Acura RDX Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Acura RDX model year (2007–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Acura RDX Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 281 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 298
2 recalls · 243 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Problem score: 255
4 recalls · 221 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 247
Best Acura RDX Years to Buy
1 recall · 9 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 12
1 recall · 10 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 13
1 recall · 13 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 16
Found the right year? Verify that specific RDX with a free VIN report.
Acura RDX — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 36 | — | — | 39 | Good |
| 2024 | 2 | 11 | 4 | — | 25 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 2 | 10 | — | — | 16 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 1 | 17 | 2 | — | 24 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 2 | 84 | 2 | — | 94 | Good |
| 2020 | 4 | 221 | 7 | — | 247 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 3 | 281 | 4 | — | 298 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 1 | 49 | 3 | — | 58 | Good |
| 2017 | 1 | 57 | 1 | — | 62 | Good |
| 2016 | 1 | 29 | 3 | — | 38 | Good |
| 2015 | 2 | 243 | 3 | — | 255 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 1 | 120 | — | — | 123 | Caution |
| 2013 | 2 | 73 | 2 | — | 83 | Good |
| 2012 | 1 | 10 | — | — | 13 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 1 | 9 | — | — | 12 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 1 | 16 | 1 | — | 21 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 1 | 13 | — | — | 16 | Excellent |
| 2008 | 1 | 16 | — | — | 19 | Excellent |
| 2007 | 1 | 35 | 4 | — | 46 | Good |
All 20 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Acura RDX Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent RDX models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade RDX units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder RDX models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year RDX should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2019 Acura RDX if possible. It has 3 recalls, 281 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 298 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year RDX to buy?+
The 2011 Acura RDX is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 12. It has only 1 recall and 9 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which RDX has the fewest problems?+
The 2011, 2012, 2009 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Acura RDX Research
Check a Specific Acura RDX VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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