2017 Acura RDX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 30%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,869miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Acura RDX, 30% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,869 miles. 1 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.
“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 miles“1) harsh transmission shifts the transmission's gear shifts (both up and down) are jerky, and it's very obvious & unpleasant when compared to driving other cars (even to a 2005 toyota corolla). The shifts seem much harsher especially when downshifting. When the car slows down, there is a sudden jerk and a noticeable drop in speed. I've concluded that it occurs most when the transmission downshifts from gear 5 to 4 (around 30-35 MPH) and 4 to 3 (at 20 MPH). …”
NHTSA complaint #11035916, filed 2017-10, 100 miles“The car accelerated rapidly when I came to a stop. When I brought it to, the dealership they found 3 problems with the transmission. First, the transmission had overheated, there were problems in the clutch assembly, and I don't know the third.”
NHTSA complaint #11489112, filed 2022-10“I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, a/c blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, abs and traction control were all going haywire. Then the car drove fine. As long as I do not slow down too much or stop. Once I got home and had to back up into the garage, it went through that haywire cycle again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11721875, filed 2026-03“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 2024-03Related service bulletins
- 11019892Jun 4, 2025Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack…
- 11019894Jun 3, 2025Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack…
- 10251152Feb 26, 2024Service 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…
- 10245558Nov 17, 2023Service 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…
- 10241888Aug 31, 2023Service 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…
- 10241881Aug 31, 2023Dealer 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…
- 10133012Mar 9, 2018Service bulletin - After the software update, some vehicles based on how they are driven (extreme conditions) may still experience ATF deterioration after updating the PGM-FI or…
- 10133011Mar 9, 2018Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque…
- 10129342Feb 14, 2018Dealer message - Every Service Bulletin requires you to take an HDS snap shot and use the job aid or Tech2Tech to confirm the judder/shudder is coming from the torque converter.
- 10118001Sep 6, 2017Service bulletin - Clients receive excessive notifications for a low power mode through AcuraLink®. There is a false CAN signal transmitted through the telematics control unit.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 13 | 11% |
| 2020 | 22 | 6% |
| 2019 | 37 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 17% |
| 2017 | 24 | 30% |
| 2016 | 9 | 22% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 7 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 13% |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 9% |
| 2009 | 1 | 7% |
| 2008 | 2 | 6% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2017 Acura RDX
18 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsForward collision avoidance
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 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