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Acura RLXModel year report

2014 Acura RLX Problems

Complaints
84filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
60,000miles, 51 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—no overall rating published
EPA fuel economy
23 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 30 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Acura RLX (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Complaints from owners of the 2014 RLX center overwhelmingly on the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) rear steering system: reports describe rear wheels turning or hanging up after a turn, producing sudden fishtailing or swerving, often with multiple warning lights. A smaller group describes rattles, clunks and road noise from the suspension, and some describe warning-light clusters and reduced power or speed limits. Many reports come from cars past warranty, and owners frequently mention diagnosis difficulties or repair quotes for rear toe actuators.

  1. Steering

    Rear steering (P-AWS) actuators cause fishtailing or

    • 50 complaints (60%)
    • median 71,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (28 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $4,600 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2013–2026

    Owners describe the rear end of the car steering itself: after a turn the rear wheels reportedly stay turned or kick out, so the car fishtails or veers while traveling straight. Many say it happens in normal driving at moderate speeds with no warning light beforehand. Complaints describe dealers being unable to duplicate the fault, applying software updates that did not resolve it, or recommending replacement of the rear toe actuators, sometimes with parts backordered and cost falling on the owner outside warranty. Reported across a wide mileage range, from near-new vehicles to well over 100,000 miles, often after a turn or during straight-line driving at moderate speeds.

    Recall 13V6220007 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the rear toe actuators have been replaced and whether the P-AWS warranty extension and related service bulletin work were applied; have a shop inspect the rear actuators and tie rods before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving down the freeway when the back-end of the car became very loose and out of control. The car was swerving back and forth violently. I was able to gain control avoiding the cars to the left of me and the ditch to the right. I was able to get the car under control and I slowed the speed way down. I pulled off the highway and into a driveway to inspect. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10547849, filed 2013-10, 3,000 miles

    “When turning a corner, the paws engages, and keeps turning even when I try to steer away..it has been increasingly doing this..today, it did it horribly, scaring me to drive the vehicle. It also fish tails horribly while turning tight corners.. I am afraid I'm going to go off of the road, or hit another vehicle.”

    NHTSA complaint #11243788, filed 2019-08, 54,000 miles
  2. Electronic stability control

    Warning lights on, limited speed or engine power

    • 41 complaints (49%)
    • median 88,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (22 state mileage)
    • filed 2018–2026

    Complaints describe clusters of warnings appearing together - VSA, all-wheel steering, power steering, forward collision, hill start assist and lane departure - sometimes right after startup and sometimes while driving. Some owners say the car then will not exceed roughly 50 mph, loses power, or drops into a reduced-power mode, and dealers have reportedly been unable to find a cause or have charged for diagnostics. Typically reported from around 50,000 to 120,000 miles, both when parked and while driving.

    Recall 15V3010005 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check that no warning lights stay lit after startup and scan stored codes; ask whether any software updates or the collision-mitigation recall were completed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Rear wheel steering actuators act erratic. After going around a turn the rear wheel steering hangs up then rear end swerves badly (fish tailing). It has happened so bad the rear wheels hung up for over 5 miles and all the warning lights came on and speed was limited to less than 50 MPH. I took my car to dealer and they would not warranty this. I am picking the car up today 8/24/20. Making me pay for actuators. No labor which is only 1.5 hours. This is a life safety issue. Should be recalled immediately. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11350863, filed 2020-08, 92,500 miles

    “The last month or so, I have had issues with the rear end fishtailing for a few seconds that would correct itself. Today after I pulled out of work, the car fishtailed when I was entering the highway. All the warning lights started flashing-paws, brake assist,power steering, hill,lane departure,etc. The power to engine was cut, steering wheel alignment off. Very scary on a 65 MPH highway. I got to my garage and they checked it out. The error codes showed rear wheel steering but nothing further. They had no idea what caused and how to fix. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11338028, filed 2020-07, 111,000 miles
  3. Suspension

    Clunks, rattles and road noise from the suspension

    • 14 complaints (17%)
    • median 50,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • filed 2014–2026

    Owners describe clunking and rattling noises and vibration from the suspension, especially over bumps or at lower speeds, with some reports of groaning or rubbing from the rear. Complaints mention dampers and strut assemblies being replaced without curing the noise, and dealers sometimes attributing the noise to tires or describing a front suspension fix via service bulletin. Reported from very low mileage up through the 40,000-70,000 mile range, often on rough roads or over bumps.

    Recall 13V6220002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Drive over uneven pavement at low speed with the windows down and listen for clunks or rattles; ask whether struts, control-arm bolts or the rear suspension recall were addressed.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving and turning left or right the car feels like the backend is coming around to the front of car, then I have to hold the steering while tight because it feels like I'm gonna loose control of the car then it'll straighten back up. I can be driving on the streets or on the highway the same thing. And since I've had the car it has had a roaring noise in the rear end and I have bought new tires and every shop I have taken it to they say it's the tires but I know that's not so.”

