Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Acura RDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
See attached letter for details. Incident date below reflects the VIN I currently own, when testing identified the safety-related defect. Accident details from previous same model. The same headlamps were the subject of the July 14, 2014 NHTSA Acura ILX Electrical & Lights Recall: 14V323000 on the 2013-2014 Acura ILX model. Yet, Acura continued to use these headlamps and failed to rectify the defect across its model lineup. Instead, the inherently faulty engineering, material, and manufacturing was destined to slowly degrade the reflective surface of the projector cup and lens under the heat output of the low beam halogen bulb that was, by Acura design, the automatic daytime running lights that remain on whenever the engine is running.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds at night, the low beam headlights were significantly dimmed, diminishing the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights were activated to safely drive at night. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the low-beam headlights were replaced, and the lenses were cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the headlights were extremely dim and failed to provide proper illumination while driving at night. The contact stated that the headlights were replaced several times, but the failure persisted. The dealer was made aware of the failure and the service manager stated that the headlamp housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at night the low beam headlights were extremely dim causing a visibility hazard to the driver; nearly causing the vehicle to hit a pedestrian. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The contact indicated that previously the light bulbs were replaced, and the lens were deep cleaned however, the failure persisted. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's and passenger's side headlights were very dim. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle at night with the headlights activated, the low beam headlights illuminated very dim causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the light bulbs and cleaned the headlight assembly, but the issue persisted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the headlights were extremely dim at night. The passenger inquired to the contact if the headlights were turned on. The contact used the high beam headlights while driving at night. The manufacturer was contacted through the customer complaint line. An independent mechanic confirmed that the low beam headlights were extremely dim. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the headlight failed to provide adequate illumination while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Headlamp assemblies have failed due to apparent manufacturer defect. The defects are so significant that the vehicle becomes unsafe to drive at night, and even brand new bulb replacements have no effect. The entire headlamp assemblies are defective and must be replaced. These are known issues, and the predominent complaints listed not only on replacement part websites on the internet, but in NHTSA's own website for this vehicle - even more then the recalled airbags, are all specifically for this exact same issue being suffered by numerous complainants, but for some reason NHTSA has failed to recognize and enforce a recall on it. Acura/Honda has not even issued a service bulletin on it to allow its dealers to repair it, despite it being a known issue, and Honda Financial Services even deceitfully denies warranty claims, even lying about contract terms to avoid coverage. …
I recently purchased this vehicle and had nit driven it at night. On 07/20/22 at approximately 930pm I had to pick my son up at a friends home. We live in Florida and thunderstorms are routine here. While driving I noticed my visibility of the road was not clear. I pulled over during the storm and visually checked that my headlamps were on. They were except that the lighting was dim. I proceeded to pick up my son and discovered that on a dark road I could not see 5 feet in front of me. I continued my trip and witnessed a dog run across the front of my vehicle. I swerved and applied my brakes. I did not see this animal until it was right on top of me. I turned on my high beams and completed my trip with them on knowing that Law Enforcement could have easily cited me for it. The next day I purchased the two best and brightest bulbs I could find and had them installed in the car. …
Headlight complaints in other RDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2014 Acura RDX?
NHTSA has 163 complaints about the lights of the 2014 Acura RDX, 67% of the model year's 244 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Acura RDX headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2014 Acura RDX, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Acura RDX headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.