Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 Acura RLX problems

Owners filed 6 complaints about the 2018 Acura RLX with NHTSA between Nov 2024 and Jun 2026. The most-cited component is engine (2).

Complaints
6
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine2
  2. Electrical system2
  3. Engine and engine cooling2
  4. Fuel system, gasoline1

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 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20242
20251
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

2 reports
“The first time I heard the engine noise was on [XXX]. I brought the vehicle to the Schaumburg Muller Acura dealership and dropped it off on May 20. On May 21, the dealership performed an initial inspection and informed me that they needed authorization to further disassemble the engine in order to determine the cause of the problem. I provided that authorization, and by May 22 the engine had been torn down to the point where the failure could be identified. On May 22, I spoke with my service advisor, Ken, who informed me that the connecting rod bearings were worn and that the engine would need to be replaced. I was sent photographs, a video, and an estimate for the repair totaling $12,943.83. While I was shocked by the cost, Ken advised me that the dealership would be contacting Acura to request goodwill assistance on my behalf. Because this occurred immediately before the Memorial Day weekend, several days passed before I received an update. On May 30, a different service advisor informed me that Acura had approved $8,000 in goodwill assistance. During that conversation, he asked me, “The original estimate was around $16,000, right?” I knew that was incorrect,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 2, 2026EngineODI 11741672

Electrical system

2 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving her vehicle at an undisclosed speed, stated that the vehicle would not start up, and noticed every single waring light illuminated up on her dash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice, first time it was diagnosed to have a crank sensor failure, it was replaced. Two days after, the issues reoccurred, where it was diagnosed to be the engine starter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 18, 2026Electrical system, Engine and engine coolingODI 11738529

Engine and engine cooling

2 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the oil change and tire rotation messages were displayed. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that an oil change and tire rotation were performed, and the contact was informed that the engine was knocking. The contact received a call notification from the dealer two days after the vehicle was repaired regarding the connecting rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the issue would be escalated to a higher department. The failure mileage was 92,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 12, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11642306

Fuel system, gasoline

1 report1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 3, 2024Fuel system, gasolineODI 11628568
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026

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