2017 Acura RDX Problems
Compared with other Acura RDX years
Typical for this model
43/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Acura RDX year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 23 of its 80 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Transmission shudder, hard shifts and torque converter (15 complaints, median 59,934 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2016, 2018
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 80filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 13,500miles, 31 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Acura RDX (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 RDX most often describe transmission trouble — shuddering, delayed or hard shifts and a flashing "D" or transmission warning light — that dealers commonly link to the torque converter or to transmission fluid condition. A second frequent theme is random alarm and dashboard-light activity traced to the keyless access / smart power control unit, while front brake noise and judder, occasional loss of power on acceleration, and airbag warnings with long part waits round out the reports.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, hard shifts and torque converter
- 15 complaints (19%)
- median 59,934 mi at 6.0 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe jerking or harsh upshifts and downshifts, hesitation when pulling away from a stop, and in some cases a transmission warning light or a flashing "D" with a stored P0741 code. Several say the dealer replaced the torque converter or the transmission, while others were told a fluid flush was the first step because the unit is sensitive to fluid condition. Some report the behavior returned after repairs or after driving in Sport mode. Reported from very low mileage up to roughly 80,000-140,000 miles, often described as intermittent.
What to check: Ask for transmission and torque converter service records, check whether any torque converter or P0741-related bulletin work was done, and drive the car from a stop and at steady light-throttle speed to feel for shudder or delayed engagement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The RDX has been experiencing stalls when trying to accelerate, shaking/vibrations when accelerating uphill or around curves in roads. I received a letter about the Torque Converter having its warrantee extended. The letter stated if you are experiences issues related to the torque converter to contact the dealership. I took my RDX to the Acura dealership in which they stated the car did not show the code to have the Torque Converter replaced but instead I needed a transmission flush. …”
NHTSA complaint #11667859, filed 2025-06“Vehicle has ONLY around 83,000 miles on it and needed a whole new torque converter. The vehicle was displaying problems in delay in shifting so I was planing an inspection. However, before the date reached my a check transmission light displayed on my dash so I had to move the inspection date up. No one was harmed but it was concerning to me when I was driving on the highway and saw my check transmission light was on. The dealership I bought it from (CarMax) is currently repairing it and luckily I had an extended warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11634506, filed 2025-01 - Electrical system
Random alarm triggers and flickering dashboard lights
- 11 complaints (14%)
- typically at 8.0 yrs old
- filed 2022–2026
Complaints describe the alarm going off randomly while the car is locked, dashboard lights flashing with clicking noises while the car is off, and in some cases the keyless system failing so the vehicle would not start. Several owners say the keyless access or smart power control unit was identified as the cause and replaced, at significant cost. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 50,000 miles to higher-mileage examples, with no clear weather pattern in the sample.
What to check: With the car locked and off, listen for clicking from the dash and watch for warning lamps cycling; ask whether the keyless access / smart power control unit has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car alarm starting going off at random throughout the night, last night and day today. The car also started flickering all the dashboard lights while the car was turned off completely. This seems like it’s the keyless access unit. I don’t know how the battery is not dead yet but seems like it will be tomorrow. The car has not been diagnosed by a dealership or independent service center but I’m seeing many people say they’ve had this same issue happen to them with the same year, make and model. …”
NHTSA complaint #11670941, filed 2025-07“Locked Acura RDX alarm goes off randomly for no reason. When the alarm is turned off all the lights on the dash are flashing on and off and ticking. The most recent is 8/14/25. But has happened on several occasions especially if locked with the key fob or the lock on exterior of door. On 8/14/2025 it was lock by the inside door lock.”
NHTSA complaint #11680584, filed 2025-08 - Engine
Hesitation, loss of power or unintended acceleration
- 12 complaints (15%)
- median 15,624 mi at 2.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe the engine not responding to the accelerator, jerking and slowly building speed, stalling while driving, and on some occasions unexpected revving or rapid acceleration at low speed or on startup. Dealers often could not reproduce the problem, and in some cases a software update was performed. Reported from as little as a few hundred miles up to about 50,000 miles, usually during normal driving or merging.
