2018 Acura RDX Problems
Compared with other Acura RDX years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
33/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× 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.
- 15 of its 78 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Fuel pump recall remedy unavailable (20 complaints, median 89,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 78filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 6,500miles, 19 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 2018 Acura RDX (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe jerking and hesitation during low-speed acceleration, and separately report stalling, hard starting or a loss of power that several complaints link to the fuel pump recall. A large share of the complaints concern the recall process itself: owners say they received notice of campaign 23V858000 but were told the replacement part was back-ordered for months. A smaller group describes a flashing transmission warning with shuddering that clears after a restart, consistent with service bulletins describing a cracked torque converter lock-up piston.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Jerking and hesitation at low speed
- 15 complaints (19%)
- median 34,700 mi at 3.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe a sharp jerk or lurch when pulling away from a stop or at roughly 20 mph, sometimes with the engine revving as if in neutral before the car catches. Several owners say the dealer could not reproduce the behavior on a test drive, and a few report a transmission fluid flush that did not resolve it. Others describe the car lurching as soon as the accelerator is touched, or when shifting into drive or reverse. Complaints that state mileage range from under 1,000 to the mid-thirty-thousands, and most describe the jerking as intermittent and worsening over time.
What to check: On a test drive, accelerate gently from a stop and again at around 20 mph, watching for a jerk, lurch or delayed engagement. Ask whether the dealer has documented any stored transmission codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car hesitates to start and while driving jerks at around 20mph. This happened a few times in the last year. When taken to dealer, because they could not reproduce incident, said it can’t be diagnosed. I told them it jerks when accelerating at around 20mph and keeps doing it every time I have to stop at light and go again.”
NHTSA complaint #11615565, filed 2024-09“My car lurches when I put it into gear, drive or reverse. When a red light turns green and I put my foot on the accelerator the car will lurch forward. I was in my garage when I started my car and my foot was firmly on the brake as I shifted into reverse with my foot on the brake the car violently lurched backwards.”
NHTSA complaint #11541845, filed 2023-08 - Fuel system
Stalling or loss of power while driving
- 11 complaints (14%)
- median 85,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the engine bogging down, sputtering or losing motive power, sometimes at highway speed, in some cases with the check engine or emissions light on, and several say the vehicle restarted and drove normally afterward. Others report difficulty starting or needing several attempts before the engine catches. A number of these complaints tie the symptoms to the fuel pump recall and note that the replacement had not yet been performed. Reported from moderate mileage up past 100,000 miles, with several complaints describing the symptom at highway speed rather than at idle.
What to check: Ask for the repair order showing that recall 23V858000 (fuel pump) has been completed. Confirm the car starts promptly from cold and does not stumble or cut out when revved.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On Thursday 27/7/2024 5:00PM-6:00PM, Acura RDX abruptly started to slow down. When I press the accelerator, the car will not accelerate. Finally, my car came to an complete stop. Then I turned on Hazard sign and changed the gear on P from D. After that I started car. The car started normally and then I drove to my destination. I also experienced the similar issue in May, 2024.”
NHTSA complaint #11597850, filed 2024-07“The transmission went into limp mode one day after coming to a stop. When I safely got home, I turned the car off. Upon restarting, the issue was gone, but this has now happened several times. Each time, putting the car into park, shutting it off, and restarting it resets whatever was going on. Eventually the CE light came on, got the code, and it came back as P0873. The CE light was off after once again shutting the engine off and then restarting. …”
NHTSA complaint #11746062, filed 2026-06 - Fuel system
Fuel pump recall remedy unavailable
- 20 complaints (26%)
- median 89,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2024–2026
Many complaints concern the recall process rather than a breakdown: owners say they received notice of the fuel pump campaign but were told the replacement part was on back order, sometimes for many months. Some report that dealers would only schedule the work once the vehicle showed symptoms, or had no estimate for when parts would arrive. A few describe the recall's own symptoms, such as an engine that is hard to start or loses power while driving. These complaints were largely filed during 2024 after recall notices went out, and most list no mileage because many owners had not yet experienced a failure.
What to check: Check the VIN against recall 23V858000 and ask for written proof the fuel pump was replaced. If it has not been done, confirm current parts availability with a dealer before committing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11612566, filed 2024-09“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11629688, filed 2024-12 - Transmission and drivetrain
Flashing transmission warning and shudder
- 6 complaints (8%)
- typically at 8.0 yrs old
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe a flashing gear indicator or transmission warning, sometimes with the blind spot monitor dropping out at the same time, and say the condition clears after the engine is shut off and restarted. Shuddering or hesitant power delivery under light acceleration is often mentioned alongside it, and some complaints cite a diagnostic code matching the torque converter lock-up clutch described in the service bulletins, which note a cracked lock-up piston that lets pressure bleed off. Typically described during steady or highway-speed driving and reported as intermittent, with owners noting the warning clears after a restart.
