Research · Midsize Cars

2020 Acura RLXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints for the 2020 Acura RLX. Most complaints involve steering (1) and vehicle speed control (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
1campaigns
Latest Dec 2023
Owner complaints
3
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,350est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · 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 19, 2023NHTSA 23V858000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Steering1
  2. Vehicle speed control1
  3. Other / unknown1

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
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

1 report
“The contact owns a 2020 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn, with an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,647.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 3, 2026SteeringODI 11729028

Vehicle speed control

1 report
“On my 2020 Acura RLX hybrid: On the same day, once in a parking lot and once on a side drive, traveling at less than 15mph but more than 5mph, the car suddenly accelerated upon which I slowed the car dowm by braking lightly. I have no idea why this happened. The original equipment rubber floor mat was correctly fastened and was not near the accelerator. The car only has 14,000 miles, is lightly driven. The fuel pump was replaced a year ago on tab recall. No other issues have been noticed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 11, 2026Vehicle speed controlODI 11723626
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S10)
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 Nov 11, 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 (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202923$3,350383
  • RLX
    Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,350/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Acura 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 Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 14144
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

2020 RLX questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Acura RLX have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 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 2020 Acura RLX problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (1), vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Acura RLX get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Acura RLX at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2020 Acura RLX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Acura RLX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026