2021 Acura RDX Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 14%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 200miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Acura RDX, 14% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 200 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.
“It was raining and I was sat at a stop light. The brakes started to slip a little no matter how much I pressed then all of a sudden the entire car started shutting down. Engine, Transmission, Power Steering, Lane Keep Assist, Collision warning, all the lights started flashing. The car was put into Limp mode.”
NHTSA complaint #11659951, filed 2025-05“I bought this car from a Honda dealership 1 month ago and my brakes are squeaking very loud when reversing my car. It happens every morning and is very frustrating. I would like this fixed for it being such an expensive car.”
NHTSA complaint #11630484, filed 2024-12“I have a 2021 Acura RDX A-spec AW and ever since I had a brakes problem, when applying brakes will not take break promptly kept slipping like going I address this to the dealer numerous time and what they said is that they haven’t had a recall in order to know what really the problem is I think is due to my calipers and probably rotors, but I think is the cut for defect on these 2021 Acura RDX . Also my engine been leaking oil from the top rear side and rear the valve cover this need to be addressed and I have made a complaint to Acura Honda The Corp. …”
NHTSA complaint #11664195, filed 2025-06“While sitting in a long row of stopped vehicles at a traffic light for an extended amount of time due to an accident I had the Automatic Brake Hold feature activated { I did not have to have my foot on the brake while sitting still) as well as the Auto Idle Stop OFF button meaning {the engine shuts down when you come to a stop.} Apparently, the Brake Hold feature timed out with no warning whatsoever and because the vehicle moved forward the Auto Start Stop feature activated at the same time and the vehicle lurched forward rear ending a new expensive SUV in front of me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11516100, filed 2023-04“While driving on a freeway for about 15 minutes at 65 MPH, the MIL indicator started blinking. The vehicle began to rapidly shake, while the engine power decreased significantly. The engine dramatically went from 65 mph to 35 mph causing a safety hazard while driving on the freeway as we attempted to exit and pull over safely. The vehicle is a 2021 Acura RDX and is driven approximately 10,000 miles per year. All maintenance has been performed in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule. …”
NHTSA complaint #11584313, filed 2024-04Related service bulletins
- 11019258May 30, 2025Service Bulletin - The front and/or rear brakes make a high-pitched squeal when the brakes are lightly applied at 24 km/h (15 mph) or less, with ambient temperatures below 10°C…
- 11019244May 16, 2025Service Bulletin - The front and/or rear brakes make a high-pitched squeal when the brakes are lightly applied at 24 km/h (15 mph) or less, with ambient temperatures below 10°C…
- 11005193Jul 13, 2024Service Bulletin - The front and/or rear brakes make a high-pitched squeal when the brakes are lightly applied at 24 km/h (15 mph) or less, with ambient temperatures below 10°C…
- 11000272May 11, 2024Service Bulletin - The front and/or rear brakes make a high-pitched squeal when the brakes are lightly applied at 15 mph or less, with ambient temperatures below 50° F.
- 10253294Apr 2, 2024Service Bulletin- The front and/or rear brakes make a high-pitched squeal when lightly applied at 15 mph or less. The front brakes stop squealing when they are warmed up.For the…
- 10227236Nov 28, 2022Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 RDXs with a client complaint of a front and/or rear brake noise which can be described as…
- 10226110Nov 4, 2022Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 RDXs with a client complaint of a front and/or rear brake noise which can be described as…
- 10224785Oct 21, 2022Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 RDXs with a client complaint of a front and/or rear brake noise which can be described as…
- 10222815Oct 7, 2022Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 RDXs with a client complaint of a front and/or rear brake noise which can be described as…
- 10222071Sep 19, 2022Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2021-2022 RDXs with a client complaint of a front and/or rear brake noise which can be described as…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 14 | 47% |
| 2024 | 3 | 25% |
| 2023 | 1 | 4% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 16 | 14% |
| 2020 | 23 | 7% |
| 2019 | 23 | 5% |
| 2018 | 4 | 5% |
| 2017 | 11 | 14% |
| 2016 | 6 | 15% |
| 2014 | 4 | 2% |
| 2013 | 3 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 13% |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2021 Acura RDX
31 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Acura RDX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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