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2011 Acura RDX problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Acura RDX is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical RDX model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
89/100
Owner complaints
16
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
50
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
19-21mpg

The worst 2011 Acura RDX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    10
  • Electrical
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    10
  • Electrical
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Engine
    1

Recalls 2

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported March 6, 2019 · 1,101,534 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Recall number 19V182000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 3, 2016 · 2,232,187 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Recall number 16V061000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2011 Acura RDX

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Acura RDX 50

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 50 bulletins for the 2011 Acura RDX

2011 Acura RDX crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Acura RDX SUV AWDPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.4

2011 Acura RDX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.3L 4‑cylFWD192421
2.3L 4‑cylAWD172219

What 2011 Acura RDX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 31, 2022 · Engine · AR

Turbo went out at 109230 miles. No warning lamps or anything prior. Unknown on other questions. Just know mil had a turbo go out and ended up being apart of recall

Filed Sep 26, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 119,500 miles · GA

Condensation forms inside the headlights causing the lights not to work.

Filed Feb 4, 2020 · Electrical, Transmission · 79,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact contact owns a 2011 acura rdx. The contact stated that the gear shifter lever failed to shift out of gears and the key failed to release from the ignition switch. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the shifter cable failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed of the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired and was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2017 · Airbags · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 acura rdx. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (honda of bay county located at 3601 e 15th st panama city, fl 32404) who stated that authorization was needed to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened case number: 05970305. No additional assistance was offered. The VIN was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Jun 2, 2017 · Lights · AL

4141

Filed May 1, 2017 · Airbags · MD

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 acura rdx. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags). The dealer was contacted numerous times to schedule the recall repair, but they were unresponsive. The dealer failed to respond in a reasonable timeframe. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact was not experiencing a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 23, 2017 · Acceleration, Airbags · 30,100 miles · FL · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 acura rdx. The contact stated that while making a turn at an extremely low speed with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. As a result, the contact drove over a curb and crashed into an embankment as the vehicle tilted to the right side. In addition, the contact mentioned that the vehicle continued to revv after it was shifted into the park and neutral position. The vehicle stopped revving after the it was shut off. The air bags failed to deploy. No police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,100.

Filed Jan 21, 2017 · Transmission · 96,498 miles · CA

Low growl, or vibration/shudder starting around 40-50 MPH and continues if you go faster or accelerate quickly. Already changed 2 axles and had mounts check and multiple allignments. All open source and forum research point very heavily to torque converter and powerpoint control module.

Filed Dec 5, 2016 · Airbags · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 acura rdx. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags). The contact stated that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 13, 2016 · Airbags · MA

Takata recall- I have contacted dealership several times over seven months - they dont have parts to repair the problem. This is a severe safety issue that demands real dates for repair.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2011 Acura RDX before you buy

Compare the 2011 Acura RDX

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2011 Acura RDX

Is the 2011 Acura RDX reliable?

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 2011 Acura RDX, fewer than a typical RDX model year.

What is the 2011 Acura RDX year score?

The 2011 Acura RDX scores 89 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Acura RDX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Acura RDX?

Airbags, with 10 complaints. Next is electrical (3).

How many recalls does the 2011 Acura RDX have?

2 recalls, covering air bags.

Is the 2011 Acura RDX safe in a crash?

The 2011 Acura RDX was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 4 out of 5.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Acura RDX airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 19V182000, 16V061000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Acura RDX have bad airbags?

The Acura RDX model years with the most airbags complaints are 2014 (41 complaints), 2013 (36 complaints) and 2015 (33 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Acura RDX get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Acura RDX range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 24 highway.

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