Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Acura RDX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle inadvertently slowed down and without warning a strange noise came from the engine compartment and a sudden jerk to the wheel when the vehicle accelerated without warning up to approximately 100 mph. The contact was able to exit the highway where the vehicle made another strange noise from the engine compartment and the wheel jerked when the vehicle accelerated without warning again which resulted in the contact crashing into a group of 3 vehicles. There were 2 confirmed injuries which were the occupants of the contact's vehicle the driver and front seat passenger. The contact sustained a broken sternum, internal bleeding, decompression of lower back, and swollen right side foot. The contact's son sustained a lumbar fracture and a contusion. …
11/6/21: Mid way home from a trip from Washington to Connecticut on the New Jersey turnpike in the left-hand lane the car lost all ability to accelerate. Concurrently the engine like came on and multiple warning signals came on regarding traction control, breaking, and steering. One can imagine how unsettling that could be but at that moment. Being in the left lane it was apparent I needed to get off the road. With cars traveling at 65+ mph and my car decelerating continuously changing lanes was nearly catastrophic and the last lane I needed to move over to nearly resulted in a multi car accident 11/8/2021 I was contacted by the service manager at the towed to acura dealer. They informed me that the evaluation determined a need for an "intercooler" This breakdown of my car with less than 20,000 miles on it was under warranty . …
One day last December it rained very hard for a couple of days. It about 6:30pm I got in my car to go to an appointment. There was water inside the cab, on the seats, inside of the windshield, in the dashboard and controls... and about 4 inches of water on the floor on both passenger and driver side. When I tried to start the car, all the electrical systems went haywire. Everything was blinking at me in the dashboard many different warnings and hazard lights. I took the car to the dealership for service. I was by service department told that drainage lines on the top where the sun visor is were clogged up and the water had backed up into the vehicle. This was no fault of my own. I have maintained this automobile with Acura only for 6 years, since I purchased it. This is serious, even though it was resolved by clearing the lines but the damage to the electrical system were extensive. …
While in traffic and stopped at a light, the engine stalled and completely shut down all of a sudden. I had to restart the car and was able to drive home. The engine stalled while in traffic with two other passengers in the car and during a time with other vehicles on the road. The car stalled shortly after turning a corner and other cars potentially rear ending my car due to a sudden stalling. I'm on the way to the dealership where I purchased the 2020 Acura RDX AWD brand new for a check up. The vehicle has not yet been checked by anyone but will be later today. When the car stalled, there were no warning lamps or messages. This was the first time happening but the electrical system has turned off unexpectedly before. I've brought the car back to the dealership for the electrical system and it was previously repaired. …
October 30th 6pm, parked car at home and exterior lights (headlights, fog lights, rear lights) would not turn off. Car was not running. Lights finally went off when battery was completely drained. Had to jump battery to get car to dealership on October 31st. There were no previous warning lamps or messages. Dealership did a complete reinspect and were able to reproduce issue. Dealership determined that there was a leak in the sunroof. I then shared that the sunroof had been rattling and popping for a few weeks, but did not mention when dropping off for the lights since I didn't think it was related. I have spoken to Honda who states that this VIN does not have any recalls. There are known issues with the sunroofs for this year and make of car, but no recalls and the extended warranty as well as the 'certified car' warranty does not cover this issue.
On [redacted] my windshield wiper motor died during a rainstorm. The car gave no warning lights and I get my vehicle serviced regularly. I have had ongoing electrical issues with this car such as a faulty radio and inability to run the GPS settings. I took the car back to Princeton Acura ( In New Jersey) and was told the Windshield Wiper Motor has to be replaced at it would cost me $ 600.00. The car was also looked at by a mechanic from Jifffy Lube who said he was unable to order the windshield wiper motor due to the car being so new that after market parts are not available. I am extremely frustrated and feel this is unfair and also feel I was sold a lemon. I bought the car new in 2020 and I am the only owner. I am hoping someone can help me. Thank you.
My rear window has exploded twice in less than a year. American Honda is aware of this problem and has issued a service bulletin, 22-014. American Honda is refusing to pay my out of pocket expenses totalling $1,100.00. There is a class action suit in CA against American Honda. In both situations my window exploded, parked, for no reason. This is also a safety issued with glass shattering with passengers in the back seat, or also while I am driving. The lawsuit said the defroster (rear) is defective. Please look at all the internet postings on this. To include facebook which has a group called "Acrua Shattered" First incident was 1/22/2024, and the last was on 12/27/2024. Please help us consumers.
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. The message to depress the brake pedal and press the Push to Start button was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed several times, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Driving 70 mph down interstate and all of the sudden the check engine light started flashing and the vehicle lost all power. Had to make an emergency move to the shoulder. The check engine light remained flashing and when car shut off and turned back on the engine light was not on and vehicle operation seemed to turn to normal. Have seen other reports of this specific model of vehicle losing power at highway speeds and is very dangerous situation.
I was passing another vehicle around 45mph when I had a loss of power in acceleration. Acceleration was limp went down to 10mph engine light came on. I had to pull off road. Shut car off then restarted. Engine light went off. But acceleration is weak. Unable to maneuver away from an emergency situation if need to. Dangerous to drive it like this. I will take it to dealership but know they' never find any issues!
Electrical complaints in other RDX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2020 Acura RDX?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Acura RDX, 8% of the model year's 348 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Acura RDX electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2020 Acura RDX, though it has 5 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 2020 Acura RDX electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 5,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.