is better than the 2021?
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