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JH4KC2F9XJC0004742018 ACURA RLXSport Hybrid with Advance Package

Risk Score
23
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Safety Recalls
1 Found
1 campaign
NHTSA Complaints
4
Reported to NHTSA
Safety Rating
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
Vehicle Age
8 yrs
Made in JAPAN
Safety Grade
C
Score: 75/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2018 ACURA RLX was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • ▸1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • ▸Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
  • ▸Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
23/100
Moderate Risk
2 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 2 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts
Title Brand CheckMined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Vehicle SpecificationsDecoded from NHTSA vPIC database
Make
ACURA
Model
RLX
Year
2018
Trim / Series
Sport Hybrid with Advance Package
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
6-cyl 3.5L 310 hp
Transmission
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Doors
4
Manufacturer
HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Assembly
SAYAMA, SAITAMA, JAPAN
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Electrification
Strong HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
Assembly Plant QualityPlant: SAYAMA, SAITAMA
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 SAYAMA, SAITAMA

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
Safety IntelligenceComposite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
Overall Safety Grade
C
Score: 75/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety25/30
Complaint History30/30
Recall Risk Score
15/100Low
  • ▸Fuel system recall
Modern Safety Index
63/100
Advanced
12 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Pedestrian AEB
Fire Risk Assessment
Low
  • ▸1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
  • ▸Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events
Lemon Law Risk Indicator
Moderate
  • ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Recall + Complaint Convergence

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Fuel System
↻ 1 recall✦ 1 complaint
Driver Assistance FeaturesADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Forward Collision Warning✓Standard
Automatic Emergency Braking✓Standard
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning✓Standard
Lane Keep Assist✓Standard
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring✓Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control✓Standard
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam✓Standard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera✓Standard
Electronic Stability Control✓Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support✓Standard
Keyless Ignition✓Standard
Recalls
Deferred Failure RiskComponents and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
70/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 4 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
⚠No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~96,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
DUE SOONCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~96,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Timing Chain Tensioner service before 120,000 mi
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Service interval: 4 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Differential / Transfer Case Fluid immediately — already past the 50,000 mi / 4 yr interval
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
DUE SOONModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~96,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Fuel Injectors service before 120,000 mi
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
11 RECALL
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~75%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

75%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

ACURA Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
92%Good

ACURA completes recalls at a good rate (92%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
16mo
#23V858000
Invalid Date

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Read full details...
ConsequenceFuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~75%

~25% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall IntelligenceDetailed analysis of recall history and severity
Systems Recalled
Fuel System
Recall Remedy Breakdown
1
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
Complaints
Complaint Intelligence4 complaints analyzed across 3 system categories
By System / Component
Engine/Powertrain
2
Electrical
1
Fuel System
1
Complaint Trend by Year
2024
2
2025
1
2026
1
Complaint Trend
Accelerating +100%
4
Last 24 months
0
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

Owner Complaints4 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
4
ODI #11722582ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the headlight failure message was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure started occurring in 2023. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that, because she was not the first owner, assistance was denied. The approximate failure mileage was 110,785.

ODI #11642306ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the oil change and tire rotation messages were displayed. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that an oil change and tire rotation were performed, and the contact was informed that the engine was knocking. The contact received a call notification from the dealer two days after the vehicle was repaired regarding the connecting rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the issue would be escalated to a higher department. The failure mileage was 92,000.

ODI #11628568FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

ODI #11624761ENGINE

My vehicle has the same 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 that comes in the Acrua MDX which is currently on recall for connecting rod bearings on vehicles with 3.5-liter V6 engines can fail, leading to complete engine failure. my car has the excact same engin with the exact same problem. i have the full diagnosis and estimate from Acura ENGINE REPLACEMENT

Component Failure Cascade RiskKnown patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
HighFUEL PUMP issue detected

▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways

Complaint & Reliability TimelineAnnual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints and reliability score for ACURA RLX — recall years marked in red
012050100202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 4 NHTSA complaints on file for the ACURA RLX — a relatively low volume that spans from 2024 to 2026.

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 94/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

Details & Analysis
Financial
5-Year Total Cost of OwnershipEstimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
$43,114
~$719/mo over 5 yrs
$0.4/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$17,500
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $43,114 (~$719/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation AmmunitionUse these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
Total recommended deduction−$500
Pre-Purchase Inspection ChecklistTailored for the 2018 ACURA RLX — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
HIGH
Inspect for fuel pump issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP has been repaired
Recall on record for: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback,
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
Recall Probability ForecastEstimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
20%
18-month
36%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 36%

20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
Maintenance ScheduleOEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Official ACURA Maintenance Guide ↗Search Owner's Manual ↗

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Insurance Cost EstimateEstimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Full Coverage
$2,060–$2,620/yr
~$172–$218/mo
Liability Only
$590–$750/yr
~$49–$63/mo
Category: Near-Luxury
▼ 8-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal ProtectionsWhat consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data TableAll decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINJH4KC2F9XJC000474
Model Year2018
MakeACURA
ModelRLX
TrimSport Hybrid with Advance Package
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Drive Type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionDual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

Engine

Engine Cylinders6
Displacement (L)3.5
Horsepower310

Manufacturer

ManufacturerHONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Assembly CitySAYAMA
Assembly CountryJAPAN

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)JH4
Check Digit (Char 9)X
Model Year Code (Char 10)J
Plant Code (Char 11)C
Sequence (Chars 12–17)000474

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count4
VIN Structure DecodeISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
J
1
H
2
4
3
K
4
C
5
2
6
F
7
9
8
X
9
J
10
C
11
0
12
0
13
0
14
4
15
7
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
J
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
H
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
4
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
KC2F9
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
X
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
J
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
C
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
000474
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Japan
From VIN position 1 (J)
Model Year Character
"J" → 2018
Could also be 1988
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
ℹ

Production sequence #474 — one of the first units built this model year. Early production runs sometimes have higher defect rates as assembly lines are calibrated.

Research This Model
Reliability Scores
Year-by-year reliability ratings
Years to Avoid
Best & worst model years ranked
Common Problems
Owner complaints & known defects
All NHTSA Recalls
Complete recall campaign history
View all ACURA VIN reports →← New Lookup

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/14/2026, 10:19:00 PM.