5 Best And Worst Years For The Acura RDX [2023 Updated] (2023)

The Acura RDX is a great vehicle for anyone who wants to explore their world and do it in style.

It’s the perfect vehicle for an adventurous family that likes to go off-roading or for someone who just wants something more exciting than your average sedan.

I could go on and on about its pros and cons, but there is no denying that this vehicle is not perfect. There have been several models throughout its lifespan that was not great.

If you are a potential buyer, you may have often wondered, what are the best and worst years for Acura RDX? Well, this article is the answer.

Let me list all those models, so you can get a rough idea.

Worst Years for Acura RDX:

1. 2010
2. 2016
3. 2017
4. 2019
5. 2020

Best Years for Acura RDX:

1. 2009
2. 2011
3. 2012
4. 2018
5. 2021

Yes, that’s right. The Acura RDX has had mixed reliability over the years. One model would be extremely good, and then the other would be pretty unreliable in an unexpected turn of events.

So, reading this article is extremely important. Let’s get started!

What Are The Worst Years For The Acura RDX? Which Years To Avoid

Before anything, I will discuss the worst models of the Acura RDX. These models are the most complained about and should not be considered.

Regardless, this section will tell you exactly what makes them so bad.

1. 2010 Acura RDX

The 2010 Acura RDX is one of the oldest models on our list and has had several issues.

The electrical problems include the door actuator failing, which could prevent owners from using their power locks.

There have also been reports of the transmission developing a leak, which may lead to transmission failure.

I have also heard that the GPS and radio would often not work, which is not good for people who rely on the GPS for daily driving.

Lastly, the final issue in this model was related to the paint peeling off. This is unacceptable as the crossover is supposed to be durable.

Unfortunately, this model was not, and this is why it is not recommended.

2. 2016 Acura RDX

The 2016 Acura RDX is an SUV that’s supposed to be sporty and fun to drive, but unfortunately, it comes with a whole new list of issues.

First off, there were issues with the brakes. They would squeal, which made driving uncomfortable.

Moreover, the engine would also stall out due to electrical issues, which is not good. This is also pretty dangerous, especially if this happens when you are on a highway.

The 2016 model of the SUV would also hesitate a lot when accelerating, which is not a good look for something that has been designed to run fast.

All in all, this model of the Acura RDX is certainly not worth your time or money. It will result in a headache, which nobody wants.

3. 2017 Acura RDX

The 2017 Acura RDX model came a year later but did not bring any significant improvements. It was filled with issues, which is why I will not recommend it to anyone.

One annoying issue was that the navigation and the Bluetooth would glitch out. They would not work properly, especially when you are in an area with no cell service.

There were also reports of the transmission shifting hard and sluggishly too.

Brake failure was also reported on this model, which is extremely dangerous. It could lead to a possibly fatal accident, which is not to be taken lightly.

I recommend looking for another model as this one is not worth your time. It will spend more money at a mechanic rather than with you.

4. 2019 Acura RDX

The 2019 Acura RDX is one of the most complained-about models in the history of SUVs. While it was meant to be a luxurious, fuel-efficient ride, it was anything but.

In addition, the most common complaint about the vehicle is that it would enter limp mode, preventing it from accelerating and preventing users from reaching their destination on time.

Other people reported that their brakes squeaked or made strange noises while driving. This makes the driving experience uncomfortable and unacceptable.

Finally, some customers complained that their infotainment systems sometimes did not work.

This would result in losing important features, such as navigation and Bluetooth. This model is certainly one you should look away from.

5. 2020 Acura RDX

This SUV has been around for a while. The 2020 Acura RDX is one of their most recent models, and they’ve made some serious missteps.

While it’s not necessarily surprising that a new model would have some problems, it is surprising that this one was plagued with them to the point that they are unacceptable.

The biggest issue with the 2020 Acura RDX year model is its acceleration issues.

The SUV would lose acceleration, an issue in the previous model but failed to resolve this problem in the new version of their car.

Finally, there are still brake squealing issues in this model as well—something that’s been an issue in the previous model.

All in all, this SUV model is unacceptable, and you should stay away from it.

What Are The Best Years For The Acura RDX? Which Years To Buy

This section will solely focus on the top models of the Acura RDX that have yet to be released.

Although the list was given to you at the start of this article, I will discuss all those models in detail here.

Let’s jump straight into it.

