See attached document for complaint.
The worst 2014 Acura RDX problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Lights163
- Airbags41
- Visibility10
- Electrical8
- Suspension8
- Brakes4
- Acceleration3
- Body3
- Engine3
- Fuel system3
- Seat belts2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Driver assistance1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Acura RDX
Recalls 3
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall numbers 21V‑215 and 20V‑314.
Recall number 23V858000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- 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 module
- 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 3 recalls for the 2014 Acura RDX
Defect investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA21002
Technical service bulletins for the 2014 Acura RDX 133
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Customer Support Program For Driver's Airbag Inflator for 2013-14 ILX Hybrid and Other Listed Years and...
- Dealer message
- This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators
- This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators
- Dealer Message
- Dealer Message
- Dealer Message
- Video Message
- The front rocker arm oil control valve is leaking.
- ServiceNews Article
2014 Acura RDX crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura RDX SUV AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Acura RDX SUV FWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
2014 Acura RDX fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 20 | 28 | 23 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | AWD | 19 | 27 | 22 |
What 2014 Acura RDX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Extreme long cranking due to lacking fuel pump to build fuel pressure to start vehicle.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the headlights were extremely dim at night. The passenger inquired to the contact if the headlights were turned on. The contact used the high beam headlights while driving at night. The manufacturer was contacted through the customer complaint line. An independent mechanic confirmed that the low beam headlights were extremely dim. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Head lights are so dim that I had to pull off side of road to see if they were even on. They were on, but absolutely úseles on dark road way because they are so dim thus making driving at night very dangerous. . Problem started about 85,000 miles. I cannot safely drive at night in this vehicle.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that, while attempting to start the vehicle using the Push-To-Start feature, the vehicle hesitated before starting. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an inoperable fuel pump. The contact was informed that the fuel pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s and passenger’s side headlights were very dim. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the headlight bulbs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
The low beam headlight projector lens has degraded to the point of being extremely unsafe and therefore unable to drive at night. Repair for the defective headlight is costly and should be addressed by Honda/Acura as it is a HUGE safety concern. Acura recalled/replaced the defective lens on the 2014-2015 RLX model but has chose not to do so on the RDX with the exact same problem.
I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding an unresolved airbag system failure in my Acura vehicle, and the lack of a timely or safe remedy despite the issue being acknowledged and covered under a manufacturer warranty extension. The airbag system in my vehicle was first diagnosed as failed in September 2025 by my local mechanic and shortly thereafter confirmed by an authorized Acura dealership. The defective component (part number 77810TX4-A40ZA) is currently on backorder and has been unavailable for several months. I have been placed on a priority waitlist, but no estimated timeline for repair has been provided. This issue is particularly concerning because it directly affects the vehicle’s safety systems. I have effectively been driving a vehicle without functioning airbags since the initial diagnosis. Despite the clear safety risk, Acura has not provided an adequate interim solution. Given the seriousness of the issue, I recently requested a loaner vehicle from Acura so that I would not have to continue operating an unsafe vehicle. This request was denied, and I was informed that I am not eligible for a loaner, despite the known safety defect and lack of available repair parts. Additional details: Case manager: [XXX] Acura case number: XXX Initial escalation email thread began: December 23, 2025 Ongoing communication: Weekly follow-ups with no resolution or part availability I believe this situation represents a significant safety concern and a lack of appropriate response from the manufacturer. Consumers should not be expected to operate vehicles with known, unresolved safety system failures for extended periods without access to safe alternatives. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed and investigated to ensure accountability and to prevent potential harm to drivers and passengers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My main headlights became DIM after 7 years of ownership. I have gone to the Dealership and had BOTH bulbs Replaced with No Visible Improvement in the Brightness. Given the age of my car, I've also had the Lenses Polished to ensure there's no significant Film on the Outside. Again... No Improvement in the Brightness of the lights. I asked the techs at the Shop about the problem and they said they haven't seen any systemic problems. I'm concerned as this is a Safety Issue and my work does have me driving at night on occasion.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 92,551. The Carfax Report sent from the dealer indicated that the mileage was 93,000. After retrieving a Carfax Report, the mileage was 162,551.
Compare the 2014 Acura RDX
RDX vs BMW X3RDX vs Audi Q5RDX vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300RDX vs Volvo XC60
Other model years
20072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2014 Acura RDX
Is the 2014 Acura RDX reliable?
Owners have filed 245 complaints about the 2014 Acura RDX, 4.6 times a typical RDX model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2014 Acura RDX year score?
The 2014 Acura RDX scores 19 out of 100 (poor). 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 2014 Acura RDX?
Lights, with 163 complaints, typically around 88,000 miles. Next is airbags (41).
How many recalls does the 2014 Acura RDX have?
3 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and air bags.
Is the 2014 Acura RDX safe in a crash?
In government crash tests the 2014 Acura RDX scored 5 out of 5 stars overall, depending on body style and drivetrain (2 versions tested).
What year does the Acura RDX have the most lights problems?
The Acura RDX model years with the most lights complaints are 2015 (347 complaints), 2014 (163 complaints) and 2013 (90 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2014 Acura RDX get?
Official estimates for the 2014 Acura RDX range from 22 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 20 city and 28 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2014 Acura RDX?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history