2013 Acura RDX lighting problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 7, 2026ARLighting

   The headlight housings on this generation of 2013 Acura MDXs completely fail due to a design flaw that causes the housing to overheat and dim the lights to a dangerous level. At night, you would be safer if you were driving with flashlights taped to the hood of the vehicle. I’m sure this has caused numerous wrecks for 2013-2015 MDX owners as it is a widely reported issue that needs to be fixed asap before more people perish. Please do something about this as it is not just a…

   NHTSA complaint #11742536 · source
2. Filed Feb 26, 2026TNLighting

   The headlights do not produce enough light to see the road. Every time the car is driven at night it is extremely dangerous.

   NHTSA complaint #11720747 · source
3. Filed Feb 17, 2026MOLighting

   Headlights are very dim due to degradation of the reflective projection surface. Internet searches indicate this is a common problem for the 2013-2015 Acura RDXs. The only solution is to replace the entire headlight assembly.

   NHTSA complaint #11718495 · source
4. Filed Feb 9, 2026OHCrashLighting

   Low beam headlight projector reflectors deteriorate making the low beam headlights unusable for safe driving. Entire assembly has to be replaced to remedy. Extremely common in this generation of Acura RDX based on internet searches.

   NHTSA complaint #11716792 · source
5. Filed Feb 2, 2026MILighting

   2013 acura rdx. Head lights have dimmed where its not safe to drive. Had the whole head light assemblies replaced by the dealership 11 months ago for $4,000. Still have same problem with new ones

   NHTSA complaint #11715164 · source
6. Filed Dec 3, 2025TNLighting

   The low beam headlights lights on my 2013 Acura RDX are very dim, and replacing the bulbs does not make any difference. I have read multiple reports that this is a common problem where the reflective material inside the projector style housing breaks down over time, and that the only fix is to replace the entire headlight assembly on both sides. Due to the poor lighting, I have had several near misses with other cars and obstacles that have been hard to see. Compared to…

   NHTSA complaint #11702801 · source
7. Filed Sep 7, 2025TNLighting

   My low beam headlights have diminished in their effectiveness / intensity over time such that I fear driving at night due to possible danger of an accident. If I do have to drive at night, I have to use my high beams...which is also totally unacceptable, and illegal in post places. I have taken the car to the Acura dealership to explain the problem and determine the proper fix. I felt like this should be covered under warranty, since this is a safety issue, no different than…

   NHTSA complaint #11685529 · source
8. Filed Jul 8, 2025132,000 miINLighting

   The contact owns a 2013 Acura RDX. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the headlights were dim, causing the visibility to become impaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed delaminated headlight housings. The contact was informed that the headlight housings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made…

   NHTSA complaint #11671892 · source
9. Filed May 6, 2025GALighting

   Have replaced low beam headlight bulbs multiple times within weeks/months of each time for months now. Low beam is so dim that vehicle is unsafe to drive at night without turning on high beams. Something is more wrong than just the bulb. Taken to repair shop each time. Changing bulbs works for a few days then no light happens again. What do I do???

   NHTSA complaint #11659298 · source
10. Filed Apr 25, 2025CALighting

    Low beam headlights have begun to dim so much that they are unsafe and ineffective at night. I understand that there may be a reflector problem with the headlights.

    NHTSA complaint #11656778 · source
11. Filed Apr 23, 2025GALighting

    Headlights have grown dim. The bulbs have been replaced multiple times to find a bright enough bulb, to no avail. Approximate visual distance at night in unlit areas is less than 25'. This is a safety hazard because this does not allow enough time to avoid impacts.

    NHTSA complaint #11656214 · source
12. Filed Feb 22, 2025GALighting

    Low beam headlights are dangerously dim due to the oem headlightbulbs burning the reflector bowls in the projector headlights this is a problem that's been complained about by many many people.

    NHTSA complaint #11644264 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology