VehicleVerdict

2021 Acura RDX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 148 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median RDX year — the 2021 model ranks #6 of 19 RDX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (28), engine (18), and brakes (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

148

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other RDX years?

RDX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RDX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Acura RDX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2819%
Engine1812%
Brakes149%
Visibility & Wipers149%
Airbags117%
Body & Structure107%
Transmission96%
Driver Assistance96%
Electrical System96%
Seats64%
Speed Control64%
Seat Belts43%
Fuel System32%
Suspension21%
Steering21%
Lighting21%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2021 Acura RDX have recalls?

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

26V332000AirbagsMay 21, 2026 · 98,892 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Consequence

Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

24V064000AirbagsFebruary 1, 2024 · 750,114 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Consequence

An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

21V939000TransmissionDecember 2, 2021 · 279 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.

Consequence

Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, or cause the vehicle to roll away when parked if the parking brake is not applied. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BBY, NBW, and OBX.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 22, 2024 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 22, 2024 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 5, 2023 · crash

“Windshield washer pump has failed due to washer nozzles being clogged. Washer pump replaced, but still will not work as the nozzles are clogged. Nozzles are on back order, so therefore unable to clean windshield while driving. No idea when the nozzles will be in stock as this item is on critical…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 24, 2024

“I have been trying to get my vehicle repaired for over a year in response to recall number 24V-064 with no success. The vehicle manufacturer is not providing the required parts to the dealership to address this recall from early 2024. I think additional action needs to be taken against the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 17, 2025

2021 Acura RDX — common questions

Is the 2021 Acura RDX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 148 complaints put the 2021 model at #6 of 19 RDX years. It is one of the RDX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 RDX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (28 complaints), engine (18 complaints), brakes (14 complaints).

Does the 2021 Acura RDX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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.

How safe is the 2021 Acura RDX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Acura RDX earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.