The Lemon Index

All cars · Acura RDX

2023 Acura RDX.

The 2023 Acura RDX is so far better than average by owner complaints: 24 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 52, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 23 to 24 mpg combined. The best Acura RDX year is 2018.

Early read

52Lemon Index · 100 = average car

Early read: better than average. 1.9× fewer complaints than average.

Best year 2018 · Worst year 2020

Acura RDX
Photo shows a 2019 Acura RDX. Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Owner complaints24first 3 years
Fuel economy23–24 mpgcombined, EPA
Crash test★★★★★NHTSA overall

How serious. Out of 24 owner complaints, owners reported:

0crashes
0injuries
0fires
0tows
Early read. The 2023 Acura RDX hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2023 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

electrical29%
engine17%
body structure12%
wipers & visibility12%
automatic emergency braking12%

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.

Transmission problems in every Acura RDX year →

Recalls 2

  • 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.

  • brakes 2023

    A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems Acura told dealers about

Acura sent dealers 53 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • Service Bulletin - Oil leak at the cam chain tensioner inspection cover due to and…
  • Driveability concerns
  • Service Bulletin - During engine start in cold conditions, a miscalculation in the PCM causes…

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Safety

Stability controlStandard
Collision warningStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
NHTSA front crash test of the 2023 Acura RDX
Front crash test · NHTSA
Crash test details
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
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

GPS has stopped working. This affects navigation safety. Also, creates clock error and compass error. It's dangerous to get lost and disoriented. This is a common problem in many Acuras. Needs to be a recall.

2023 Acura RDX owner · NHTSA complaint 11751325

Quick answers

Is the 2023 Acura RDX reliable?

It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.9× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 52; 100 is average). The best Acura RDX year by this measure is 2018.

What are the most common 2023 Acura RDX problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (29%), engine (17%) and body structure (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2023 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 2023 Acura RDX get?

23 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Is the 2023 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 2023 Acura RDX have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.

How much does the 2023 Acura RDX cost in fuel a year?

About $3300 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2023 Acura RDX have?

2.0L 4-cyl.

What Acura RDX year is better than the 2023?

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

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data