2020 Acura RDX engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 202675,000 miCTTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the head gasket had failed and that the engine and head gasket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11769626 · source
2. Filed Oct 6, 2026OREngine

   The vehicle had 84400 miles at the time a blown head gasket was diagnosed by a Honda factory dealer. Was told not to drive vehicle further as sudden and catastrophic engine failure could occur. Unexpected and sudden engine failure at moderate to highway speeds, can create serious safety issues for passengers, nearby vehicles, and pedestrians. The vehicle has been serviced as scheduled at the local Honda factory dealer since new with supporting receipts. No engines repairs…

   NHTSA complaint #11769325 · source
3. Filed Aug 22, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   The vehicle’s keyless access/security and body control system malfunctioned. An authorized Acura dealer previously diagnosed water intrusion from blocked panoramic sunroof drains, including water reaching the Body Control Module (BCM) Multiplex Control Unit. The dealer reported that this was causing false security alarm activation and battery drainage and recommended BCM replacement. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request.The condition…

   NHTSA complaint #11758676 · source
4. Filed Aug 21, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   My RDX experienced a water-intrusion failure involving the panoramic sunroof drainage system and associated electrical components. An authorized Acura dealer diagnosed the right-front sunroof drain as backed up/overflowing, allowing water to reach the Body Control Module (BCM/Multiplex Control Unit). The dealer attributed abnormal security-alarm activation and battery drain to the water-damaged BCM and indicated that the BCM required replacement. The dealer also identified a…

   NHTSA complaint #11758403 · source
5. Filed Aug 14, 202682,000 miVTEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine started shuddering and vibrating, and the vehicle stalled. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the head gasket had failed. The contact was later informed that the bolts on the turbocharger also failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified…

   NHTSA complaint #11756892 · source
6. Filed Jul 17, 202665,000 miNYEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH in inclement weather, moisture entered the turbocharger, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and drove to a local dealer. A technician confirmed that the failure was caused by moisture entering the turbocharger and referenced an unknown Technical Service Bulletin associated with the repair for the…

   NHTSA complaint #11751030 · source
7. Filed May 27, 2026GAEngine

   This is a well known problem that when water gets into the intercooler, the car goes into limp Mode. This happens to my daughter, while driving 85 miles in the fast lane in the highway. Her check engine light started flashing, she was unable to accelerate, and she was scared! She had to pull over in the left lane, against the median.This is a safety hazard! I am paying over $1000 to have this fixed. TSB 20-053 this should be a recall!!

   NHTSA complaint #11740311 · source
8. Filed Mar 10, 2026MAEngine

   My 2020 vehicle lost all power when I was attempting to pass an 18-wheel trailer on the expressway. I took it to the dealership which was less than a mile away. They told me I needed a head gasket replacement @$6500. They replaced the HG and it ran great for 5-6 months. Then exact same thing happened again on expressway. It was another head gasket. After searching online I found a lot of history on my vehicle where the 2.0L turbo engine was failing prematurely.

   NHTSA complaint #11723432 · source
9. Filed Apr 17, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngine

   While in traffic and stopped at a light, the engine stalled and completely shut down all of a sudden. I had to restart the car and was able to drive home. The engine stalled while in traffic with two other passengers in the car and during a time with other vehicles on the road. The car stalled shortly after turning a corner and other cars potentially rear ending my car due to a sudden stalling. I’m on the way to the dealership where I purchased the 2020 Acura RDX AWD brand…

   NHTSA complaint #11655137 · source
10. Filed Dec 9, 2024FLEngine

    Re: NHTA recall 23V-858 This particular recall has been active since 12-18-2023. I have checked with my local dealership, Scanlon Acura in Ft Myers, FL, to arrange for a repair several times. Each time I have been told that they do not have the part. On Friday, 12-6-2024, a spoke to a service representative at the dealership. He advised me that they did have the part and scheduled an appointment to replace the defective part on Monday, 12-9-2024. When I arrived at the…

    NHTSA complaint #11629639 · source
11. Filed Nov 21, 2024NJEngine

    Engine judders at 2k rpm around 60 mph. Car has 92k miles with timely documented service maintenance. Took car to the dealership and said there’s a head gasket leak on cylinder 4 and needs to be replaced. Contacted American Honda about the issue and they said they cannot cover the repair cost. They also don’t have the replacement part for the fuel pump recall for a long time as well.

    NHTSA complaint #11626720 · source
12. Filed Apr 7, 2024KYEngine

    The emission light flashes and puts the vehicle in "Limp mode." The speed is drastically reduced and won't exceed 30 mph. Horrify experience. The problem seems related to rain and acceleration. Now the car is towed. No warning before it happens. But the emission light was flashing afterward.

    NHTSA complaint #11581533 · 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