2017 Acura RDX: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 74 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (25% of complaints); the 2016 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered, and the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0741 was retrieved. The mechanic determined that the torque converter clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the same diagnostic results were provided. The contact was informed that the torque converter clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,477.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2026
“I have been experiencing issues with the alarm system when I lock the car the alarm randomly goes off. I have had my battery replaced and it still happens. There is nothing touching the handles during these times, it happens randomly, something internal going on. The only way to be sure it won't disturb my neighbors is to leave my door unlocked which is unsafe.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2025
“The engine upper magnesium intake manifold is spider cracked around several mating half bolts causing an engine emission warning light to illuminate for bank #2 lean code. I believe the part number for the upper intake manifold is P/N 17160-5G0-A00. 2017 Acura RDX with 84,000 miles. The Acura mechanic knew what the issue was right away stating that it's known problem with the magnesium intake manifold, but Acura doesn't have a recall.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Locked Acura RDX alarm goes off randomly for no reason. When the alarm is turned off all the lights on the dash are flashing on and off and ticking. The most recent is 8/14/25. But has happened on several occasions especially if locked with the key fob or the lock on exterior of door. On 8/14/2025 it was lock by the inside door lock.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2025
“Drive Train labor rear driver cv halfshaft axle could not locate axle part anywhere for repair, sold out and on back order! clear indication that other drivers are having same issue with this part. should be looked into and recalled!”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2025
“Keyless access unit and security system. Random ignition flickering and alarm going on and off numerous times with or without key nearby. Said to be commonly known issue for similar years for various Acura models including RDX.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2025
“Vehicle has ONLY around 83,000 miles on it and needed a whole new torque converter. The vehicle was displaying problems in delay in shifting so I was planing an inspection. However, before the date reached my a check transmission light displayed on my dash so I had to move the inspection date up. No one was harmed but it was concerning to me when I was driving on the highway and saw my check transmission light was on. The dealership I bought it from (CarMax) is currently repairing it and luckily I had an extended warranty. I know other models of Acura have had problems with torque converters but this one was not reported to have recall.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2024
“Premature defective hydraulic timing belt tensioner similarly to the 2018 and 2019 RDX under recall. The seal in the tensioner prematurely aged causing hydraulic leakage making it unable to maintain timing belt tension. If the tensioner fail at highway speed causing the timing belt to skip leading to out of timing and major engine malfunction.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2024
“Dashboard warning lights all light up at once. Flickering on and off. Lights turn on and off inside car, it unlocks and locks car on it's own. Says key is not close to car when trying to turn on car. Alarm goes off randomly once parked and locked.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2024
“I have a 2017 Acura rdx all wash lights on ( Check emissions, abs, brake, brake system, power steering, tpms, and hill start assist, air bags, no seatbelt). Been to 3 different dealerships nobody can figure out what's wrong because the car does not communicate with itself anymore. Unsafe to drive because some is majorly wrong. Losses acceleration and beeps at you that the whole vehicle is not working.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 CR-V and Acura RDX vehicles. The Certification Labels on the affected vehicles were printed with ink that may be inadvertently wiped away with an alcohol solvent. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Remedy: Honda and Acura will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Certification Label, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KF3 (CR-V)and KF4 (RDX).
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact RDX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Acura RDX reliable?
NHTSA has 74 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2017 Acura RDX. The most complained-about area is power train (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2017 Acura RDX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 20,000 miles or less.
Does the 2017 Acura RDX have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.