Acura RLX Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Acura RLX model year (2014–2020) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Acura RLX Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 67 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 76
1 recall · 10 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 13
0 recalls · 7 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 13
Best Acura RLX Years to Buy
0 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 2
1 recall · 3 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 6
1 recall · 3 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 | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 9 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 2 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 7 | 3 | — | 13 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 10 | — | — | 13 | Good |
| 2014 | 3 | 67 | — | — | 76 | Avoid |
All 7 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Acura RLX Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent RLX models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2020 stands out with just 6 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 3 recalls, 67 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 76 — 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 2. It has only 0 recalls and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which RLX has the fewest problems?+
The 2017, 2018, 2020 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 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.
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