Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Acura RDX - part 1

The light comes on due to an emission system warning, shaking, and a lack of power; the engine is severely misfiring. This is the second time I have complained about this to the NHTSA.

See all problems of the 2018 Acura RDX 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Acura Rdx. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine started shuddering and vibrating, and the vehicle stalled. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the head gasket had failed. The contact was later informed that the bolts on the turbocharger also failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.

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On or about xxx, my 2021 Acura Rdx, with approximately 121,078 miles, suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning lights and system-failure messages while I was driving. These included the check-engine light, road departure mitigation system problem, steering, stability-control, braking-assistance and other driver-assistance warnings. Earlier, the tire-pressure monitoring system had also indicated a malfunction even though the tire pressures were correct. The vehicle initially continued to drive and the conventional brakes appeared to function normally. However, it then began hesitating when I attempted to accelerate. The vehicle would eventually gain speed, but the initial hesitation created a serious safety concern when pulling into traffic or attempting to accelerate. The check-engine light remained solid while the vehicle was stopped but flashed whenever I began driving and accelerating again. No crash, fire or injury occurred. The vehicle had undergone a full diagnostic inspection approximately two weeks earlier, and I was informed that everything checked out properly. There were no known drivability problems before this incident, and the vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by elite Acura, an authorized Acura dealership in [xxx]. The dealership confirmed a head-gasket failure and a problem with the rear differential left-side actuator. The dealer recommended replacing the head gasket, four spark plugs, coolant, oil and filter, as well as replacing the rear differential left-side actuator and changing the differential fluid. The estimated head-gasket repair was $5,391. 46, and the estimated rear differential actuator and fluid service was $813. 85. The dealer also recommended rear brake pads and rotors. The head-gasket and rear differential actuator problems were confirmed by the authorized Acura dealership. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2021 Acura RDX 🔎.

Vehicle lost all coolant and could be smelled. Vehicle was towed to dealership before it could overheat. Diagnosed with a cracked cylinder head at 88,000 miles. Vehicle has never been modified, tracked, nor has it ever overheated. All service has been performed on time and at Acura dealership since I purchased the vehicle brand new. Vehicle is still at dealership. I've researched and found many other owners experiencing the same problem with the crack occurring in the exact same spot on the cylinder head.

There was head gasket failures around cylinders 2 and 3. This allows small amounts of coolant to leak into the engine, causing a distinct startup sputter or a choppy shudder as turbo boost climbs. This is a reoccurring issue with 2019 Acura Rdx the vehicle ran hot while driving and was instructed to turn the vehicle off also the check engine light began to flash on and off.

See all problems of the 2019 Acura RDX 🔎.

On may 25, 2026, while driving my 2016 Acura Rdx awd on the interstate at highway speed, it suddenly began running rough and felt as if I was driving over low, spaced-out speed bumps. The check engine light started flashing, and multiple safety-system warnings appeared, including awd system problem, vehicle stability assist (vsa) problem, hill start assist problem, electric power steering (eps) problem, and lane-keeping warnings. The vehicle lost normal performance, and I was concerned about safely continuing in interstate traffic. The interstate shoulder was narrow, and the shoulder was ending where traffic was merging onto another busy interstate. I pulled over as soon as I could safely do so. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership for diagnosis. The Acura dealership diagnosed internal engine damage, cylinder misfires, and broken piston rings and advised that the engine required replacement. The vehicle had approximately 170,526 miles at the time of failure. Prior to this incident, the vehicle was operating normally, had been regularly maintained, and had not been involved in any collision. There was no indication that an engine failure was imminent. After researching the issue, I learned that Acura and Honda have issued technical service bulletins and warranty extensions involving certain j35 v6 engines equipped with variable cylinder management (vcm), addressing conditions including excessive oil consumption, piston ring problems, spark plug fouling, and cylinder misfires. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden engine failure while operating at highway speed presents a potential safety risk. The failure also caused multiple vehicle systems and warning messages to activate simultaneously. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

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This is a well known problem that when water gets into the intercooler, the car goes into limp mode. This happens to my daughter, while driving 85 miles in the fast lane in the highway. Her check engine light started flashing, she was unable to accelerate, and she was scared! she had to pull over in the left lane, against the median. This is a safety hazard! I am paying over $1000 to have this fixed. TSB 20-053 this should be a recall!!.

