Research · Midsize Cars

2014 Acura RLXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 84 owner complaints for the 2014 Acura RLX. Most complaints involve steering (49) and suspension (17). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
23mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Dec 2023
Owner complaints
84
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Dec 18, 2023NHTSA 23V858000

Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking

Free remedy

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.

Forward collision avoidanceReported May 20, 2015NHTSA 15V301000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, to July 25, 2014. An aluminum film applied to the inner reflector of the headlight may experience adhesion issues causing the film to delaminate. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Exterior lightingReported Dec 16, 2014NHTSA 14V792000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

84 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2013 – Sep 2026
  1. Steering49
  2. Suspension17
  3. Electronic stability control (esc)12
  4. Electrical system10
  5. Engine7
  6. Forward collision avoidance6
  7. Lane departure5
  8. Wheels5
  9. Power train3

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 RLX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201484
201511
20166
20173
20186
20203
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

49 reports
“My 2014 Acura RLX has experienced a severe failure of the Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) Rear Toe Control (RTC) Actuators. The vehicle and its components are currently located at the Hiley Acura of Fort Worth dealership and are fully available for inspection. Safety Risk: This failure causes dangerous rear-end fish-tailing, violent swaying, and completely unpredictable steering control at highway speeds, creating an immediate crash risk for myself and other drivers. Confirmation & Inspection: The problem first appeared on July 8, 2026. Upon failure, the instrument panel immediately lit up with every available indicator light and continuously rotated through all system warnings. I captured video evidence of this total dashboard cascade and presented it directly to the dealership. The authorized dealer, Hiley Acura, inspected the vehicle but misdiagnosed the symptom. They incorrectly charged me $455 to replace a steering angle sensor and bundled it into a total bill of $3,808.63 heavily loaded with elective maintenance items. Upon a secondary inspection after the issue persisted, Hiley Acura officially confirmed that the RTC actuators have failed and match…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 1, 2026Steering, SuspensionODI 11761406

Suspension

17 reports
“Rear toe actuator (PAWS system) failure causes steering instability, warning lights, and loss of control during cornering. Acura denied warranty coverage despite a known defect and VIN-based extension (TSB 23-021, 23-022).”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 5, 2025SuspensionODI 11697542

Electronic stability control (esc)

12 reports
“Electronic Stability Control Problem-available for inspection upon request. 1. I have had issues with the rear end fishtailing for a few seconds that would correct itself. Today after I pulled out of work, the car fishtailed when I was entering the highway. All the warning lights started flashing-paws, brake assist,power steering, hill,lane departure,etc. 2. This is very dangerous and a safety issue that Acura should take responsibility for before accidents occur! 3. I notified the dealer on 5-13-2022 who stated the problem was probably just battery voltage related. 4. No warnings with the dashboard flashing lights until 5-13-2022 but the sudden fishtailing has been occurring for several months now. 5. I assumed it was the tires and bought 4 new ones. On 5-15-2022 the car fishtailed so suddenly my passangers thought i was trying to avoid hitting something in the road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 15, 2022Electronic stability control (esc)ODI 11464740
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-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 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RLX
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
203023$3,450380
  • RLX
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 30 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Acura RLX as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 8478
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

2014 RLX questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Acura RLX have?

5 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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 2014 Acura RLX problems?

Owners filed 84 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (49), suspension (17), electronic stability control (esc) (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Acura RLX get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Acura RLX at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026