general problems of the 2015 Acura RDX - part 2

We purchased the vehicle used showing 102,445 miles on 5/24/24 and did not drive it at night until a few days ago. At that time we noticed the low bean projector headlights were bearly visible. Upon further research we found that this is a common safety defect on virtually all Rdx models from 2006 on using halogen projector lighting & relates to bad reflector design. Upon contacting Acura / Honda by phone, they said at first there was no recall & the defective reflector did not exist on my vehicle. Two thing amaze me. One he obviously lied and two, this defect is well know, broadly exists on not just Honda products but other manufacturers as well and the NHTSA has not addressed it. I ordered new light assemblies that I will install myself, but there are countless retrofit methods highlighted on you tube for something that should have created a massive recall campaign by the NHTSA btw ! if an owner has the lights relaced by a dealer, the cost runs about $2300 ! I have owned and maintained over 60 vehicles, foreign & domestic in my 80 years. The last time I had some this this aggregious was structural suspension corrosion on a 1970 fiat that could have killed me. I was part of the campaign that lead to a buyback.

While overall pleased with vehicle, the low beams simply seem not visible enough to light the road properly. I believe this is a safety hazard and hearing how many other owners of the same make and model report this I believe the government to investigate this problem. Thank you.

My 21 year old daughter is driving a 2015 Rdx we just purchased a few months ago. The headlights are terrible! they are so dim and it’s extremely dangerous. Acura should have a recall on this.

The low beams on my 2015 Acura Rdx are very dim and have gotten progressively worse over the last two years. Visibility at night is extremely poor and dangerous. I do not drive much at night, except locally. I did not think there was an issue with my car since the led lights on newer cars are so very bright in comparison. I realized it was major issue very recently (August 2024) when I could not see more than one car length in front of me on a major highway with construction zones. I could not tell if my low beams were on or not. My high beams functioned properly and that was the safest way for me to continue driving. There have been no previous warning messages. On June 19, 2024, I had other repair work performed at an Acura dealership and received a multi-point inspection report of which I received a green light status for my headlights. I am currently at over 103,000 miles. I estimate the issue began at around 90,000 miles. I have not reported this to the Acura dealer. However, my local mechanic confirmed the issue exists. After some investigation, I found that this is a common problem with this model car and year. The quoted cost to repair this issue from two different Acura dealerships is quite expensive, ranging from $2300 to $2500, to replace both headlight assemblies. This should not be my issue to pay for; it should be a recall at Acura's expense.

Low beam headlights have become so dim that they are unsafe at night and provide insufficient lighting. Bulbs have been replaced but am now told by the dealership this is a potential defect with this model where the reflective housing deteriorates and requires a full replacement of the headlight assembly.

The dim lights prevent clear visibility when driving. I inquired with my local Acura dealership about a solution. I was told that dim headlights on this model are a known issue. They stated that it relates back to the reflectivity inside the the light assembly and the only solution would be to replace the entire assembly on both sides. The only effective remedy I have found to see at night is to keep the bright lights on, which is a safety issue for other drivers. Replacement bulbs will not correct the visibility due to the issue with the reflectivity. This has caused multiple safety concerns at night, nearly causing multiple accidents due to not being able to see clearly.

The headlights on this vehicle are completely inadequate for driving at night. I believe this is a manufacturing defect, as the only solution is to replace the entire headlamp assemblies. The vehicle is equipped with hid headlamps. The bulbs work, but no light is projected from the lamps.

I have been noticing over the past few months that my visibility is diminished at night and have to turn my bright lights on even when there are overhead lights. While stopped at light, I noticed the headlights of the car next to me projected out substantially farther than mine. Yesterday I took my car to the dealer to presumably replace the headlight bulbs. But I learned that the bulbs are fine, and the wiring is fine. The problem is that the lens covering the light bulbs has darkened so badly that very little light can escape to project out onto the street in front of me. I was told that the whole lens assembly is a sealed unit and must be replaced on the right and left side. They showed me the darkened lens cover that blocks the light. I regard this as a safety hazard. I could miss a kid riding a bicycle at night. I was not aware that this is a common problem with 2015 Acura Rdxs. This is absolutely dangerous to me, my passengers and the public. I have an estimate from the dealer of $2,537. 85 to replace the headlight assemblies. I feel this is a significant safety issue.

Headlights are extremely dim and concerning to drive at night. I have seen several reports about this being an issue on Rdx models (2015) but no recall. I am requesting Acura to recall this defect, or at least consider reimbursing me for the repair, which has been quoted at $1800. Please advise. Thank you, lori engstrand loann@charter. Net.

