Most common 2008 Acura RDX problems
Share of the 33 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura RDX complaints by model year
Best RDX years: 2011, 2012, 2010. Years to avoid: 2019, 2015, 2020, 2014, 2021. Compare all years →
2008 Acura RDX recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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…
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of part 567, 'certification.' incorrect certification labels were applied to these vehicles.
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.
What 2008 Acura RDX owners say
Air bags all 20 →
Takata recall my 2008 Acura RDX was a part of the Takata air bag inflator recall and was apparently repaired on January 20th of 2017. However, the SRS light came on in my 2008 Acura RDX on 7/27/2018 when my vehicle was stationary as I started the vehicle. I took my vehicle to the Acura dealership in wexford, pa on 8/4/18, and they informed me that my passenger side airbag inflator was open causing the SRS system to default (code #32-21). Meaning that my airbag safety system will not function properly, due to the faulty airbag inflator. This is a major safety concern, and I would like this to be resolved by a follow up recall for the passenger side air bag inflators for all cars affected by the Takata airbag inflator recall. To my understanding, when my drivers side airbag inflator was replaced/repaired back in 2017, they replaced the passenger side airbag inflator as well. …
Takata recall was supposedly completed,by dealer awhile ago. Now getting a 'check airbag system' message and 'side airbag off. Understand there are a fair number of complaints re this and wondering if should be covered because safety issue. Someone on a blog said their Honda element similar issue was covered because safety issue. As it is about $1000 repair hoping you can tell me it should be covered.
Wheels & tires
Yokohama avid trz s316 31631 tires p255/55r-18 97t bsw with 13,000 miles on 2008 Acura RDX. Tires purchased 10-30-2010 on 4-12-2011, while driving on freeway at 60mph, experienced sudden loss of tire pressure on right rear tire. Pulled off of freeway and removed tire. Could not find any cause for loss of tire pressure. Took wheel to air supply and re-pressurized tire to 35 psi. Made close examination to find cause of pressure loss and discovered no puncture, no object in tire, no leaks. A bubble/blister was observed on inside tire next to rim . Carried fully pressurized tire to dealer (discount tire, arlington, tx) pointed out blister to tech, he blamed road hazard, says probably hit a pothole. While the tire was being replaced, I questioned the counterman as to why the sudden loss of pressure and he informed me that the tire had a large puncture. …
On February 12, 2013 I was driving my 2008 Acura RDX on a side road when my tire pressure indicator light came on. I felt a slight bumping from my wheels. When I looked up in my rear view mirror saw a section of my tire lying in the road behind me. Fortunately I was at a low speed. When I picked up and checked the section of tire that had detached I realized that the tire had split in a circumference along the side walls on both sides and that the segment that had detached had the tread section intact along with a few inches of the sidewalls. The remaining portion of the tire remained on the rim. The tire was a Michelin mxm4 pilot 235/55vri and had only been on my car for 26,000 miles. I am very concerned that this is a significant safety issue. The dot# for this tire is b93jphfx4110. None of these tires have performed to near the 50,000 miles that they are rated at. …
Electrical system
While driving at about 35 MPH, an electrical warning light came on. I was braking for a red light. After stopping at the light I took my foot off the gas. The car hestitated about 3 seconds before it was able to move forward, warning came on to shut down unecessary power. . I was barely able to pull car off the road. It would not move more than two feet after I got it off the road. An hour later the car would be able to drive to the tow truck, but the electrical system then shut down totally. Restarted the car again to move to tow truck. It is in shop for service now. The car had just been checked for a1 service and Acura and passed inspection as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, the driver's side seat belt failed to retract properly after being unbuckled. In addition, the speedometer failed to properly display an accurate speed rate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 10/29/13 the consumer stated the dealer and manufacturer were unwilling to test the vehicle. Some advised only Acura could test/repair the vehicle. The consumer also was advised the tools needed where too expensive for the vehicle to be tested for the odometer failure.
2008 Acura RDX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Acura RDX a good car?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 RDX rates average: 16% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RDX at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Acura RDX?
The air bags — 20 complaints, 61% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 Acura RDX have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2008 Acura RDX, the most recent from March 6, 2019 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura RDX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2012 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2015, 2020, 2014 and 2021. See the full Acura RDX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Acura RDX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 26% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.