JH4KC2F9XJC0004742018 ACURA RLXSport Hybrid with Advance Package
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. 6 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2018 ACURA RLX
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. 6 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
6 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (50%), Electrical (33%), Fuel System (17%).
Title Brand Check
Mined 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 Specifications
Decoded 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 Quality
Plant: SAYAMA, SAITAMA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
- ▸Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events
- ⚠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.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
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.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EV battery thermal management coolant degrades over time. A failing cooling system accelerates battery degradation and can cause thermal events. Service per manufacturer schedule.
Electric drive units use gear oil that degrades with age. Neglected fluid causes bearing wear in the reduction gear. Replacement is typically $50–$150.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
1 RECALLNHTSA 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.
Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~75%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
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
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...
~25% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
Complaint Intelligence
6 complaints analyzed across 3 system categories
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME6 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
The first time I heard the engine noise was on [XXX]. I brought the vehicle to the Schaumburg Muller Acura dealership and dropped it off on May 20. On May 21, the dealership performed an initial inspection and informed me that they needed authorization to further disassemble the engine in order to determine the cause of the problem. I provided that authorization, and by May 22 the engine had been torn down to the point where the failure could be identified. On May 22, I spoke with my service advisor, Ken, who informed me that the connecting rod bearings were worn and that the engine would need to be replaced. I was sent photographs, a video, and an estimate for the repair totaling $12,943.83. While I was shocked by the cost, Ken advised me that the dealership would be contacting Acura to request goodwill assistance on my behalf. Because this occurred immediately before the Memorial Day weekend, several days passed before I received an update. On May 30, a different service advisor informed me that Acura had approved $8,000 in goodwill assistance. During that conversation, he asked me, “The original estimate was around $16,000, right?” I knew that was incorrect, as the estimate I had received was $12,943.83. Concerned by the discrepancy, I contacted Acura Customer Relations on June 1 and opened a case for review. Later that same day, I spoke with Ken and provided him with the case number. During that conversation, he informed me that the original estimate had been incorrect because certain parts and/or labor had allegedly been omitted. I was then told that the actual repair cost would be approximately $18,000 to $19,000 plus tax. While I can understand minor adjustments to an estimate, a difference of several hundred dollars or even $1,000 might be reasonable. However, an increase of approximately $6,000 from the original estimate is extremely concerning and raises serious questions about the accuracy of the repair assessment and cost estimate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving her vehicle at an undisclosed speed, stated that the vehicle would not start up, and noticed every single waring light illuminated up on her dash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice, first time it was diagnosed to have a crank sensor failure, it was replaced. Two days after, the issues reoccurred, where it was diagnosed to be the engine starter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
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.
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.
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.
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 Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 6 NHTSA complaints on file for the ACURA RLX — a relatively low volume that spans from 2024 to 2026.
The amber reliability line averaged 97/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 95/100 in 2026.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,364 (~$806/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile. Hybrid powertrain reduces fuel costs via regenerative braking.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2018 ACURA RLX — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-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.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for JH4KC2F9XJC000474. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What 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 Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JH4KC2F9XJC000474 |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Make | ACURA |
| Model | RLX |
| Trim | Sport Hybrid with Advance Package |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.5 |
| Horsepower | 310 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. |
| Assembly City | SAYAMA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
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 Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 6 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
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.
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: 6/29/2026, 4:15:26 PM.