    NHTSA complaint #11255818, filed 2019-09, 50,000 miles

    “While driving my vehicle strait at low speeds, I started to hear moaning or rubbing noises from the rear suspension on a regular basis. A few times, I would feel like my car would slide in the back end and quickly correct itself. On a particular time on a local city street traveling straight at about 30mph, my vehicle's rear started to drive sideways taking my car towards a ditch along the road. After 2-3 seconds, the car corrected itself. The vehicle is equipped with a precision-all wheel steer system (paws) new for the 2014 year model RLX. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11110760, filed 2018-07, 69,000 miles
  4. Forward collision avoidance

    Sudden braking or alerts with no obstacle present

    • 16 complaints (19%)
    • median 70,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2015–2026

    Owners report the car alerting or applying the brakes when nothing is in front of it, sometimes apparently reacting to roadside objects or showing a car in the blind spot monitor when none is there. Some describe emergency braking and seat belt locking at highway speed along with several warning lights, and dealers have reportedly been unable to reproduce the behavior. Reported from very low mileage up to about 90,000 miles, at highway and city speeds.

    Recall 15V301000

    What to check: Ask whether the forward collision avoidance recall (15V301000) was performed; during a test drive, watch for false alerts or unexpected braking near fences and guardrails.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “It was the scariest thing ever I was driving on the highway in the car with my son when my vehicle started decelerating what a very dangerous thing to happen . I purchased the car 94 days from the date of this incident. I took it to the Acura dealer which they said it wasn't covered under warranty. The recall for front collision warning light that comes on was not done ever on this car . …”

    NHTSA complaint #11203292, filed 2019-04, 80,000 miles

    “At less than 1000 miles, the car started to intermittently alert me to brake when there is nothing in front of the car and there is a car in the blindspot when none there. These issues have continued for the two years I have owned the car. The dealer has had the car for weeks at the time and cannot recreate the problem. I had a complaint about the steering wheel making a loud squeal but was told by dealership this was normal. After several complaints, they realize the steering column needs to be replaced. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10671155, filed 2015-01, 1,000 miles

Buying note. The rear steering actuator reports are the most frequent and the most consequential thing to check on this model year, so confirm its service history and current behavior on a test drive. A scan for stored codes and a look at whether the recall and bulletin work was completed will tell you more than the mileage alone.

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 84 consumer complaints for the 2014 Acura RLX. 51 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 188 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

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.

Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Air bags (2), Exterior lighting (2), Seat belts (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Fuel system (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Steering: “. I have a 2014 RLX with paws. After turning left I have a problem where the rear wheels turn while the car was going straight down a street causing the rear end to kick out, kind of like what happens to the rear wheels when driving a car losing traction while turning on a wet surface.”

NHTSA complaint #11415769, filed 2021-05, 89,750 miles

Suspension: “Car has numerous rattles and has had a recall for rear suspension bolts. Rattle problem has not been solved over 5 attempts. Both front strut assemblies have been replaced and still rattles. I have read there are issues with bolts coming loose and tie rods shearing from the vehicle causing the wheel(s) to come off. Have told the manufacturer on numerous occasions but they insist there is no safety issue with vehicle. I do not drive car on highways as I am afraid that all this rattling will loosen these bolts an accident just waiting to happen.”

NHTSA complaint #10610902, filed 2014-07, 1,500 miles

Electronic stability control: “I had both actuators replaced a few years ago. Recently and suddenly the steering wheel went 90 degrees right as I was driving over 60 MPH, while tracking straight, and all the computer sensor warning lights started flashing--brakes, power steering, paws, lane departure, etc. Very scary. It has happened three times in the last two weeks. Took to dealer service today, and told actuators need to be replaced and perhaps the control unit. Repair xpensive, but more importantly, a potentially very dangerous situation, particularly if one attempts to correct steering wheel off center situation.”

NHTSA complaint #11322747, filed 2020-04, 52,000 miles

Electrical system: “While driving south on u.s. 1, a six lane road, I placed a telephone call using the buttons on the steering wheel. Shortly after the call was connected, the car's warning alarm sounded and an I appeared in the information display. Frantically trying to determine the problem while driving in heavy traffic, I used the control on the steering wheel to scroll down the information list and found a red display saying 12 volt battery charging system problem . Because traffic was so thick, I decided not to try to get to the side of the road. …”

NHTSA complaint #10637812, filed 2014-09, 500 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

41% of the 51 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,800 and 89,750 miles.

22%0–108%10–2512%25–5016%50–7524%75–10016%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (51 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 60,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’14’16’18’2013’22’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2014 Acura RLX version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
RLX FWD3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automatic203023$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

Recall details for the 2014 Acura RLX → · 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. 188 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 188 bulletins →

Other model years of the Acura RLX

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2018692,0001523—Not enough data
2016619,7000523—Not enough data
201511121,0003523—Not enough data
20148460,0005—23Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years)Stable

All Acura RLX model years

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Acura RLX?

Complaints from owners of the 2014 RLX center overwhelmingly on the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) rear steering system: reports describe rear wheels turning or hanging up after a turn, producing sudden fishtailing or swerving, often with multiple warning lights. The issues reported most often: Rear steering (P-AWS) actuators cause fishtailing or; Warning lights on, limited speed or engine power; Clunks, rattles and road noise from the suspension.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Acura RLX have?

NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2014 Acura RLX as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2014 Acura RLX is reported most often?

Steering is named most often, in 49 complaints (58% of the total), followed by suspension with 17.

Has the 2014 Acura RLX been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2014 Acura RLX get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Acura RLX (RLX, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 30 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 2014 Acura RLX reported?

Among the 51 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 12,800 and 89,750 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. 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.