Grubbs Acura in grapevine TX has all the information.

Premature valve cover gasket oil leak and rear shock absorber oil leak at 43,818 miles at 43,818 miles on 04/25/2026, Acura dealer documented on ro xxx: "valve cover gasket leaking - recommend replacement $500+tax" and "rear shock/strut starting to leak oil residue $435. 64". This is premature failure. Valve cover oil leak can cause engine fire hazard - oil leaking onto hot exhaust. Rear shock oil leak causes loss of stability and increased stopping distance. Dealer quoted over $3,500. Repaired at independent shop with oem parts for $1,670. Honda case #xxx denied goodwill citing out of warranty. VIN: [xxx], 44k miles, well maintained. Request investigation for 2019 Rdx premature oil leaks. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The car started jerking and overheating. Mechanic says blown head gasket. The car is only 64000 miles.

On 3/26/2026 a symbol of an engine appeared on my dash. Then several minutes later the car began running very rough and numerous warnings signs came on including check engine, check awd system, check power steering system, check uphill assist system and others. I took the car to my mechanic this morning and after checking various systems he determined the cylinder deactivation system was not performing properly. He replaced the spark plug for cylinder 3 and confirmed the ignition coil is functioning properly. He was not able to correct the problem and said I should contact the dealer as he thought Honda had issued an extended recall on the Acura 2013 Rdxs because of this problem. He said this malfunction has caused my awd system to be disabled. I called the dealer and they said there was no recall for this issue. I have an appointment on 3/31 to have them check it out. My car only has 83,635 miles on it.

See all problems of the 2013 Acura RDX 🔎.

Vehicle: 2019 Acura Rdx (technology package) I am reporting a serious safety issue involving sudden loss of engine power while driving. On March 14, 2026, I filled my gas tank before traveling approximately 1. 5 hours out of town. The vehicle operated normally that day. The following morning, during snowy and icy conditions, while accelerating in traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard (“christmas tree” effect), and the steering became very stiff, making it difficult to safely maneuver the vehicle out of traffic. I was able to restart the vehicle, but warning lights remained on. The next day, while driving on the highway under normal conditions, the same issue occurred again. While accelerating, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled in traffic, creating a dangerous situation. In response, the fuel pump inside the gas tank was replaced; however, the problem persists. The vehicle continues to display warning lights and still loses power when accelerating. I contacted an Acura dealership after seeing reports of a fuel pump recall for similar vehicles, but I was told my VIN was not included. Despite this, the symptoms match known fuel pump-related issues. This defect poses a serious safety risk, especially when driving at highway speeds or in traffic, as sudden loss of power and steering assist can lead to a crash. No injuries have occurred yet, but the issue is ongoing and unresolved. I am requesting investigation into this issue as a potential safety defect.

Blown head gasket.

My 2020 vehicle lost all power when I was attempting to pass an 18-wheel trailer on the expressway. I took it to the dealership which was less than a mile away. They told me I needed a head gasket replacement @$6500. They replaced the hg and it ran great for 5-6 months. Then exact same thing happened again on expressway. It was another head gasket. After searching online I found a lot of history on my vehicle where the 2. 0l turbo engine was failing prematurely.

Enginen brake don.

See all problems of the 2017 Acura RDX 🔎.

My Rdx a-spec experienced premature head gasket failure and suspected turbocharger related issues at low moderate mileage. Vehicle shows coolant loss and overheating/midfire symptons, rough idle. Im concerned this may be related to known Honda/Acura 2. 0 turbo engine defects causing unsafe and costly engine damage.

Head gasket failure. Design failure there are grooves holding coolant on the block making the coolant leak into cylinders heads.

