Acura RDX Best And Worst Years (Quick Facts!)

A luxury compact SUV called the Acura RDX was initially introduced for the 2007 model year.

It is more affordable than many competitors without making too many compromises on the luxury front.

We’ll delve deeply into its finest and worst years in this piece.

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VIDEO: Acura RDX Best And Worst Years

Acura RDX Best and Worst Years

The Acura RDX performs best in the years 2023, 2022, 2021, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2010, 2009, and 2008, while the model years 2019 and 2007–2011 have the worst performance.

What Are The Acura RDX’s Best Years?

Acura RDX 2023

The 2023 RDX is the newest model on the street and the best one to date. It has a stylish design and an enjoyable driving experience.

It includes a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for two years and 24000 miles and free use of the AcuraLink communication plan (for three years).

The model year didn’t see any significant modifications, but it has been acclaimed for its affordable base price and abundance of security and entertainment options.

• Edmunds: 3.9 out of 5.
• 4.0/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• N/A JD Power

Acura RDX 2022

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A slight makeover for the 2022 RDX included changes to the grilles, more oversized air intakes on the front bumper, and a new back bumper with rectangular exhaust points.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were included as standard equipment, while the cabin’s increased sound insulation helped to reduce road noise.

Reviewers lauded the car’s agile driving and spacious interior and load space.

• Edmunds: 3.9 out of 5.
• 4.0/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• 80 of 100 for JD Power

Acura RDX 2021

The 2021 RDX has a nicely finished interior and loads of modern amenities. The third generation, introduced in 2019, included this model, which remained unchanged through 2020.

But, a brand-new, handcrafted PMC Edition model with a limited production run was unveiled for 2021 at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio.

This is a high-end AWD vehicle with many premium pieces of equipment and unique aesthetic elements.

• Edmunds: 3.8 out of 5
• 4.0/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• JD Power: 75 out of 100

Acura RDX 2018

The second generation, first presented in 2013, culminated with the RDX in 2018. One of its many advantages is that this type is highly dependable and generally trouble-free.

In general, it’s advisable to stay away from models at the beginning of a generation because these have the most significant problems; those at the end, like this one, tend to be much more dependable.

The 2016 model year RDX underwent a significant facelift. Therefore, the 2018 RDX did not undergo any significant revisions.

This model received praise for its attractive interior, which was thoughtfully organized.

• Edmunds: 4.3 out of 5
• 4.5 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
• 80 of 100 for JD Power

RDX 2017 Acura

If you’re searching for a dependable model from the second generation, the 2017 Acura RDX is still another excellent option.

Considering the 2016 model year’s RDX had a significant revamp, the 2017 model year saw few upgrades.

It has excellent power, a smooth ride, and pleasing sporty aesthetics.

• Edmunds: 4.3 out of 5
• 4.5 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
• 80 of 100 for JD Power

Consumer Scores For Best Acura RDX Years

Model Year	Edmunds Consumer Rating	Kelley Blue BookConsumer Rating	JD PowerConsumer Rating
2023 Acura RDX	3.9 / 5.0	4.0 / 5.0	NA
2022 Acura RDX	3.9 / 5.0	4.0 / 5.0	80 / 100
2021 Acura RDX	3.8 / 5.0	4.0 / 5.0	75 / 100
2018 Acura RDX	4.3 / 5.0	4.5 / 5.0	81 / 100
2017 Acura RDX	4.3 / 5.0	4.5 / 5.0	80 / 100
2016 Acura RDX	4.1 / 5.0	4.5 / 5.0	79 / 100
2012 Acura RDX	4.4 / 5.0	4.4 / 5.0	80 / 100
2011 Acura RDX	4.6 / 5.0	4.4 / 5.0	80 / 100
2010 Acura RDX	4.6 / 5.0	4.4 / 5.0	82 / 100
2009 Acura RDX	4.4 / 5.0	4.4 / 5.0	77 / 100
2008 Acura RDX	4.6 / 5.0	4.4 / 5.0	77 / 100

What Are The Acura RDX’s Worst Years?

Since the RDX has been around for so long, we can identify specific years aren’t nearly as good as others. So we’ve included these years below.

Acura RDX 2020

The 2020 Acura RDX was the second model of the third generation, and despite not having as many issues as the 2019 model, it still garnered more complaints than usual.

Many owners complained that their RDX would suddenly lose all power, the engine light would illuminate, and the car would enter limp mode.

Acura RDX 2019

Although the RDX had a few troublesome model years, statistically speaking, the 2019 model is the most problematic. This model, the first of the third generation, had several growing pains.

This model year was infamous for losing engine power and switching off while driving, much like its direct predecessor.

RDX 2015 Acura

Due to its degrading headlights, the 2015 RDX received more than its fair share of complaints.

Owners complained that the headlights became dimmer over time and that changing the bulbs did not fix the issue.

Acura RDX 2014

The 2014 RDX experienced low-brightness headlamp issues, a problem shared by the 2015 model year, and resulted in numerous complaints from car owners.

Acura RDX 2013

The infamous Takata airbag recall hit the 2013 Acura RDX.

There was a possibility of death when these airbags detonated and shot flying shards into the cabin.

What Years Have The Most Complaints?

Model Year	Complaints(CarComplaints.com)	Problems(CarProblemZoo.com)
2023 Acura RDX	0	NA
2022 Acura RDX	0	9
2021 Acura RDX	1	46
2020 Acura RDX	18	157
2019 Acura RDX	43	246
2018 Acura RDX	5	37
2017 Acura RDX	15	55
2016 Acura RDX	19	40
2015 Acura RDX	11	181
2014 Acura RDX	9	151
2013 Acura RDX	15	105
2012 Acura RDX	2	18
2011 Acura RDX	4	21
2010 Acura RDX	16	25
2009 Acura RDX	1	15
2008 Acura RDX	8	37
2007 Acura RDX	9	68

What Issues Does the Acura RDX Possess?

• Rats have eaten on wire made of soy
• The axles broke
• Creaking, grinding, and groaning of the brakes
• Decrease in acceleration (limp mode)
• The information display system won’t turn on
• Hesitation when speeding up
• A malfunctioning navigation system
• Rotors with a warp
• Slow and difficult gear changes

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.

The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car indeed followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled as a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue isn’t apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and make an effort to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.

You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause, handling it might not be a great hassle.

In the report, you can also see whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection for the vehicle if the flaws aren’t too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was classified as a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their level of satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

Acura RDX FAQ’s

What is the Acura RDX’s reliability?

The Acura RDX’s expected dependability rating is 81 out of 100 for 2023. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.

Is the used Acura RDX a nice car?

How Dependable Is the Acura RDX? Simply put, the Acura RDX is incredibly dependable. The Acura RDX has a stellar 4.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal. On average, an owner will shell out under $500 a year for services.

Are there gearbox issues with the Acura RDX?

These issues are simple to identify. Shift delays, grinding or leaping while accelerating, unsteadiness, whistling noises, and a burning smell emanating from beneath the hood are all potential symptoms of transmission issues with the 2021 Acura RDX.

Can the Acura RDX handle long journeys?

With its standard collection of AcuraWatchTM safety systems, this premium crossover is also prepared to keep you and your family safe on lengthy journeys. Technology including Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Traffic Sign Recognition are available in the 2023 Acura RDX.

Is MDX superior to RDX?

The Acura MDX is larger, has more rows of seats, and has a more powerful engine than the Acura RDX, if you’re seeking for the differences between the Acura MDX and RDX SUVs. Families with more than two child safety seats and drivers who require lots of cargo space and towing capacity would benefit from the Acura MDX.