How many NHTSA complaints do the Acura RDX and Acura TLX have?

Acura RDX has 1,147 NHTSA complaints (22 recalls); Acura TLX has 546 complaints (33 recalls). Source: NHTSA owner complaint and recall records.

Which has fewer safety recalls, the Acura RDX or Acura TLX?

Acura RDX has fewer safety recalls: 22 versus 33.

Head-to-head reliability

Acura RDX vs Acura TLX

How the Acura RDX and Acura TLX compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.

Acura RDX1,147 complaints · 22 recalls

Acura TLX546 complaints · 33 recalls Fewer issues per year

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records

Which should you buy?

Acura RDX vs Acura TLX: The RDX has 1147 complaints and 22 recalls over 10 years, while the TLX has 546 complaints and 33 recalls. The RDX averages 114.7 complaints per year versus 54.6 for the TLX. Both have injury reports, but the RDX also has 1 death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

The picture

Is the Acura RDX or Acura TLX more reliable?

A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.

Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV with a mixed reliability record. Over ten years, it has averaged about 115 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving unknown or other problems, visibility/wiper, and engine. There have been 22 recalls, 28 crash-related complaints, 23 injuries, and 1 death reported. Living with an RDX means staying alert to roof noise, rear window shattering, and wiper failure, but many issues are covered by recalls or service bulletins.

Acura TLX

The Acura TLX is a midsize luxury sedan that has averaged about 55 complaints per year over the past decade. Its top complaint areas are engine, power train, and electrical system, with 33 recalls, 24 crash-related complaints, 16 injuries, and no deaths. Owners report sudden engine power loss, transmission leaks, and electrical glitches. While it has more recalls than the RDX, the lower complaint rate suggests fewer day-to-day problems.

The numbers

Side-by-side NHTSA record

Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.

Category	Acura RDX	Acura TLX
Total complaintsAll model years combined	1,147	546 Better
Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns	22 Better	33
Crash reportsCrash-related complaints	28	24 Better
Complaints per yearAveraged across model years	114.7	54.6 Better
Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints	23	16 Better
Reported deathsTied to owner complaints	1	0 Better

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.

What actually goes wrong

The problems owners report

The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.

Acura RDX

01UNKNOWN OR OTHER311
02VISIBILITY/WIPER205
03ENGINE193
04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM115
05POWER TRAIN111

What these mean

Unknown or Other

Owners report a loud popping and creaking noise from the panoramic roof frame, which matches a known Acura service bulletin. Another complaint notes the car can be started and driven without a key inside, a potential theft risk. These issues are annoying and could lead to costly repairs if not addressed.

Visibility/Wiper

Some owners have experienced the rear hatch window shattering spontaneously while parked, and windshield wipers seizing during heavy rain. These failures can impair visibility and safety, especially in bad weather. Buyers should check for recalls or service campaigns related to these parts.

Engine

Engine complaints include sudden power loss or stalling while driving, sometimes in wet conditions. One owner described a dangerous loss of acceleration on the highway. This pattern suggests potential issues with engine management or moisture intrusion that could be costly to diagnose.

Electrical System

Multiple owners report their RDX was stolen despite having the keys, indicating possible security system vulnerabilities. Others mention keyless start issues. These electrical and anti-theft problems can lead to insurance headaches and unexpected repair bills.

In owners' words — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

“The panoramic roof frame assembly on my 2022 Acura RDX exhibits the exact condition described in Acura Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-004. The panoramic roof produces loud popping and creaking noises during normal driving over uneven pavement and drivewa…”

“Highlight: The car was able to be started with a button press and driven away without any key inside the car. (Also, some side information that the car had it's annual check-up on the Saturday before this incident). Normally my wife keeps her purse in the hou…”

Acura TLX

01ENGINE140
02POWER TRAIN103
03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM94
04UNKNOWN OR OTHER75
05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM61

What these mean

Engine

Owners report sudden loss of acceleration, misfires, and loud knocking noises, often accompanied by a flashing check engine light. These symptoms can occur during highway driving and may indicate serious internal engine damage. A pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough engine diagnostic.

Power Train

Complaints include transmission or transfer case fluid leaks and multiple dashboard warning lights shortly after purchase. One owner lost access to Sport drive mode. These issues can be expensive to fix and may affect drivability and safety.

Electrical System

The digital instrument cluster can go completely black while driving, leaving the driver without speed or other critical information. Another owner reported an Adaptive Damper System error due to poor wiring. Electrical gremlins like these can be intermittent and hard to trace.

Fuel/Propulsion System

There are complaints related to the fuel system, including a recall for the fuel tank assembly. While specific owner reports are limited in the sample, any fuel system issue poses a fire risk and should be addressed immediately. Buyers should verify that all fuel-related recalls have been performed.

