VehicleVerdict

2018 Acura RLX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2018 Acura RLX — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other RLX years?

RLX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted136 complaints2014: 136 complaints2015: 14 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 6 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 2 complaints
RLX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RLX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Acura RLX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine457%
Electrical System229%
Fuel System114%

Does the 2018 Acura RLX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V858000Fuel SystemDecember 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“My vehicle has the same 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 that comes in the Acrua MDX which is currently on recall for connecting rod bearings on vehicles with 3.5-liter V6 engines can fail, leading to complete engine failure. my car has the excact same engin with the exact same problem. i have the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 28, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving her vehicle at an undisclosed speed, stated that the vehicle would not start up, and noticed every single waring light illuminated up on her dash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice, first time it was diagnosed to have a crank…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 1, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 3, 2024

2018 Acura RLX — common questions

Is the 2018 Acura RLX reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Acura RLX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Acura RLX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Acura RLX under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Acura RLX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RLX years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among RLX years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2018 Acura RLX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Acura RLX 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.