VehicleVerdict

2008 Acura RDX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Acura RDX sits mid-pack among RDX years: 39 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 67, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 51% of all reports (20 of 39), far ahead of tires & wheels at 4.

39

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other RDX years?

RDX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted559 complaints2007: 70 complaints2008: 39 complaints2009: 16 complaints2010: 26 complaints2011: 21 complaints2012: 19 complaints2013: 179 complaints2014: 258 complaints2015: 436 complaints2016: 56 complaints2017: 107 complaints2018: 101 complaints2019: 559 complaints2020: 425 complaints2021: 148 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 24 complaints2024: 13 complaints2025: 67 complaints
RDX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RDX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Acura RDX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags2051%
Tires & Wheels410%
Electrical System38%
Transmission25%
Engine25%
Body & Structure25%
Speed Control13%
Steering13%
Brakes13%
Suspension13%
Seat Belts13%
Seats13%

Does the 2008 Acura RDX have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V182000AirbagsMarch 6, 2019 · 1,101,534 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Consequence

An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

16V061000AirbagsFebruary 3, 2016 · 2,232,187 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

07V358000OtherAugust 13, 2007 · 744 units

Defect

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, 'CERTIFICATION.' INCORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS WERE APPLIED TO THESE VEHICLES.

Consequence

SOME CERTIFICATION LABELS MAY NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED TIRE AND RIM SIZE INFORMATION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INCORRECT LABEL AND ADHERE THE CORRECT LABEL. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 20, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 1, 2016

“TAKATA RECALL: I HAVE TWO CONFLICTING REPORTS FROM NHTSA. ONE STATES A RECALL DATE OF 2/03/2016 (16V061000) ON THE AIRBAGS AND THE SECOND REPORT STATES THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY RECALLS. WHICH IS CORRECT?? ALSO: EQUIPMENT LABEL RECALL #07V358000 RECALL DATE 8/13/2007”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 21, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA RDX TURBO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER WERE PROVIDING INACCURATE READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 6, 2013

“WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A PARKING SPOT, THE CAR EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION DESPITE APPLICATION OF BRAKES. THE CAR JUMPED OVER PARKING STOPS AND COLLIDED WITH CAR PARKED IN OPPOSITE PARKING SLOT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 5, 2014 · crash

“A/C CONDENSER ON THE ACURA RDX 2008 STILL UNDER WARRANTY DID NOT WORK WHEN THE WEATHER WAS WARMING UP. WENT TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID ALL THE FREON ESCAPED FROM A SMALL HOLE ON THE CONDENSER DUE TO SOME DEBRIS HITTING IT. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $900 DO FIX IT!! THE CONDENSER HAS A DESIGN FLAW.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 10, 2009

2008 Acura RDX — common questions

Is the 2008 Acura RDX reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 39 NHTSA complaints, below the typical RDX year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2008 RDX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (20 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2008 Acura RDX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Acura RDX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Acura RDX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RDX years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2014, 2013, 2021, 2017, 2018, 2016. The cleanest record among RDX years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.