We have owned our 2019 Acura Rdx for about 4 years. Roughly 2 years ago my wife called me panicked that the car had lost power and the check engine light was on as she was exiting the freeway. It was a rainy day, she had our kids in the car on the way to a soccer game. I called off work with an emergency, drove an hour to where she was and scanned the car. No codes popped up on my scanner, I started the vehicle and it seemed to run like normal, no check engine light. I had it towed to Honda of gresham, or and after a week or so they called and said they couldn't find anything wrong with our vehicle. I paid for a oil change, a tow and a dealer diagnostics and was told they could not find anything. $500 later no answers. Fast forward 2 years oct 26th 2025 I was driving the Rdx this time, in the rain on the freeway. Wife and kids in the car. Went to accelerate past a slow driver and the car went into limp mode. Check engine light flashing and limited to 40 mph or so, I put the hazards on as I was on a single lane bridge with traffic behind me. I pulled over after the bridge and turned the vehicle off. After 5 minutes or so I started the car again and everything seems fine, no check engine lights nothing seems off. I continued on down the freeway without any more incident. I started researching what is going on and find many many reports of this same thing. Acura has a TSB for a front mount intercooler as the fix, but when I took ours in for the stated problem they couldn't find a problem. This car looks beautiful, but it's a safety hazard on the freeway when moisture is present, we live in the pnw and it rains 7 months out of the year. I have owned 10-12 hondas in my lifetime and this 2019 Acura Rdx is the worst. Absolutely a safety hazard to my family. Disappointed this will be the last Honda we buy.

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.

See all problems of the 2025 Acura RDX 🔎.

While driving in the rain, after an hour long drive home from philadelphia back to reading, taking [xxx] and [xxx], I accelerated my vehicle while going around 50 mph and immediately was faced with a blinking check engine light and lost the ability to accelerate. My Acura essentially went into, what others call, limp mode while in sport mode. I filled my car with 93 gas around 20 minutes before this. After losing acceleration, I pulled over on the highway and the check engine light disappeared. After which, I still was unable to accelerate after leaving the car in park. After I turned the car off and turned the car back on maybe 30 seconds later, I was then able to accelerate and found no issues afterwards. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle should be included in the recall for similar makes and models with the same issue. I almost crashed on the freeway because my high fuel pressure pump stopped working.

The torque converter is defective in my 2018 Acura Rdx. I have received flashing warning lights on my dashboard in red " check transmission. " this warning light is due to Acura's defective torque converter. The torque converter affects the shifting of power during driving and cause hesitance or shuddering when attempting to accelerate. Which causes my vehicle to sometimes to have a decrease in power . This affects my safety while driving my 2018 Acura Rdx. Acura is aware of this defect and safety risk. Acura client relations informed me that Acura was mandated by the government to provide a warranty extension for the 2017-2018 torque converter. I received one of these notices and took my car for the repair. I left my car with the dealership for 6 days. The dealership decided that they will not repair my car because they have determined my car has a "branded title. " I purchased my vehicle used from an auto body shop. My vehicle was declared to be salvaged. My engine/transmission/torque converter is the original on my Acura Rdx. And was never damaged or repaired. My Rdx torque defect should be a safety recall because it affects my safety.

Completed 100,000-mile service work at the dealership, 1 month following the work, while driving, all engine codes went off and the car went into "limp mode". I was unable to drive at normal speeds while on a major highway and going through a busy intersection. After multiple assessments at the same dealership, a "software update", a replaced spark plug (that was previously replaced during service work a month prior), it was found to have a warped head gasket with coolant leaking into the engine. It has not been inspected by police or insurance agents. It has been inspected by shottenkirk Acura of huntsville (alabama) and a secondary mechanic with the same findings of engine failure. This should not occur at 116,000 miles in a Honda motor!.

The engine upper magnesium intake manifold is spider cracked around several mating half bolts causing an engine emission warning light to illuminate for bank #2 lean code. I believe the part number for the upper intake manifold is p/n 17160-5g0-a00. 2017 Acura Rdx with 84,000 miles. The Acura mechanic knew what the issue was right away stating that it’s known problem with the magnesium intake manifold, but Acura doesn’t have a recall.

On July 12, 2025 my husband, the driver, and myself, owner of the vehicle and passenger this day, were driving on the freeway at approximately 7:00am in the middle lanes of the freeway. Without any codes or warnings beforehand, we heard the car make alarming beeps and automatically loss all power to the engine while traveling at highway speeds. This situation put my husband and my lives at risk and in a dangerous situation as there was traffic on a busy freeway and lost all power to the vehicle and made even maneuvering off the freeway a dangerous action as we had no warning beforehand there was something wrong. My husband was able to get us safely out of harms way. After being diagnosed at a mechanic, it turns out this problem happened due to a cracked cylinder head and had no previous warnings of an issue and no warning lights on the vehicle alerting to a problem, I will have the cylinder head in my possession and the mechanic I took my vehicle stated it cannot be ruled out this could be a manufacturer’s or casting defect. I tried contacting Acura corporation about this situation but was told that since I did not take it to a dealership and have a certified tech look at my vehicle, there will be no case and no type of remedy or reimbursement for this situation.