What to check: Test acceleration from a stop and while merging, note any hesitation or surging, and ask whether engine software updates or misfire-related diagnostic work were ever performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On Friday May 10, 2022, as I was merging from a local road to the highway, I tried to accelerate to complete a safe merge however, the car stated loosing power and jerking, I had to floor the accelerator to get the power needed to avoid a collision with the vehicle behind me. About 1 mile later, the care started loosing power again and cut out. I restarted and continued driving, a few yards later, the car jerked and all the warning lights came on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11468879, filed 2022-06“This car has just 10,000 miles. When the car started it suddenly over accelerated over 5800 RPM and the engine had to be turned off. Every time the engine was started the motor over running above the 5800rpm. The car was towed to the Acura repair shop. The Acura's mechanic do not find anything wrong. I will like to know if there are other Acura' vehicles that have had this same problem and hoe will be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11386470, filed 2021-01, 10 miles - Brakes
Front brake noise and judder
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 9,146 mi at 0.8 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2024
Owners report squealing or a loud thumping/knocking when releasing the brake from a full stop, and vibration or shaking through the car and steering wheel when braking at higher speeds. Some say rotors were resurfaced or pads replaced and the noise or shake came back; in other cases the brake pedal went to the floor or brakes did not respond as expected. Several reports came in under 10,000 miles, with others later in the car's life.
What to check: Brake firmly from highway speed on the test drive and listen for squeal or feel for shake, and ask for brake pad and rotor service history plus any front brake noise bulletin work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving on a highway and I wanted to slow my car down because I was approaching a construction area. When I applied the brakes the break pedal went right down to the floor. This total break failure did not allow me to stop my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11096578, filed 2018-05, 13,500 miles“Brake noise: brakes make a loud thumping/knocking noise when I step off the brake to start crawling from a complete stop in 'drive' mode (I.e. At a red light or stop sign). Here are videos which demonstrate this. This happens very frequently and is loud. And in rare occasions, the brakes make a squealing noise. Overall, the brakes are working (e.g. I can use them to stop fine) but these issues are frequent enough that it's concerning, irritating and really, just completely embarrassing to drive with such a high-end brand. …”
NHTSA complaint #11035918, filed 2017-10, 100 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on with long waits for parts
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 123,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Owners report the airbag light coming on and the dealer identifying a failed airbag module or sensor, sometimes telling them the car should not be driven. Several describe waiting months for a replacement part with no delivery estimate, and some report airbags not deploying in a collision or questions about recall coverage. Mostly reported on higher-mileage vehicles and on cars several years old.
What to check: Confirm the airbag warning lamp goes out after the self-check on startup, and ask for any open recall or airbag module service history before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle had two recalls for the same problem . It was serviced by the first recall , however the same problem returned with another airbag notification . When I contacted Acura and my dealer they are telling me that despite the latest recall my vehicle is not on the list. I believe it has to be related ,but they cannot tell me why vehicle is exempt from the second recall. I am afraid to drive the vehicle because of the imminent danger . I need your help. I need to know why vehicle is exempt .”
NHTSA complaint #11209546, filed 2019-05, 155,000 miles“Rear ended other vehicle going about 40 plus miles per hour, then another vehicle rear ended me. Upon impact ( which I have pictures of) my driver side seatbelt released completely unbuckled & dangling , my dash lit up & said airbags deployed. But no airbags deployed. In turn upon impact my sternum hit my steering wheel. It busted the radiator so now my car will not even turn on. It is at a Collision Center awaiting adjuster inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11588985, filed 2024-05
Buying note. A 2017 RDX with a documented transmission service history and no lingering warning lights is the safer bet; verify that any torque converter, keyless access unit or airbag work is complete, and budget for possible brake service given how often front brake noise appears in complaints.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 80 consumer complaints for the 2017 Acura RDX. 31 of the complaints include a mileage, and 81% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 13,500 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 120 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Acura RDX model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 43 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system18 23%
- Brakes11 14%
- Engine11 14%
- Other or unknown8 10%
- Air bags5 6.3%
- Fuel system3 3.8%
- Lane departure3 3.8%
Also reported: Body and structure (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seat belts (2), Suspension (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Exterior lighting (1), Steering (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Took off from stop vehicle makes a loud thud and doesn't shift into a gear. Revs up but won't shift. Took it to prime Acura. The couldn't duplicate the problem. Changed transmission, transfer case and rear differential fluids. One month later it happened again. I turn off engine then restart and the problem is gone. Not sure if it will happen again.”
