2017 Acura Rdx: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Acura Rdx? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 72 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2017 Acura Rdx Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2017 Acura Rdx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2017 Acura Rdx Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Acura RDX SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Acura Rdx has 72 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- Rdx
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 72
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Acura Rdx Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Acura Rdx?
The 2017 Acura Rdx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Acura Rdx
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical, engine, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical, engine, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Acura Rdx, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2017 Acura RDX are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and electrical systems, with a notable number of brake and engine issues. Crash-related complaints are present but relatively few. The data suggests potential problem areas for buyers to investigate.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints are the most numerous, accounting for 20 out of 72 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the second most common issue, with 17 complaints.
- Engine problems and brake system issues each have 11 complaints, tied for third most frequent.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
- Engine Problems
All 2017 Acura Rdx Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Acura Rdx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Acura Rdx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's wife enabled the parking brake. The contact stated that at a later while, the vehicle ind…
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 deter…
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, a/c blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I steppe…
ENGINEN BRAKE DON
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 mil…
Acura RDX alarm keeps going off; smart power control unit (keyless access/tpms) is faulty.
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 …
Pearl white paint peeling on trunk of car, same issue as with MDX models.
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, A/C blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I steppe…
My car alarm starting going off at random throughout the night, last night and day today. The car also started flickering all the dashboard lights while the car was turned off completely. This seems like it’s the keyless access unit. I don’t know how the battery is not dead yet b…
The RDX has been experiencing stalls when trying to accelerate, shaking/vibrations when accelerating uphill or around curves in roads. I received a letter about the Torque Converter having its warrantee extended. The letter stated if you are experiences issues related to the tor…
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!
If the vehicle goes over 65 mph the transmission light starts blinking on the dashboard.
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…
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.
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 in…
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 …
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.
The alarm and lights keep going off for No reason. The doors can be locked and Armed. Goes off even when not locked.
Keyless Access Control Unit (a.k.a. Smart Power Control Unit) is defective. This is an electronic part and should not have failed. It causes random security alarm triggers, random flashing of exterior lights, clicking noises, and flashing of dash lights. There are plenty of discu…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Acura Rdx.
2017 Acura Rdx Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Acura Rdx. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Acura Rdx Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Acura Rdx reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 72 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2017 Acura Rdx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Acura Rdx?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (20 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (17 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Acura Rdx?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Acura Rdx?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Acura Rdx, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 72 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Acura Rdx have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Acura Rdx. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Acura Rdx?▾
The 2017 Acura Rdx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Acura Rdx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Acura Rdx based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.