Research · Midsize Cars
2018 Acura RLX HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2018 Acura RLX Hybrid. Most complaints involve engine (1) and fuel/propulsion system (1). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
28mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
3
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Acura RLX Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2018 – Feb 2025
- Engine1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Power train1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
1 report
“My engine malfunctioned by throwing a rod, causing the car to lose power and leak oil on the lower passenger side of the engine bay onto the floor below. I was driving to work on a busy highway at the time, and I had to pull over immediately to avoid collisions from other vehicles on the highway. The car immediately became undrivable. I had check engine lights visible on the dash after the incident and I could smell the oil that had leaked from the engine from inside the car. I had to call AAA to have them tow my car to the dealership for service. My engine had to be replaced. The engine had to be ordered, and it took them a little over 2 months to complete the necessary work to fix my vehicle. The problem was confirmed and addressed by the dealership once the vehicle arrived at the service location. The manufacturer inspected the damaged parts and offered a viable solution to repair the vehicle. The warning lamps were visible immediately after the incident occured. No warning lights were present prior to the failure.”
Fuel/propulsion system
1 report
“No incidents so far. However, it is causing a lot of anxiety knowing that the car could potentially stall or crash since I received the email notice on 12/18/2023. What is a reasonable wait time?”
Power train
1 report
“****NOTE - ADD PRODUCT**** VEHICLE WITH 11,800 MILES, OWNED FOR 9 MONTHS. TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT, TRAVELED ~100 FEET AT 8 MPH. MOVEMENT WAS ON BATTERY POWER, ENGINE OFF. EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION TO 18 MPH OVER A PERIOD OF 3-4 SECONDS. VERIFIED WITH DASH CAMERA GPS SPEED MONITORING. APPLIED BRAKES, ACCELERATION CEASED AND VEHICLE SLOWED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, NO ERROR CODES OR MECHANICAL ISSUES FOUND.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM-S7)
- 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 Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RLX Hybrid Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 29 | 28 | $2,700 | 316 |
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Acura RLX Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 12646
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- 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.
2018 RLX Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Acura RLX Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2018 Acura RLX Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1), fuel/propulsion system (1), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2018 Acura RLX Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Acura RLX Hybrid at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026