What to check: Ask whether the torque converter service bulletin work has been performed and have a scan done for stored transmission codes such as P0741. Drive through several stop-and-go cycles to check for a flashing gear indicator or shudder.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle Information: 2018 Acura RDX AWDAffected System: Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Torque ConverterAssociated Code/Bulletin: DTC P0741 / Acura TSB B23-029Complaint Description:The vehicle is experiencing a documented manufacturer defect covered under Acura Warranty Extension TSB B23-029, where the internal torque converter lock-up piston cracks, causing hydraulic fluid pressure to bleed down. …”
NHTSA complaint #11746842, filed 2026-06“When steady idle at 65 on the freeway the blind spot and check transmission light goes on flashes and stays on but when I shut off the vehicle and start it back up the light goes away.”
NHTSA complaint #11739120, filed 2026-05
Buying note. Before buying, check the VIN against recall 23V858000 and ask for documentation that the fuel pump has actually been replaced, since parts availability has been a recurring complaint. Also test-drive through slow, stop-and-go traffic to check for jerking or a flashing transmission warning, and ask about any torque converter service bulletin work.
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 78 consumer complaints for the 2018 Acura RDX. 19 of the complaints include a mileage, and 84% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 6,500 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 56 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 33 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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.
- Fuel system34 44%
- Engine11 14%
- Electrical system8 10%
- Other or unknown8 10%
- Vehicle speed control7 9.0%
- Brakes4 5.1%
- Air bags3 3.9%
- Lane departure3 3.9%
Also reported: Body and structure (3), Exterior lighting (2), Seats (2), Steering (2), Electronic stability control (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “When my gas cap warning light kept going on in spite of my loosening it and tightening it and then my emission system light came on, I brought the car to the dealer. They found that there was a leak in the connection between the filler pipe and the gas tank. Both had to be replaced on a car with 3,037 miles on it. In the process, I was given false information about the work that was done, which I did not discover until a second incident in which the rear propellor shaft came loose forced them to explain what happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11143782, filed 2018-10, 3,037 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My 2018 RDX has started to jerk when I stop and then restart. I have noticed some hesitation and a bit of jerky driving but today it was very noticeable. I could barely go above 40 miles an hour after I started driving after a stop light and the car was very jerky. It seems to be either a fuel pump or transmission issue. I am going to check with the RDX dealership where I bought the car in 2018 but I wanted to report the issue. I also looked up the VIN on my car for a recall and the system said my car had not been recalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #11618876, filed 2024-10Engine: “While cornering the car stalls/hesitates with no power. Occurs at low speed.has occurred numerous times on city street since purchase oct.5,2017. Dealership could not simulate but failed to do any testing ?”
NHTSA complaint #11120380, filed 2018-08, 50 milesElectrical system: “My car's original security alarm goes off randomly without any reason. When parked and locked in a parking lot next to a street, the alarm goes off intermittently. After unlocking using FOB, the alarm will turn off and then goes off again in a few minutes. This will go on for hours at a time until it stops for a few days and then reoccurs again! Very stressful and frustrating. The mechanic says it's caused by faulty Body Control Module and will cost over $1,000 to fix. I see that many people are having the same issue and have to pay over $1,000 to repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11706350, filed 2025-12Mileage when problems were reported
84% of the 19 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,000 and 25,000 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 2018 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 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: 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 2018 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
- 23V858000Dec 18, 2023Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Acura RDX 2014, 2018–2020, Honda Accord 2013–2023, CR-V 2013–2023 +17 more
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…
Recall details for the 2018 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. 56 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, 2024Engine 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…
- 10248978Jan 10, 2024Engine cooling. Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on during vehicle operation due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in…
- 10247626Dec 15, 2023Fuel system, Engine cooling. Service Bulletin - Due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP)…
- 10245558Nov 17, 2023Transmission 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…
- 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…
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 | 349 | 6,350 | 5 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 440 | 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 2018 Acura RDX?
Owners of this model year most often describe jerking and hesitation during low-speed acceleration, and separately report stalling, hard starting or a loss of power that several complaints link to the fuel pump recall. The issues reported most often: Jerking and hesitation at low speed; Stalling or loss of power while driving; Fuel pump recall remedy unavailable.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Acura RDX have?
NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 2018 Acura RDX as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Acura RDX is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 34 complaints (44% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 13.
Has the 2018 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 2018 Acura RDX do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 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 2018 Acura RDX get?
The EPA rates the 2018 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 2018 Acura RDX reported?
Among the 19 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 6,500 miles and the middle half falls between 2,000 and 25,000 miles; 84% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.