Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2017 Acura RDXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 80 owner complaints for the 2017 Acura RDX. Most complaints involve power train (24) and electrical system (18). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Apr 2017
Owner complaints
80
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: labels

Free remedy

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."

EquipmentReported Apr 18, 2017NHTSA 17V256000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

80 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train24
  2. Electrical system18
  3. Engine11
  4. Service brakes11
  5. Vehicle speed control8
  6. Air bags5
  7. Forward collision avoidance4
  8. Structure3
  9. Lane departure3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each RDX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200753
200833
200915
201022
201116
201215
2013162
2014244
2015415
201641
201780
201878
2019439
2020349
2021117
202231
202324
202412
202530
20261
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
6
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

24 reports1 crash
“DTC Code is registering Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance stuck or off (P0741) This can lead to ruining my transmission. It was an extended warranty to 150,000 miles or 10 years for known issue. Service Bulletin 23-029. Honda corporate refuses to pay or let a more local Honda dealership repair and reimburse. They want me to go to an actual Acura dealership which is over 250-300 miles away. My car won't make it. I've asked regional Honda dealers if they will do it and they said yes, but every time my case manager reaches out she blocks me and says they can't submit payment with no explanation. Same tools, same fluids and same 6 speed transmission as a Honda Pilot or Accord. All I get is excuses because they don't want to pay and offer no resolution. Worst customer experience I've ever had and can't leave town with my vehicle!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Power trainODI 11770940

Electrical system

18 reports
“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 complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2026Electrical systemODI 11755243

Engine

11 reports
“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 complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2025EngineODI 11694335
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RDX FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202823$3,450386
RDX AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
192722$3,600402
  • RDX FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 28 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • RDX AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Acura RDX SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Acura RDX SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 11017Vehicle 11016
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 RDX questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Acura RDX have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Acura RDX problems?

Owners filed 80 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (24), electrical system (18), engine (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Acura RDX get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Acura RDX at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2017 Acura RDX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Acura RDX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026