I have a 2021 Acura Rdx a-spec aw and ever since I had a brakes problem, when applying brakes will not take break promptly kept slipping like going I address this to the dealer numerous time and what they said is that they haven’t had a recall in order to know what really the problem is I think is due to my calipers and probably rotors, but I think is the cut for defect on these 2021 Acura Rdx . Also my engine been leaking oil from the top rear side and rear the valve cover this need to be addressed and I have made a complaint to Acura Honda the corp. And they said they haven’t been a recall for this. Also, I would like someone to look at this matter break and engine problem due to a leak that could cost a fire.

It was raining and I was sat at a stop light. The brakes started to slip a little no matter how much I pressed then all of a sudden the entire car started shutting down. Engine, transmission, power steering, lane keep assist, collision warning, all the lights started flashing. The car was put into limp mode.

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. The new problem includes the electrical system outage plus engine stalling during traffic. Very scary and unacceptable for any car.

If the vehicle goes over 65 mph the transmission light starts blinking on the dashboard.

While accelerating off the entrance ramp onto the highway, the engine randomly slows down automatically…the car reduced speed drastically without applying brakes and without cars around me or in front of me.

The auto-stop feature on my 2019 Acura Rdx has resulted in my car abruptly shutting down twice now -- today it happened when I slowed to a stop at an intersection. Basically, rather than just shutting the engine off while idling, it shuts of the electrical (dashboard and infotainment -- all systems) and engine and then immediately restarts with the car in park. There was no warning sound or light prior to the car turning off and restarting. Obviously, it is very dangerous for a car to turn off unexpectedly, and I'm thankful that I was braking to a stop at a red light and had time for the engine to turn back on, and to put car back in drive.

Nhta recall 23v-858 this particular recall has been active since 12-18-2023. I have checked with my local dealership, scanlon Acura in ft myers, FL, to arrange for a repair several times. Each time I have been told that they do not have the part. On Friday, 12-6-2024, a spoke to a service representative at the dealership. He advised me that they did have the part and scheduled an appointment to replace the defective part on Monday, 12-9-2024. When I arrived at the dealership, I was told that they did not have the part. Something is not right here. I suspect that the dealership does not want to replace the part because it is time-consuming, expensive, and represents an action where they do not receive enough compensation. This recall has been active for nearly a year, and NHTSA should intervene to expedite this process in order to prevent possible car crashes and injuries.

I am unable to find a dealership that will perform the repair, please help. They all say they are short or parts and are only fixing vehicles experiencing issues. I lose power when accelerating all the time but this apparently is not enough.

I started driving on the freeway for a few miles in the rain and suddenly started to hear a low rumble/rattling sound from the engine area. The car began to cycle through error messages for every one of the electronic safety systems (brake system, vehicle stability assist system, electric power steering system, adaptive cruise control system, collision mitigation braking, & road departure mitigation) the car then began to lose drive power (wouldn’t maintain/increase speed when pressing the gas pedal). I moved over to the furthest right lane/slow lane and continued to lose propulsion from the gas pedal. Being forced to such a slow speed on the freeway in inclement weather was very unsafe for me and my wife who was in the car with me. I had to drive on the shoulder in order to exit the freeway and the engine rattle got increasingly louder and worse sounding. I pulled into a parking lot and the car was not drivable. Aaa tow to a aaa certified mechanic repair shop and was told that there was metal debris in the oil pan and oil filter which was signs a faulty engine components that has now destroyed the motor. I’m currently without the Rdx and being told it is in need of a whole new motor.

Premature defective hydraulic timing belt tensioner similarly to the 2018 and 2019 Rdx under recall. The seal in the tensioner prematurely aged causing hydraulic leakage making it unable to maintain timing belt tension. If the tensioner fail at highway speed causing the timing belt to skip leading to out of timing and major engine malfunction.