Research · Midsize Cars
2017 Acura RLXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2017 Acura RLX. Most complaints involve suspension (2) and steering (1). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
23mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
3
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2017 Acura RLX as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2018 – Jun 2026
- Suspension2
- Steering1
- Engine1
- Wheels1
- Service brakes1
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 Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Suspension
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle pulled to the right, with a creaking sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The contact replaced the brake pads and rotors every year, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the wheels were rotated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the steering column and suspension had failed, and the dealer replaced the steering column. Despite all the repairs, the failures persisted and became progressively worse. In addition to all the failures, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle intermittently failed to start. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Atlantic Coast Acura (11225 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225); who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.”
Steering
1 report
Engine
1 report1 fire
“Catastrophic engine failure at speed, connecting rod failure, which is a known failure for this engine. Engine blew, lost all power, and hot oil hit the hot exhaust and the car caught on fire. A fire truck came to put out the engine fire.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RLX Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | $3,450 | 380 |
- 23mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Acura RLX 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 11070
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.
2017 RLX questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Acura RLX have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 Acura RLX problems?
Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (2), steering (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Acura RLX get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Acura RLX at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2017 Acura RLX?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Acura RLX 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026