1. 2009 Acura RDX

The 2009 Acura RDX is one of the oldest models in this article and still one of the best.

This is one of the most reliable models of SUV, with the solid build quality and a comfortable interior.

Although it has shortcomings, such as a subpar turbo, the 2009 Acura RDX model still provides a great driving experience.

Its excellent handling and control allow you to easily take those sharp turns. Its braking capability is also great, which can be useful in emergencies.

Lastly, the engine producing a decent 240 HP makes this SUV fast enough for everyday use. All in all, this model is an excellent choice for people on a budget.

2. 2011 Acura RDX

The 2011 Acura RDX model year is a great option for anyone who wants to combine luxury with performance.

This SUV has an excellent engine that can produce 240 HP, taking you from 0-60 in only 7 seconds.

It also comes with safety features, such as impact-absorbing crumple zones, so when you hit something head-on, there’s less of a chance of injury.

And even though it’s an SUV, it handles well, so you won’t have trouble maneuvering through tight spots or corners. It’s even received some excellent crash scores!

This model checks all the right boxes for a high-quality SUV. Although it is a bit old, it can still last you for a long time.

3. 2012 Acura RDX

The 2012 Acura RDX model year is an excellent option to consider.

It has many of the same features as its 2011 counterpart, which is good. It has excellent control and handling capabilities and is also very fast.

Moreover, the engine can produce 240 horsepower, which allows it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7 seconds.

That is pretty impressive for an SUV. The 2012 Acura RDX also has many safety features, such as traction control.

Overall, this is an excellent vehicle that would be a great choice for anyone who wants high performance in an SUV or crossover vehicle without sacrificing comfort or luxury.

It may show its age at this point, but it is still worth it.

4. 2018 Acura RDX

The 2018 Acura RDX is a great choice if you’re looking for a compact SUV with the latest technology, safety features, and performance.

It has many packages available, and it’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants a smooth ride with plenty of safety features.

The SUV has an excellent safety rating, which means it has been designed to protect you in case of an impact.

Another reason why I recommend this vehicle is because it has an excellent fuel economy rating. You can expect up to 28 mpg when driving with this SUV.

This is one of our top picks if you care about saving money at the pump! It is an excellent option to consider.

5. 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX is a great car, and it’s only improving. This is the most recent model as of writing this article.

It has a turbocharged engine that can produce a very decent 272 HP.

The same engine provides great speeds. The acceleration is fast—really fast. It reaches 0 to 60 in just 6.3 seconds!

The handling and control is like a sedan. Excellent maneuvering makes it easy to handle in any situation, whether on the highway or in your neighborhood driving around turns.

Even the base model has many features, making it a bang-for-the-buck purchase.

Overall, this model is superior to all others discussed in this article.

How Reliable Is An Acura RDX?

The Acura RDX is not a reliable SUV. Every year, there is no guarantee as to whether or not the model will be good or bad.

This means that every year there are no certainties regarding its reliability.

The Acura RDX has not had a winning or losing streak, which means that it cannot be considered reliable based on its past performance.

Therefore, all in all, it is not a reliable SUV.

How Long Do Acura RDXs Last?

The Acura RDX is a great choice for anyone who wants to purchase a vehicle that will last them for years to come.

The average life expectancy of an Acura RDX is between 250000 and 300000 miles, which is actually pretty impressive.

It will last users who drive 15000 miles annually for around 20 years.

This makes the Acura RDX an excellent choice for those that want an SUV which will last for a very long time.

What To Do To Lengthen The Life Of Your Acura RDX

There are many tips and tricks that can be followed to ensure your Acura RDX can last for as long as possible.

Some of the best ones are:

• Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, so it’s important that you get it changed regularly. The more often you change it, the longer your engine will last!
• Your car’s cooling system is very important for keeping everything running smoothly, so make sure you change coolant and other fluids when they need to be changed (typically every 30,000 miles).
• If something seems off with your tires, don’t wait until the last minute—get them inspected! If they need replacement, get new ones as soon as possible.
• Change your oil filter with every oil change. You’ll help keep dirt and grime out of your engine and protect its parts from damage.
• Don’t delay repairs—do them ASAP to avoid major issues down the line! The issue can result in other parts failing, which will cost you more money.
• The final thing that you can do is to improve your driving habits. Don’t brake hard, and don’t accelerate harshly. This will result in lower wear and tear on the parts.

These were some of the common tips that can be employed to improve the lifespan of the RDX, so it can reach that sweet 300000-mile mark.

