Acura RLX Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Acura RLX model year (2014–2020) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Acura RLX Years to Avoid
5 recalls · 79 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 94
3 recalls · 11 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 20
3 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 9
Best Acura RLX Years to Buy
0 recalls · 1 complaint
Main area: SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 1
1 recall · 1 complaint
Main area: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Problem score: 4
0 recalls · 4 complaints
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 6
Found the right year? Verify that specific RLX with a free VIN report.
Acura RLX — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | 9 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 4 | 7 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 4 | 6 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 3 | 11 | 20 | Good |
| 2014 | 5 | 79 | 94 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Acura RLX Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent RLX models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2020 stands out with just 4 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade RLX units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year RLX should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2014 Acura RLX if possible. It has 5 recalls, 79 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is STEERING. The overall problem score is 94 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year RLX to buy?+
The 2017 Acura RLX is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 1. It has only 0 recalls and 1 complaint on record with NHTSA.
Which RLX has the fewest problems?+
The 2017, 2020, 2016 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Acura RLX Research
Check a Specific Acura RLX 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.
Run a Free VIN Report →