Best & Worst Acura RDX Years: Models To Avoid

Our ranking of the Acura RDX years allows you to avoid buying the worst Acura RDX years and purchase the best Acura RDX years.

Here is the ultimate guide to determining which Acura RDX generation is best to buy, and which Acura RDX generation should be avoided.

With data from reliable sources such as NHTSA, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds, I will examine the Acura RDX’s common problems and standout features.

Let’s get started.

Acura RDX Generations

RDX is an Acura luxury vehicle that offers a combination of performance and opulence. With features such as a turbocharged engine and an all-wheel drive system that provided exceptional handling, the RDX built on the RDX’s reputation to pioneer the compact luxury SUV category.

Acura RDX generational changes since its inception are summarized below.

Understanding the differences between generations is key to determining which model year is best suited to an individual’s preferences and needs.

Acura RDX Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

We use a variety of substantial and diverse sources of data in assessing Acura RDX years that are best and worst:

• Owner-reported reliability surveys
• Costs associated with maintenance on an annual basis
• Rating systems for safety
• Consumer Reports’ reliability ratings
• Consumer Reports’ owner satisfaction scores
• NHTSA investigations, recalls, and complaints
• The owners’ ratings on Edmunds
• JD Power owner ratings
• Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
• VehicleHistory owner ratings
• Cars.com owner ratings

Following is a table that identifies the best, neutral, and worst Acura RDX model years based on extensive research.

We heavily rely on NHTSA recalls in our evaluations, for example. It is clear from recalls and complaints associated with a particular model year that reliability issues are more prevalent.

Taking a look at the Acura RDX’s best, neutral, and worst years is next.

Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 1st Generation (2007-2012)

As Acura’s first entry into the compact luxury SUV segment, the RDX 1st Generation was introduced in 2007. Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book give this generation of the Acura RDX an average reliability rating of 4.5.

Acura RDX models from 2007 to 2012 are the best buys, while early model years 2007 to 2009 are the worst.

The Best Years: 2010, 2011, 2012

In the first generation Acura RDX, 2010, 2011, and 2012 were the best years.

The Acura RDX this year is notable due to Acura’s apparent improvement over last year’s model. Consequently, it received 82 points from J.D. Ford, 4.8 from Cars.com, and 4.4 from CarSmite.

With its 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Acura SportShift automatic transmission delivers 240 horsepower. As part of the first-generation Acura RDX, Acura offered its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD).

In cities, Consumer Reports reported that this vehicle consumed 13 mpg and on highways, it used 25 mpg.

Aside from the powerful engine, the RDX is distinguished by an advanced infotainment system, seamless smartphone integration, and an upgraded sound system.

Driver convenience and safety were both enhanced with innovative features, including lane assist and advanced braking systems.

There were a few issues with the powertrain on the first-generation Acura RDX in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2009

It is typically problematic for vehicles to remain on the market for more than a few years after they are introduced, and this was also true for the 2009 RDX.

Several owners reported battery drain problems with their 2007 Acura RDX, particularly with Bluetooth Handsfree Link (HFL), which they attributed to the Bluetooth system.

A more pressing issue was that the ignition had intermittent problems releasing keys and the Vehicle Stability Assist malfunctioned frequently.

Acura RDX 2007 problems didn’t end there, however. As a result of unpredictable accelerations and decelerations, this model year was characterized by more than just inconveniences, but also genuine safety concerns. The 2008 Acura RDX also suffered from this issue, as did the 2007 model.

Transmission problems, jerking, and shuddering are among the new challenges facing the 2009 Acura MDX. Owners frequently complained about unintended acceleration.

Edmunds wasn’t the only company with an unforgiving attitude; J.D Power (77), VehicleHistory (3.75), and Edmunds (4.4) all reported declines.

Acura RDXs were recalled and remediated by NHTSA in 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 2nd Generation (2013-2018)

By making a radical shift from its predecessor, the second generation Acura RDX redefined compact luxury SUV standards. This generation’s early years – 2013, 2014, and 2015 – were plagued with powertrain problems and headlight problems, which may explain why they were ruled out as Acura RDX years to avoid.

My recommendation for the 2016 Acura RDX is based on reliability and value. 

The Best Years: 2016, 2017, 2018

Facelifted Acura RDXs from 2016, 2017, and 2018 were the most reliable years during the second generation.

Engine replacement was a smoother and more powerful 3.5-liter SOHC V6 with 279 horsepower, replacing the earlier 2.3-liter turbo-four.