NHTSA complaint #11407549, filed 2021-04, 49,869 milesElectrical system: “This vechicle starts to loose power, jerky acceleration then cuts out completely. All the lights come on including check engine and remains on until I tak it to the dealer. Purchased in march 2018, this is a continual problem and getting worse. Three times in the past month. The dealer kept the vehicle for three weeks from june 20, 2019, after three (3) weeks he told me there was nothing wrong. Problem occured again today, july 28, 2019.”
NHTSA complaint #11240187, filed 2019-07, 43,400 milesBrakes: “While driving with the lane departure system on and cruise control on, the vehicle would unexpectedly brake for no reason. This happened several times. With lane departure system on and cruise control off, the vehicle would occasionally give a brake now warning for no reason. Dealer claims that the issue has been corrected but it is unknown if this is correct.”
NHTSA complaint #11202874, filed 2019-04, 3,000 milesEngine: “I am writing to report a concerning issue with my Acura RDX 2017, which I believe poses a significant safety risk and requires immediate attention from your organization. The problem I encountered while driving jeopardizes the safety of both myself and others on the road. About five days ago, while driving at approximately 20 mph, my vehicle began emitting loud, thunderous sounds, accompanied by intense vibrations that shook the entire car. Additionally, it seemed to struggle when shifting gears, particularly into second or third gear. …”
NHTSA complaint #11579723, filed 2024-03Mileage when problems were reported
81% of the 31 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,000 and 43,400 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Acura RDX. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
| RDX · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Acura RDX version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,750 |
| RDX FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 17V256000Apr 18, 2017Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Acura RDX 2017, Honda CR-V 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 CR-V and Acura RDX vehicles. The Certification Labels on the affected vehicles were printed with ink that may be inadvertently wiped away with an alcohol solvent. As such, these vehicles fail to…
Recall details for the 2017 Acura RDX → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 120 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11019892Jun 4, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up…
- 11019894Jun 3, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up…
- 11017329Apr 18, 2025Engine. Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the…
- 11017327Apr 18, 2025Engine. Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure…
- 10251152Feb 26, 2024Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling. Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the…
- 10245558Nov 17, 2023Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the…
- 10241888Aug 31, 2023Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. Service Bulletin - The lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the…
- 10241881Aug 31, 2023Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling. Dealer Message - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure…
- 10213560May 2, 2022Equipment. Dealer message - American Honda is investigating a potential quality concern with RDX Accessory Cross Bar kit. Due to this investigation, American Honda is requesting all dealers to return any…
- 10211102Apr 13, 2022Engine cooling. Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RDXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X…
Other model years of the Acura RDX
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 30 | 2,100 | 1 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 12 | 16,500 | 2 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 24 | 18,994 | 2 | 5 | 24 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 31 | 8,000 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 117 | 30,000 | 3 | 5 | 24 | 87 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 350 | 6,350 | 5 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 441 | 11,161 | 5 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 78 | 6,500 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 33 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 80 | 13,500 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 41 | 25,500 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 35 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 416 | 55,000 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 89 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 244 | 60,000 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 82 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 162 | 47,500 | 3 | — | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 15 | 40,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Rising |
| 2011 | 16 | 65,335 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 22 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2009 | 15 | 33,899 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Rising |
| 2008 | 33 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 53 | 68,057 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Acura RDX model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Acura RDX?
Owners of the 2017 RDX most often describe transmission trouble — shuddering, delayed or hard shifts and a flashing "D" or transmission warning light — that dealers commonly link to the torque converter or to transmission fluid condition. The issues reported most often: Transmission shudder, hard shifts and torque converter; Random alarm triggers and flickering dashboard lights; Hesitation, loss of power or unintended acceleration.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Acura RDX have?
NHTSA recorded 80 consumer complaints for the 2017 Acura RDX as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Acura RDX is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 24 complaints (30% of the total), followed by electrical system with 18.
Has the 2017 Acura RDX been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Acura RDX do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Acura RDX 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Acura RDX get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Acura RDX (RDX FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Acura RDX reported?
Among the 31 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 13,500 miles and the middle half falls between 3,000 and 43,400 miles; 81% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.