Table 1 shows one common electrical system related problems of the 2023 Acura RDX.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Electrical System problems |
This is a follow-up to my earlier complaint about the same vehicle, a 2023 Acura Rdx a-spec advance. In August 2026 the vehicle was stolen from a public street after offenders broke through the exterior driver’s door handle, reached the wiring behind it, and lowered the window to get inside. On oct 15th, offenders attacked the same driver’s door handle on the same vehicle in what appears to be a second attempt using the same method. The handle was broken, but because we spent a lot of money installing more security, the vehicle was not taken. Two attacks on one vehicle in about two months, both starting at the exterior handle, suggest the method is known and repeatable. We have heard this exactly from police and repair shops too. The door’s window and lock circuitry appears to respond to input at the handle area without authentication, so physical access to that point is enough to defeat the locking system and lower all windows. I am a repeat Rdx owner (2008, 2017, and 2023 models) and did not experience this on earlier generations. I ask NHTSA to investigate whether the third-generation door and window architecture is vulnerable, whether other Acura and Honda models share it, and whether a remedy, such as requiring key authentication before the window circuit responds, is warranted. Police reports were filed for both incidents, and I can provide the damaged handle for inspection.
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. I am reporting this because I am concerned there may be a vulnerability involving the door-lock, alarm, immobilizer, and other related electronic security systems that could allow unauthorized entry and theft. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate whether similar incidents have been reported involving 2023 Acura Rdx vehicles or other vehicles manufactured by american Honda motor CO. Including Honda and Acura vehicles.
On 8-20-26, my Rdx was stolen while legally parked in front of our home, only 10 days after I traded in my previous 2017 Rdx for this vehicle. I am a repeat Acura Rdx owner, having also previously owned a 2008 Rdx. I did not experience or become aware of this vulnerability on either of those earlier generation vehicles; it appears specific to the current (third) generation Rdx's door/window electrical architecture. The method used to steal the vehicle exploited what appears to be a design vulnerability in the driver's door: the offender(s) forcibly broke/punched through the exterior door handle assembly to gain direct physical access to the internal door wiring harness located behind it. Using that access, they manually activated the power window motor circuit to lower the driver's side window, then reached through the opening to unlock and open the door — completely bypassing the vehicle's locking and anti-theft system. Component that failed: the driver's door window motor control circuit / door control module wiring. The circuit appears to respond to direct voltage/signal applied to the wiring without any authentication, verification of key fob presence, or confirmation that a legitimate occupant is issuing the command. This means physical access to the wiring — obtainable simply by breaking the exterior handle housing — is sufficient to defeat the entire vehicle security system. The vehicle itself is no longer available for inspection in its as-stolen condition, as it was recovered by police in a different location and condition; the damaged handle and wiring may still show evidence of the breach method. Safety risk: this defect allowed an unauthorized individual to gain full entry to and control of the vehicle in under a minute, without needing a key, fob, or any electronic bypass tool, defeating the purpose of the vehicle's locking system entirely. This creates both a theft risk and a broader safety risk, since anyone with knowledge of this meth.
Gps has stopped working. This affects navigation safety. Also, creates clock error and compass error. It's dangerous to get lost and disoriented. This is a common problem in many Acuras. Needs to be a recall.
The infotainment screen went blank 4 times. It works intermittently and reset itself. The dealer performed service bulletin s/b 24-004 on may 21, 2024. Since then it has gone out twice. I taking the vehicle in again. I seen there are issues with that system draining the battery and the car not starting. That had to me this morning.
The infotainment system on this vehicle keeps failing when using apple carplay. The problem consistently happens when driving. The problem consists of the apple carplay going black screen and disconnecting entirely and then taking long to reconnect. This is a safety issue if you’re using the gps navigation from ios while driving. The problem has been reported to the Acura service dealer multiple times and they were able to reproduce it as well. They have said there is an interruption caused by satellite communications interfering with carplay while driving. They said currently no fix for this issue.
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 my second visit to the dealership I was advised by the service advisor at the dealership, that Honda is ‘aware of an uptick in reports with android auto and new phone models, and there is no fix identified, and any fix will most likely be with a software update. ’ I as also advised that as an alternate method of restoring the connection between the phone and the car is to turn off the WI-fi and bluetooth connections on the phone, then turn it back on, and once its turned back on, use the infotainment system to reconnect the phone. This advice is reckless at best as it requires me to move my attention from operating the vehicle to resolve this issue.