repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
NewRisk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
2021 Acura RDXProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 118 owner complaints about the 2021 Acura RDX, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-064 the manufacturer reports only 55% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Acura RDX has problems
118 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Engine2 crash/fire/injury
15Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
13Power train
11Air bags
10Visibility/wiper
10Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
10Structure1 crash/fire/injury
7Vehicle speed control
6Seats
3111 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 24 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 2 |
| Power train | 13 | 0 |
| Air bags | 11 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 1 |
| Structure | 10 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 1 |
| Seats | 6 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 31 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2021 Acura RDX recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, or cause the vehicle to roll away when parked if the parking brake is not applied.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Acura.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other RDX year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RDX median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Acura RDX safety ratings
2021 Acura RDX SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What RDX owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2021 Acura RDX A-Spec AWD had approximately 89,000 miles when this incident occurred on [October 23rd] on I-10 in Tempe Arizona]. My wife was driving when the vehicle displayed emissions and brake-system warnings, lost power and slowed unexpectedly. She was unable to restart it at that time. The…
2021 Acura RDX has cold start, uses coolant and will stumble, limp mode approaching 2000 RPM. Vehicle will flash check engine light and then will go away when vehicle is restarted. Using search criteria noted TSB issued for same make model and year with an extended warranty being offered through…
Engine was replaced 12/13/25 due to cracked cylinder head causing oil to leak into exhaust and fill cylinder 2 and 3. 09/21/26 new engine replacement done in December 25, has now blown cylinder head gasket seal in under 12,000 Miles. Causing coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3.
Own a 2021 RDX?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.