Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 17% | 2,000 miles |
| 2024 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2023 | 7 | 29% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 10 | 9% | 30,000 miles |
| 2020 | 27 | 8% | 5,000 miles |
| 2019 | 39 | 9% | 6,000 miles |
| 2018 | 8 | 10% | 3,000 miles |
| 2017 | 18 | 23% | 43,000 miles |
| 2016 | 8 | 20% | 10,000 miles |
| 2015 | 8 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2014 | 8 | 3% | 89,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 4% | 1,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 13% | 249,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 19% | 79,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 9% | 70,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 9% | 60,000 miles |
| 2007 | 6 | 11% | 84,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH and exiting the interstate, the power steering became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The power steering, low brake speed, and Lane Keep Assist warning lights were illuminated. The message "Do Not Drive Vehicle - See Dealer" was displayed. The driver pulled over safely. The vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; because there were no warning lights illuminated upon arrival. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
The contact owns a 2025 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after the third attempt, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that several days later, the message "Idle Stop - Temporarily Interrupted - System Warming up or Charging" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur,e and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 380.
Infotainment system fails while using Android auto after receiving or making a phone call, which results in navigation via Google Maps unable to provide directions. The only manner in which I found temporarily resolves the issue, is restarting the infotainment system, which requires the vehicle to be stopped turned off and the driver's door opened. This poses a grave safety risk while operating the vehicle, especially in heavy traffic conditions especially in inclement weather conditions, which I have unfortunately experienced on multiple occasions. …
On September 3, 2026 at approximately 1 AM, my 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec was stolen from my residence while both of my authorized keys were in my possession. The exterior driver-door key cylinder showed evidence of forced manipulation/damage. Despite the vehicle being locked, the factory theft-deterrent alarm did not activate and I did not receive an AcuraLink theft/alarm notification. The vehicle was successfully entered, started, and driven away without an authorized key in the thief's possession. After the vehicle was recovered, I contacted Acura Client Relations because I am concerned that the factory theft-deterrent/immobilizer system did not prevent the vehicle from being started and the alarm did not activate during the unauthorized entry. Acura has not identified the method by which the vehicle was started or provided an explanation for the reported non-activation of the alarm. …
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front headlights and instrument panel lights started blinking off and on. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the body control module had malfunctioned due to water intrusion from the moon roof seals. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
I have a 2021 RDX. Was on the interstate moving at about 70 MPH coming back from Missouri. Raining. Lots of semis creating huge following misty, hard to see rain. Decided to accelerate to pass a couple. Car nearly stalled and acted like it had lost a cylinder's worth of power. Turned on hazards, slowed, pulled over and lifted the hood hearing all kinds of unusual noises. Shut the car off and restarted. All was well. Turned all lane-keeping, etc. off including cruise. Drove the last 100 miles or so without incident. Called dealer and was told likely didn't pull a code. Don't worry and keep driving. Said to make sure front of car was clean. Duh!! I keep my ride spotless (unless driving in the rain). Called CA's Acura line. Absolutely no help. 2 different females had no idea what limp mode was. …
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 . …
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura RDX years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2019 (39), 2020 (27), 2017 (18), 2021 (10) and 2014 (8) model years. Electrical complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2019.
Is there a recall for Acura RDX electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Acura RDX model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Acura RDX electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles; 69% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (2 mentions), followed by the ignition › anti-theft › immobilizer/proximity › key/sender (1).
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.