In owners' words — ENGINE

“While driving in humid, rainy conditions for over five hours, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of acceleration. Moisture appears to have built up, resulting in a misfire and a flashing MIL/Check Engine light. This occurred while I was overtaking anot…”

“- The engine system failed and it is available for inspection -While driving on the highway at normal traffic speed, my vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise and the check engine light lit up. Within moments, the engine lost power and became inoper…”

Official recalls

Safety recalls on record

Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.

Acura RDX — 22 recalls

Steering

#24V114000

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.

The risk: Corroded and binding steering gears can result in a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are LHU and FHT.

Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger

#26V332000

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…

The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — Control Unit/Module

#23V430000

The defect: Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Civic, Acura RDX, Acura Integra, and 2022 Honda Accord vehicles. A ball valve in the vehicle stability assist (VSA) modulator may leak brake fluid, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the brake hold feature is engaged or an…

The risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.

Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger

#26V332000

The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Acura TLX — 33 recalls

Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly

#24V950000

The defect: Acura (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2023 TLX vehicles. The fuel filler neck and fuel tank may have been improperly welded, which can result in a fuel leak.

The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is JKX.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals And Linkages

#25V391000Dec 2025

The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehic…

The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…

Air Bags — Sensor — Occupant Classification — Front Passenger

#26V332000

The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals And Linkages

#25V391000Dec 2025

The risk: A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Buyer analysis

Acura RDX or Acura TLX: which should you buy?

The Acura TLX has fewer complaints per year (about 55) compared to the RDX (about 115), suggesting it may have fewer day-to-day problems. However, the TLX has more recalls (33 vs. 22) and its engine and power train complaints can be more severe. In practice, the TLX might require more attention to recalls, while the RDX may have more frequent minor annoyances.

Recommendation. If you prioritize a lower overall complaint rate and can stay on top of recalls, the TLX may be the better choice. If you need an SUV and are willing to inspect for roof, wiper, and electrical issues, the RDX could work. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check for open recalls on either model.

Key differences

The RDX has about twice as many complaints per year as the TLX, but the TLX has more recalls (33 vs. 22).
RDX owners frequently report panoramic roof noise and rear window shattering, while TLX owners report engine power loss and transmission leaks.
The RDX has 1 death and 23 injuries reported, while the TLX has 0 deaths and 16 injuries.
TLX electrical issues include a blank instrument cluster, whereas RDX electrical complaints often involve theft or keyless start problems.

Watch on Acura RDX

Listen for popping or creaking noises from the panoramic roof, especially over uneven pavement, as this may indicate a known frame issue.
Check the rear hatch window for any signs of stress cracks or previous shattering, and test the windshield wipers to ensure they do not seize.

Watch on Acura TLX

During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, misfire, or loss of power, especially in humid or rainy conditions.
Inspect the transmission and transfer case area for fluid leaks, and check that all dashboard warning lights function correctly and none stay illuminated.

Before you buy

Verify that all open recalls for the specific vehicle have been repaired by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
Obtain a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
For the RDX, test the panoramic roof for noise and the rear window for integrity; for the TLX, check for transmission leaks and instrument cluster function.
Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any transmission or engine repairs.
Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and rough roads to replicate conditions that trigger reported complaints.

Year by year

Which model years to avoid

Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.

Year	Acura RDX	Acura TLX
2025	30	4
2024	11	5
2023	23	11
2022	31	26
2021	114	70
2020	346	63
2019	437	92
2018	77	94
2017	77	71

Years to scrutinize: the 2019 Acura RDX drew the most complaints (437); the 2016 Acura TLX drew the most (110). Inspect these model years especially closely.

Check the actual car

Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.

Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Acura RDX or Acura TLX in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.

Go deeper

Full reliability reports

Acura RDX — full reportAcura RDX reliability & problems 1,147 complaints · all years · NHTSA

Acura TLX — full reportAcura TLX reliability & problems 546 complaints · all years · NHTSA

Acura RDX vs Acura TLX — comparison facts

Comparison: Acura RDX vs Acura TLX
Acura RDX total complaints: 1,147
Acura TLX total complaints: 546
Acura RDX total recalls: 22
Acura TLX total recalls: 33
Acura RDX avg complaints/year: 114.7
Acura TLX avg complaints/year: 54.6
More reliable overall: Acura TLX
Acura RDX top complaint area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Acura TLX top complaint area: ENGINE

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Acura RDX vs Acura TLX

Is the Acura RDX or Acura TLX more reliable?

Side-by-side NHTSA record

The problems owners report

Acura RDX

Acura TLX

Safety recalls on record

Acura RDX — 22 recalls

Acura TLX — 33 recalls

Acura RDX or Acura TLX: which should you buy?

Key differences

Before you buy

Which model years to avoid

Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.

Full reliability reports

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