Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2021 | 13 | 11% | 128,000 miles |
| 2020 | 22 | 6% | 5,000 miles |
| 2019 | 37 | 8% | 7,000 miles |
| 2018 | 12 | 16% | 4,000 miles |
| 2017 | 24 | 30% | 50,000 miles |
| 2016 | 9 | 22% | 55,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% | 44,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 4% | 42,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 13% | — |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% | 96,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 9% | 140,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 7% | 0 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 6% | 0 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, he entered and started the vehicle; the contact then shifted from park(P) to drive(D) and the gear shifter independently shifted back into park(P). The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within several months. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle had been taken to two Acura dealers however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was unavailable.
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. …
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH in the rain, the vehicle upshifted and downshifted independently. The check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle continued to downshift. The accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle continued to decelerate. The contact veered to the side of the roadway and parked the vehicle. The contact then turned off the vehicle for 30 seconds. The contact stated that as he restarted the vehicle, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle then operated as needed while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH upon depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, where she turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated that she veered to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle on each occasion, and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. …
The contact owns a 2019 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to move or shift into neutral(N). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V215000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
[redacted] on [redacted], traveling 70mph on busy highway, blind spot monitoring failed, gear display failed, and check transmission message flashed across display. Had to guide car safety off road and into parking lot. This was first time ever happened. Did not know what was going on or what was happening; safety features like blind spot monitoring (especially after becoming accustomed to) failing all of sudden could have caused a major accident by inadvertently cutting someone off, decrease in speed, etc. Turned vehicle off and all lights disappeared. Had car looked at by Honda Dealership next morning; notified it was a P0741 code and failed torque converter. These systems apparently always go down with this code. Told it was associated with known issue of SB23-029 after they consulted with a local Acura dealership. …
The vehicle has developed a serious transmission defect involving harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and repeated slipping into neutral while driving. Since picking the vehicle up from Key Acura after an inspection, the condition has worsened significantly. The "Check Engine" light, the flashing "D" indicator, and the transmission warning light are now consistently illuminated. Prior to the dealer visit, these warning lights were intermittent; they are now on at all times. The vehicle can unexpectedly lose propulsion or fail to accelerate, which creates a safety risk during normal driving, especially when merging, crossing intersections, or turning. The symptoms are consistent with the known torque converter and transmission issues documented in Acura Service Bulletin 23 029, which applies to 2017-2018 RDX models. …
Related recalls (2)
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service 1-888-234-2138.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013.
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura RDX years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2019 (37), 2017 (24), 2020 (22), 2021 (13) and 2018 (12) model years. Transmission complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2019.
Is there a recall for Acura RDX transmission problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 21V-939 (driveshaft, Dec 2, 2021); 13V-143 (automatic transmission, Apr 15, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Acura RDX transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles; 74% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (2 mentions), followed by the axle assembly (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.