2013 Acura RDX Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 89about this part
- Share
- 55%of 162 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 89 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Acura RDX, 55% of the 162 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Both headlights are too dim to safely drive at night. I was pulled over by a state trooper for not having my lights on when they were actually on. Acura has a recall for this issue on the 2014 ilx. The 2013 RDX should also be included in this recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11384194, filed 2020-12, 102,000 miles“It is a commonly known (with consumers) problem, that manufacturers choose to ignore. I have a 2013 Acura RDX, that I bought new in december 2012. The vehicle has never been in any type of accident. The vehicle has always been maintained by myself, or an Acura/honda dealership. My problem are the headlights. I can not see much with them anymore. I have never put any aftermarket LED type or other bulbs, nor have they ever been altered in any way. I replaced the bulbs (with oem style) thinking it was the bulbs themselves, with the same results. …”
NHTSA complaint #11391070, filed 2021-02, 150,000 miles“Headlights are very dim. Because of dimness of my headlights, others car were not able to see me and came in front of me, the lights are so dim that I can’t see at night, rain, snow and just simply can’t see the line. I’m going to take my car into to dealership to formally get diagnosed but apparently his is ongoing problem on this models”
NHTSA complaint #11510490, filed 2023-03“My headlights are dim and this started happening about 3 years ago when my car 7-years-old. I have to use my brights to drive at night. The Ron Tonkin Acura of Portland, OR told me the projectors are bad and that both headlights need to be placed for $2000. This is luxury vehicle and this situation is ridiculous. This needs to be a recall. Others have complained online about the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11617528, filed 2024-10“Halogen headlights are dangerously dim. You almost cannot tell they are even on. We’ve had this car for years and we won’t drive it at night. According to a lot of other owners - they have the same problem. Dealer confirmed it is a known problem but the only way to fix it is to replace the entire housing at $3,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11501554, filed 2023-01Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 8% |
| 2023 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 344 | 83% |
| 2014 | 163 | 67% |
| 2013 | 89 | 55% |
| 2012 | 1 | 7% |
| 2011 | 3 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2013 Acura RDX
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Acura RDX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology