2021 Acura RDX engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   2021 Acura RDX has cold start, uses coolant and will stumble, limp mode approaching 2000 RPM. Vehicle will flash check engine light and then will go away when vehicle is restarted. Using search criteria noted TSB issued for same make model and year with an extended warranty being offered through TSB, 10 year 150,000 miles. Vehicle has 103,000 miles. Dealer is stating no TSB for this VIN, however the number one issue noted through internet searches and this database.

   NHTSA complaint #11769725 · source
2. Filed Sep 25, 2026ILEngine

   Engine was replaced 12/13/25 due to cracked cylinder head causing oil to leak into exhaust and fill cylinder 2 and 3. 09/21/26 new engine replacement done in December 25, has now blown cylinder head gasket seal in under 12,000 Miles. Causing coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3.

   NHTSA complaint #11766897 · source
3. Filed Sep 23, 2026MAEngine

   Head Gasket blown known problem with Honda and Acura 2.0T I didn’t know of this issue until it occurred to Loi Me in 2025 My Acura dealership told me it’s a huge problem with the Acura RDXand it should be a warranty extension similar to the warranty extension for other Honda products done in August 27, 2026 I was lucky and my head gasket didn’t blow while I was driving I’m also concerned that it’s gonna happen again I’m not sure if the problem was resolved with the new head…

   NHTSA complaint #11766372 · source
4. Filed Jul 17, 2026CAEngine

   Vehicle lost all coolant and could be smelled. Vehicle was towed to dealership before it could overheat. Diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head at 88,000 miles. Vehicle has never been modified, tracked, nor has it ever overheated. All service has been performed on time and at Acura dealership since I purchased the vehicle brand new. Vehicle is still at dealership. I've researched and found many other owners experiencing the same problem with the crack occurring in the exact…

   NHTSA complaint #11751130 · source
5. Filed Jul 16, 2026NJBrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   On or about XXX, my 2021 Acura RDX, with approximately 121,078 miles, suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning lights and system-failure messages while I was driving. These included the check-engine light, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, steering, stability-control, braking-assistance and other driver-assistance warnings. Earlier, the tire-pressure monitoring system had also indicated a malfunction even though the tire pressures were correct. The vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11750876 · source
6. Filed Jun 9, 2025PACrashTowedEngineOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Drove into parking lot and as I was pulling into the parking spot next to the building, the vehicle started to surge forward as if I had my foot on the gas instead of the brake. The sudden surge caused the vehicle to plow into a brick building causing about $10K damage to the vehicle and $5K to the building. This was not the first time this sudden surging occurred. It happened at least 3 times previously, and one time since. Fortunately, the other occurrences did not lead to…

   NHTSA complaint #11665825 · source
7. Filed Jun 1, 2025NYBrakesEngine

   I have a 2021 Acura RDX A-spec AW and ever since I had a brakes problem, when applying brakes will not take break promptly kept slipping like going I address this to the dealer numerous time and what they said is that they haven’t had a recall in order to know what really the problem is I think is due to my calipers and probably rotors, but I think is the cut for defect on these 2021 Acura RDX . Also my engine been leaking oil from the top rear side and rear the valve cover…

   NHTSA complaint #11664195 · source
8. Filed May 9, 2025NYBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   It was raining and I was sat at a stop light. The brakes started to slip a little no matter how much I pressed then all of a sudden the entire car started shutting down. Engine, Transmission, Power Steering, Lane Keep Assist, Collision warning, all the lights started flashing. The car was put into Limp mode.

   NHTSA complaint #11659951 · source
9. Filed Jan 30, 2025NCDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineOther / Unknown

   While accelerating off the entrance ramp onto the highway, The engine randomly slows down automatically…the car reduced speed drastically without applying brakes and without cars around me or in front of me.

   NHTSA complaint #11639766 · source
10. Filed Apr 21, 2024CABrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    While driving on a freeway for about 15 minutes at 65 MPH, the MIL indicator started blinking. The vehicle began to rapidly shake, while the engine power decreased significantly. The engine dramatically went from 65 mph to 35 mph causing a safety hazard while driving on the freeway as we attempted to exit and pull over safely. The vehicle is a 2021 Acura RDX and is driven approximately 10,000 miles per year. All maintenance has been performed in accordance with the…

    NHTSA complaint #11584313 · source
11. Filed Mar 5, 2024TNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

    On 2-10-2024 I was driving the 2021 RDX SH-AWD on I-40W in TN with my daughter in the passenger's seat. It was raining. After about 2 hours of driving, at about 3:00 pm, I took a break at a Rest Area near Buffalo Valley. After ~20-min rest, I restarted the car and tried to merge back onto I-40W. I was accelerating towards the speed limit of 70 m/h, but suddenly, at about 65m/h, I felt the car losing power. I could not speed up anymore: the car did not respond to the gas…

    NHTSA complaint #11575647 · source
12. Filed Apr 8, 2023FLCrashBrakesEngine

    While sitting in a long row of stopped vehicles at a traffic light for an extended amount of time due to an accident I had the Automatic Brake Hold feature activated { I did not have to have my foot on the brake while sitting still) as well as the Auto Idle Stop OFF button meaning {the engine shuts down when you come to a stop.} Apparently, the Brake Hold feature timed out with no warning whatsoever and because the vehicle moved forward the Auto Start Stop feature activated…

    NHTSA complaint #11516100 · 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