Headlight low beams have gradually became so dim that the car is unsafe to drive at night or in adverse weather conditions. The bulbs were replaced at an Honda dealership despite the dealership technicians stating there was nothing wrong with the existing bulbs' lumination. The new bulbs did not improve visibility and the headlights are getting worse. The last time the car was driven at night, the lights were so dim that I had to use the light from passing cars on the highway to make it home. This is extremely dangerous for the driver and passengers and other people on the road. It seems the headlight housings will need to be fully replaced to make the car drivable.

Headlights a very dim when on. This was not an issue at first but has become noticeable as I’ve driven it more. It is almost impossible to drive at night on a non-city road unless it is empty enough that I can use my brights instead. Very dangerous. If you look online, many people have had this same issue and it’s a known problem with this car. Acura should replace these headlights for these cars.

This vehicle was purchased used on 5-25-24 from carvana. The vehicle was delivered during the daytime. The vehicle was also inspected by the dealer prior to purchase. After purchase the vehicle was driven at night. However, after driving in the dark, at night, it was also discovered that the headlights did not provide adequate light to see whether on the highway or side streets. On dimly lit roads it appeared as if the headlights weren't even turned on. Upon further research, we learned that there is a problem with Acura Rdx 2015 models in which the headlamps become dimmer over time due to the reflector malfunction and eventually emit no light and as a result cannot be driven at night. Since this is a 9 year old car, the headlamps are very dim because the reflector is failing and will either need to be replaced due to the defect or the car cannot be driven at night unless the high beams are used, which is also unsafe to other drivers. The bottom line is that driving the car at night with very dim headlights is a serious safety issue that must be addressed by Acura to ensure no one gets in an accident or is injured as the result of not being able to see properly while driving at night. 2015 Acura Rdx headlights have dramatically dimmed over time, to the point of jeopardizing safety of self, passengers and others: it's not discernible they're on unless there's no external lighting/street lamps. Problem potentially confirmed via excess reporting online for a range of Rdx years inclusive of 2015. Also seeing a relevant, potentially related headlight recall from late 2014. After further research into this issue I learned that the low-beam reflector itself oxidizes, is not reflective at all, and no amount of brighter bulbs or clean outside lenses will help with a reflector that doesn’t reflect. This has be corrected immediately!.

Headlights are incredibly dim and unsafe. I’ve now almost been in two accidents at night. My passengers always comment turn on your lights and I have to say they are already on.

Headlights are very dim. Seems like a well known problem, with recalls to other models. Very expensive to fix correctly.

The contact's owns a 2015 Acura Rdx. The contact stated that the front headlights had become dim, which made it difficult and unsafe to operate the vehicle while driving at night. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was notified of NHTSA campaign number: 14v792000 (exterior lighting); however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

The low beam headlights are so dim and weak it is unsafe to drive. I have read where Acura Rdx years 2012-2015 have a lot of reports of this problem. I understand Honda has recalled another style of Acura in same time years but not acknowledged this. I have used brand name headlight restoration kit and paid to replace the headlight bulbs(low beam) but there is no improvment this is very unsafe and Honda needs to replace/repair the headlights.

Low beams do not work, they are deficient, cannot see in the dark, dangerous.

The contact owns a 2015 Acura Rdx. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed during the evening hours, the contact noticed that the front headlights were not functioning properly. The contact replaced the headlight bulbs, but the failure occurred. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage is unknown.

2015 Acura Rdx headlights have dramatically dimmed over time, to the point of jeopardizing safety of self, passengers and others: it's not discernible they're on unless there's no external lighting/street lamps. Problem potentially confirmed via excess reporting online for a range of Rdx years inclusive of 2015. Also seeing a relevant, potentially related headlight recall from late 2014.

My 2015 Rdx lowbeam headlight getting dimmer gradually. It is too dim to the level of undrivable at night. I replaced the light bulb, but it doesn't help. It almost cause a collison that the opponent car from side of road can not see the light.

The headlights have become exceptionally dim in my 2015 Rdx and they no longer illuminate the roadway at night time. The condition is even worse and more dangerous when the roadway is wet and/or there is an oncoming car. Note: the bulbs work and replacing them with new bulbs make no difference in the light being projected from the assemblies. There is something wrong with the headlight assemblies themselves. This is very unsafe. I see recalls for other Acura models / years with similarly designed headlights.

The headlights in this model of the Rdx are extremely dim making driving at night impossible. The headlights do not illuminate the roadway in front of the vehicle. I had 1% lux reading as measured by an automotive illumination engineer. After further research into this issue I learned that the low-beam reflector itself oxidizes, is not reflective at all, and no amount of brighter bulbs or clean outside lenses will help with a reflector that doesn’t reflect. This has been an ongoing problem for the 2013-2015 Acura Rdx models. Acura did a recall on the rlx of the same years for the exact issue and the manufacturer of the headlights for the rlx subsequently manufactured the same headlights for the Rdx. Phone calls to Acura from many Rdx owners have proved unsuccessful with Acura stating they would only issue a recall if they were forced to do so by NHTSA.

