NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 78 owner complaints for the 2018 Acura RDX. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (17) and fuel system, gasoline (17). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each RDX model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 53 |
| 2008 | 33 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2010 | 22 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 162 |
| 2014 | 244 |
| 2015 | 415 |
| 2016 | 41 |
| 2017 | 80 |
| 2018 | 78 |
| 2019 | 439 |
| 2020 | 349 |
| 2021 | 117 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 1 |
“The light comes on due to an emission system warning, shaking, and a lack of power; the engine is severely misfiring. This is the second time I have complained about this to the NHTSA”
“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
“This is a supplemental report to document a severe, recurring safety hazard involving an uncommanded loss of motive power and delayed acceleration from a complete stop. The vehicle is a 2018 Acura RDX with approximately 75,000 miles. The automatic transmission 4th clutch fluid pressure switch (diagnostic trouble code P0873) has failed twice in less than a six-month period. The switch was initially replaced in early July using a brand-new OEM dealership part. The vehicle had also previously undergone a full transmission fluid flush. Despite verified wiring and clean fluid, the replacement OEM component has prematurely degraded and failed yet again under identical driving conditions. The failure manifests intermittently while the vehicle is at a complete stop, such as at an intersection. Upon attempting to accelerate from the stop--specifically during critical driving maneuvers like executing a left turn across oncoming traffic--the vehicle experiences a sudden, severe lag in acceleration, harsh shifting, and drops into an uncommanded limp mode/protection state. This unpredictable, delayed acceleration leaves the vehicle lagging directly in the path of oncoming…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RDX FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,450 | 386 |
| RDX AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,600 | 402 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
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.
Owners filed 78 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (17), fuel system, gasoline (17), power train (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Acura RDX at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Acura RDX 5 out of 5 stars overall.