Added to the AWD system is a 6-speed automatic transmission that can send up to 50% torque to the rear wheels (on wet surfaces), up from 25% in the previous model. The vehicle was also more fuel efficient, achieving 14 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway in addition to improving fuel efficiency.

Cabin materials were better, ergonomics were better, and the infotainment system was easier to use. The exterior was updated with LED headlamps and taillamps (resolving headlight problems) in the early years.

AcuraWatch features such as Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control are also included in the 2016 RDX.

However, there were a few minor complaints during these years. Hard shifts and jerking continued to plague transmissions despite less severity than previous years.

Despite these setbacks, Consumer Reports ratings showed that the 2018 Acura RDX was highly reliable, with the highest reliability rating.

The Worst Years: 2013, 2014, 2015

Pre-facelift models – 2013, 2014, and 2015 – have been subject to a number of NHTSA recalls and complaints. There are a few Acura RDX years to avoid.

RDX 2013 looked promising on paper with its newer V6 engine and technological advancements.

In most cases, owners complained about transmissions slipping, jerking, or shuddering.

RDX’s brake-shift interlock mechanism was recalled in 2013, adding to the issues of the year.

Owners complained about dimming headlights over time, which limited nighttime visibility.

Despite trying to improve on its predecessor’s foundation, the Acura MDX 2014 continued some of the problems of its predecessor. The transmission glitches mentioned above did not improve things.

Many RDX owners know that defective shock absorbers can cause clunking sounds in the rear. There were also issues with the headlights, as in the previous year.

Many owners were still concerned about the dimming headlights of the 2015 Acura RDX, despite expectations it would turn around.

A recall and criticism by the NHTSA was made in 2013, 2014, and 2015 regarding the Acura RDX.

Best & Worst Years for Acura RDX 3rd Generation (2019-2023)

With the introduction of the 3rd Generation Acura RDX, a new chapter in the vehicle’s history began, one that would deliver innovation, sophistication, and performance.

The 2019-2020 Acura RDX has notable owner dissatisfaction, according to Consumer Reports, Edmunds, J.D. Power, and CarSmite ratings. The third generation of Acura RDX is recommended for buyers between 2022 and 2023.

The Best Years: 2022, 2023

Having overcome the challenges of their early years, the Acura RDX models of 2022 and 2023 earned the title of the best Acura RDX generation.

Both models were equipped with an advanced 2.0-liter 272 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder K20C4 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission to achieve a combined fuel efficiency of 15 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

This vehicle also had an impressive infotainment system featuring a touchpad interface that was a benchmark in user-friendliness.

Safety was also improved, with AcuraWatch adding an additional layer of security. A standard feature is Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM).

It was apparent that Acura’s luxury commitment was reflected in the cabin’s plush materials and ergonomic design as well.

Consumer Reports awarded it the highest reliability rating, J.D Power awarded it the highest owner satisfaction rating, and Cars.com gave it the highest overall purchase satisfaction rating.

The Worst Years: 2019, 2020, 2021

2019 is considered the worst year of the current generation of Acura RDX due to low ratings and a high number of complaints from owners.

According to Edmunds’ score of 3.3, J.D Power’s score of 73, and Cars.com’s score of 4.3, 2019 is the Acura RDX’s year to avoid.

With transmission failures that led to sudden deceleration, the smooth ride became a safety concern. The occurrence of check engine light illuminations along with a loss of motive power is alarmingly common.

These technical difficulties were compounded by random window shattering, which puzzled both owners and critics alike.

Brake Hold has been problematic for some, since it frequently releases when the engine is re-engaged by Auto Start-Stop.

Honda did acknowledge some of these problems, including recalls for the 2019 and 2020 RDX models about fuel pump failures that could cause engine stalling.

These lingering issues, particularly Brake Hold, continued to plague the 2020 and 2021 models despite incremental improvements.

As of 2019, 2020, and 2021, four Acura RDXs have been recalled and complained about by the NHTSA. Here is more information about the best and worst vehicle models.

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Conclusion

Knowing this information can help you determine which Acura RDX year is best for you. In terms of Acura RDX model years, the best are the facelift years of each generation, which include models from 2010 to 2012, 2016 to 2018, and 2022 to 2023.

In your experience, what is the best or worst year of the Acura RDX? How do you feel about this vehicle? How likely are you to recommend it to others?

Let us know what you think in the comments!