Most common 2011 Acura RDX problems
Share of the 16 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 →
2011 Acura RDX recalls (2)
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.
What 2011 Acura RDX owners say
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while making a turn at an extremely low speed with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. As a result, the contact drove over a curb and crashed into an embankment as the vehicle tilted to the right side. In addition, the contact mentioned that the vehicle continued to revv after it was shifted into the park and neutral position. The vehicle stopped revving after the it was shut off. The air bags failed to deploy. No police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,100.
I received a safety recall notice for my car airbags in March of 2016. I have contacted my dealer several time to ask for the replacement required by this recall and still have had no response. Meanwhile, my family and I are driving in what could be a dangerous vehicle.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact contact owns a 2011 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the gear shifter lever failed to shift out of gears and the key failed to release from the ignition switch. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the shifter cable failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed of the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired and was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Passenger side headlight flickers goes on for some time, then turns off by itself after turn light back off and turning back on they do the same thing over again safety issue at night stationary and in motion
Lights
Passenger side headlight flickers goes on for some time, then turns off by itself after turn light back off and turning back on they do the same thing over again safety issue at night stationary and in motion
2011 Acura RDX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Acura RDX a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 RDX rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RDX at the same age. It is one of the best RDX years by this measure. 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 2011 Acura RDX?
The air bags — 10 complaints, 63% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and lights (3).
How many recalls does the 2011 Acura RDX have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 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 2011 Acura RDX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 33% 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.