Things That Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Acura RDX

Just as there are things that can improve it, there are things that can severely degrade the lifespan of the Acura RDX.

Here are a few of them:

• If you’re driving down a road and there’s a big hole in it, you’ll want to avoid hitting it at all costs. That could lead to damage to your suspension, which would make it difficult for you to drive smoothly and safely.
• It’s important to use gas that meets your car’s specifications. Otherwise, you may end up with engine problems or, even worse—complete failure.
• If you don’t drive your SUV often enough, it can lead to all kinds of problems down the line, such as sludge formation in the pipelines. So, make sure to drive the SUV.
• Misaligned tires can also lead to a reduced lifespan. You should get them aligned every 5000 miles to ensure that they wear out in an equal fashion.
• Using low-quality or incorrect replacement parts can also lead to the vehicle not being able to achieve its advertised lifespan.

You may already be aware of some of these things, but I still wanted to mention them here. They can really reduce the lifespan of your Acura RDX.

3 Most Common Acura RDX Problems You Should Know

The Acura RDX is a far from perfect crossover SUV. Before you buy it, you should be aware of its problems, so you can expect them and even possibly avoid them.

1. Failing Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is responsible for sending fuel to the engine, and it has been a common source of frustration in the 2019 and 2020 Acura RDX model years.

The engine would stall, and it was found out that the fuel pump was faulty. Honda had to issue a recall to fix this issue.

This issue is serious, especially when driving on a highway. It could lead to a serious accident.

2. Engine Entering Limp Mode

This problem is caused by a faulty turbocharger intercooler. The turbocharger intercooler can develop condensation inside it, which can result in it malfunctioning.

If it has an issue, then the engine will enter limp mode. No matter how much the accelerator is pressed, there will be no acceleration.

This issue is pretty annoying and was once again present in the 2019 and 2020 models of the Acura RDX.

Just for clarification, these models are also present in the worst years list of this article.

3. Squeaking Brakes

Squeaking brakes are one of the most common Acura RDX problems. When you apply your brakes, they may squeak or make other strange sounds that are not normal.

This problem can be caused by a number of things, and it is extremely annoying.

The issue results in not only an uncomfortable driving experience but also a lot of frustration when driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Acura RDX A Good SUV?

The answer solely depends on which model you buy. If you’re looking for an SUV that is both luxurious and affordable, the Acura RDX is a good option.

While it doesn’t offer all of the bells and whistles of its more expensive counterparts, it does provide excellent value for its price point. But you must make sure to buy a model that is reliable.

Q2: Do Acura RDXs Hold Their Value?

The Acura RDX is a very good car, and it will hold its value over time. It’s better than the Acura MDX in that respect. The RDX depreciates 33% after five years, which is very good for an SUV.

So, if you are looking for an SUV that will not depreciate too much, the RDX is certainly a great option to consider.

Q3: How Many Acura RDXs Have Been Sold?

The Acura RDX is not even close to being a high-selling SUV. The maximum number of sales was in 2018 when it reached 63500.

The lowest was in 2006 when the SUV had a mere 9000 sales. There is no fixed number for how many have been sold because new ones are being bought every day.

Q4: Which Acura RDX Engine Is The Most Reliable?

The latest 2.0L turbocharged engine is the most reliable one yet. It has had little to no issues. It can also produce 272 HP, which is plenty of power for a sporty crossover SUV.

The engine is also responsive, meaning you will not have to worry about acceleration delay when driving.

Q5: Is Acura RDX Expensive To Maintain?

The Acura RDX has a ten-year maintenance cost of just $9610. That is pretty good and is lower than the industry average for luxury crossover SUVs by $6000.

That is pretty impressive and means that you will not have to invest a lot in this SUV after purchasing it. Overall, it is a great buy.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed my list of the best and worst years for Acura RDX. I know it can be hard to find the right car, so I am happy to help you find the perfect one for your needs.

Overall, the RDX is a decent SUV, but you need to be extra careful about the model you choose. If you follow this article, then you have nothing to worry about.

I hope you got all the information you were looking for with this article and that you can finally make an informed decision about which model of the SUV you have to buy.

References:
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2019/03/fast-and-fun-but-flawed-the-acura-rdx-reviewed/
https://www.autoweek.com/drives/a1852001/2017-acura-rdx-awd-review-comfortable-and-pretty-not-quite-premium/