2021 Acura RDX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 11%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 128,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Acura RDX, 11% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The transfer case began leaking between the transmission and transfer case. Upon taking it to a mechanic I’ve been told the entire transfer case needs replacement because it has prematurely failed. The repair cost is $5533.00. Through research I’ve seen there are many failing transfer cases on acuras with the SH all wheel drive systems. I believe Acura has a design flaw in the system and should be responsible for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11697855, filed 2025-11“I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. …”
NHTSA complaint #11753864, filed 2026-07“I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. …”
NHTSA complaint #11753866, filed 2026-07“I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. …”
NHTSA complaint #11753865, filed 2026-07“I was accelerating up a hill on a WV highway in a steady rain, the engine cut power, the check engine light flashed on and off, further throttle input did nothing, the car slowed on its own. I had to pull over from the left lane dangerously cutting in front of vehicles in the right lane as I could no longer maintain highway speed. Shut the car down and waited to rekey. Vehicle has operated fine ever since. The dealer has not been able to duplicated the issue (two weeks afterwards)”
NHTSA complaint #11484165, filed 2022-09Related recalls
- 21V939000Dec 2, 2021Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have…Covers: Acura RDX 2021, Honda CR-V Hybrid 2022
Related service bulletins
- 10252481Mar 27, 2024Service Bulletin - During engine start in cold conditions, a miscalculation in the PCM causes the air-fuel ratio to exceed DTC rich criteria.
- 10203800Nov 23, 2021Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC P061B (PCM Internal Malfunction) is stored.
- 10202909Oct 26, 2021Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC P061B (PCM Internal Malfunction) is stored.
- 10200851Aug 30, 2021Service Bulletin - The AWD indicator comes on with DTC C1843-62 (left rear differential fluid pressure deviation) and/or DTC C1844-62 (right rear differential fluid pressure…
- 10196882Jun 1, 2021Service Bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC P0236 (Turbocharger Boost Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Problem) stored.
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 2021 Acura RDX
31 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 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