My 2015 Acura Rdx has shockingly dim headlights on low beam. The bulbs were replaced within the past year, but the light output is still dangerously bad. Very unsafe to drive at night or in inclement weather. My dealer has confirmed this is a known issue, yet there has been no recall. There has been a recall of the same model year for a different Acura model, the rlx sedan, for headlight issues. Why is the Rdx not included?.

The reflective material inside the headlight fixtures in this vehicle have degraded so severely the low beams don't illuminate the road well enough to drive it at night. This is a manufacturer defect that has been confirmed by the Acura dealership we took it to for repair. They told us the cost to replace both fixtures is ~$2,500, which we could not afford. This is a huge safety issue, one that prevents us from driving it at night unless absolutely necessary, in which case we have to use the high beams. The 2014 Acura Rdx was recalled for this defect and I frankly don't understand why the 2015s haven't -- it's exactly the same issue. We contacted our auto insurance company about submitting a claim, but they do not cover manufacturer defects. Reaching out to the NHTSA for any assistance or advice you can provide.

I just got this 2015acura Rdx and went to drive it at night the lights are absolutely horrendous. I actually almost got into a couple of accident, I also couldn't see the island in the middle of the road or the sidewalks. Trying to turn right into a driveway I went over a curve because I couldn't even see where I was going, because of these lights. If I would have known this was a problem, I would have not purchased an Acura. This should be addressed and definitely fixed by the company. Also, I was not advised of this problem from the dealer that is uncalled for. So, now I am afraid to drive at night. What does this mean? I can't drive at night?.

Over time, the halogen headlights have dimmed to the point where night-time driving and driving in rain/fog/snow are unsafe. This is not due to the halogen bulb itself, nor clarity of the lens housing, but rather the reflector. This appears to be a very common problem, confirmed by many other Rdx owners. Nhtsa should issue a recall for this part as they have done for similar issues facing the 2014-15 Acura rlx.

I only feel that it is right I complain about the Acura Rdx headlights I really fear I will only end up hurting my self and/or others. The low beam headlight are dangerous at night I barely see the headlight on and when it’s snowing and the night time with no street lights I’m scared for my life. I can only drive my Acura Rdx during the daytime. Please investigate this problem. Thank you.

I drove my wife’s car (this Acura Rdx) the other night and was surprised how poorly I could see with the dim lights. When I was approaching on coming traffic on a rural two line road in the rain and at night, I could not see the center or edge of road line at all. Basically had to look for the elevation or texture difference of the road and grass on the side of the road. It was a very unsafe and scary situation. With passing of on-coming traffic, the return to the bright lights was like night and day. Even with no on-coming traffic, the lighting with dim lights was too dim to drive with. I am so thankful my wife have not been in an accident, but so frustrated that she has been put in that situation without any warning or notification from the manufacture or other. Apparently from what I have read on the web, this situation is well know, but unaddressed. Shame on the industry.

The headlights are very dim. Provides limited viewing at night. I see this is a well known issue with similar models, but not this one. I did call for repair and it is extremely expensive for what I feel should be a safety recall. This unfortunately will impact but future decisions and thoughts about the Acura. I love everything else about my experience with this car, but this major safety issue not being recalled is of great concern. Is there anything I can do about getting this covered? sincerely, lori engstrand.

Vehicle has 80k miles. Low beam headlights are very dim, making it dangerous to drive at night. I haven't taken it anywhere to be inspected. Based on some searches on the internet this is a very common issue for Rdx base models from years 2013 - 2015.

Dim headlights due to projector housing malfunctions. Original headlights have burned reflective coating. Vision at night is non existent and driving safely at night is not possible. This seems to be a common problem Acura refuses to acknowledge. The vehicle supposedly was checked by caravan before I purchased it. Led headlights have not helped.

Low beam headlights are extremely dim and dangerous. Cannot see the lines on the road at night especially if it’s raining there seems to be a common complaint based on an internet search.

The headlights are so dim that we can no longer drive it safely at night. The only apparent fix is to replace the entire headlight assemblies for about$2000.

Low beams are so dim that you cannot tell if the vehicle has its lights on at all. This forces me to use my high beams when driving at night blinding other drivers. Acura has stated that the whole headlight assembly must be replaced. There are no warnings or light bulbs out on the vehicle.

The headlights of my 2015 Acura Rdx have degraded to the point where driving at night is near impossible, but definitely dangerous. The bulbs are relatively new, but the light output only extends a few feet in front of the car. This deterioration has been identified by the dealer as a known issue, but is requiring a substantial replacement cost. The issue is not due to driver negligence. One can find many similar instances of this issue when searching the internet. There are no indicators, warning messages, etc. , as the lights are still functional.