NHTSA has 79 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Acura RDX[1]. The biggest group names the power train, with 24 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Owner complaints fall into a few groups, and these are the biggest.
- Power Train. 24 complaints[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe rough or jerky gear changes, a car that revs without moving on, and a car that hesitates or loses pull when they press the pedal.
- Electrical System. 18 complaints[6]. Owners describe warning lights lighting up on the dash, sudden loss of power on the highway, and a car that cuts out. Some say the dealer could not repeat the problem. One owner describes a keyless access part that left the car unable to start.
- Brakes. 11 complaints[7]. Owners describe shaking and pulsing when they brake, rotors that were resurfaced and then warped again, and noises when letting off the pedal. A few stories describe a pedal that sank to the floor, or a car that braked on its own while cruise control was on.
- Engine. 11 complaints[8]. Owners describe hesitation, stalling and loss of power while driving, often with several warning lights at once.
- Speed Control. 8 complaints[9].
- Unknown Or Other. 8 complaints[10].
- Forward Collision Avoidance. 4 complaints[11].
- Air Bags. 4 complaints[12].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2017 RDX is necessarily included.
- Equipment › Other › Labels (17V256), April 2017. About 1,425 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[13]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2017 Acura RDX with 3.5L 6-cylinder[16] | 279 hp |
How 2017 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 53 | 2 |
| 2008 | 33 | 3 |
| 2009 | 15 | 2 |
| 2010 | 22 | 2 |
| 2011 | 16 | 2 |
| 2012 | 15 | 2 |
| 2013 | 162 | 3 |
| 2014 | 244 | 3 |
| 2015 | 415 | 3 |
| 2016 | 41 | 2 |
| 2017 | 79 | 1 |
| 2018 | 77 | 1 |
| 2019 | 440 | 5 |
| 2020 | 348 | 5 |
| 2021 | 116 | 3 |
| 2022 | 31 | 2 |
| 2023 | 24 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 | 2 |
| 2025 | 30 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
NHTSA's counts for the RDX show 79 complaints and 1 recalls for 2017[3]. Among the 20 model years listed, 13 have fewer complaints than 2017 and 6 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (1) and the most are for 2019 (440)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2017 RDX?
The 2017 RDX has 79 complaints on file at NHTSA, which are unverified owner reports[1]. The power train and electrical groups lead the list[2][6]. Of the complaints, 7 mention a crash and 6 mention injuries, so it is worth reading the brake and air bag groups with care[1][7][12]. The counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show what owners reported and not how often a problem happens. Check the recalls section on this page and have a trusted shop look over any used example.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Acura RDX?
- Owners filed the most complaints about the power train, with 24 complaints[2]. The electrical system follows with 18 complaints[6]. Brakes and engine each have 11 complaints[7][8].
- Does the 2017 Acura RDX have any recalls?
- Yes. The pack lists 1 recall for this model year[3]. The Recalls section on this page has the details.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Acura RDX?
- See the Fuel economy section on this page for EPA figures and the yearly fuel cost.
- Is the 2017 Acura RDX reliable?
- NHTSA lists 79 owner complaints for this year[1]. These are unverified reports and are not adjusted for sales. Read the problem groups above and the crash safety section to judge for yourself.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Acura RDX
Compare all model years of the Acura RDX
Other Acura models from 2017
Similar cars from 2017: small suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 79 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Acura RDX (7 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 6 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,869). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Acura RDX model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for RDX FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,146). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,700). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 17V256, filed April 18, 2017: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for RDX AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2017 Acura RDX with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 279 hp. www.epa.gov