The engine cooling system failed due to a coolant loss issue caused by an internal engine problem. The vehicle experienced repeated coolant loss, overheating, and was later diagnosed with a head gasket failure. The failed components were repaired/replaced by an Acura dealer and may be available for inspection upon request through repair records and replaced parts if retained. The failure created a safety risk because the vehicle overheated while driving and while idling in traffic. Loss of coolant and engine overheating could result in sudden loss of vehicle power, engine damage, or a breakdown in unsafe locations such as roadways. The issue was especially concerning because the symptoms occurred without an immediate warning that allowed enough time to safely prevent the failure. Yes. The coolant loss and overheating concern was confirmed by service providers. An Acura dealer mechanic performed testing that indicated combustion gases were present in the cooling system. The vehicle was later inspected and repaired by an Acura dealer, who replaced the head gaskets and related components. The vehicle was inspected by Acura dealership personnel during diagnosis and repair. Acura was contacted regarding the failure and a request for goodwill assistance was submitted. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives regarding this issue. Yes. Prior to the final failure, the vehicle showed symptoms of coolant loss and overheating. I had to add coolant m
2019 Acura RDX engine problems
92 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 8,300.
- owner complaints
- 92
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 8,300
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Acura RDX engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Acura RDX engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Check engine light 49Loss of power 36Stalling 20Overheating 6
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2019 Acura RDX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Car goes into limp mode all the time and fuel cuts on and off
Premature valve cover gasket oil leak and rear shock absorber oil leak at 43,818 miles At 43,818 miles on 04/25/2026, Acura dealer documented on RO XXX: "Valve cover gasket leaking - Recommend replacement $500+Tax" and "Rear Shock/Strut starting to leak oil residue $435.64". This is premature failure. Valve cover oil leak can cause engine fire hazard - oil leaking onto hot exhaust. Rear shock oil leak causes loss of stability and increased stopping distance. Dealer quoted over $3,500. Repaired at independent shop with OEM parts for $1,670. Honda Case #XXX denied goodwill citing out of warranty. VIN: [XXX], 44k miles, well maintained. Request investigation for 2019 RDX premature oil leaks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There was head gasket failures around cylinders 2 and 3. This allows small amounts of coolant to leak into the engine, causing a distinct startup sputter or a choppy shudder as turbo boost climbs. This is a reoccurring issue with 2019 Acura RDX the vehicle ran hot while driving and was instructed to turn the vehicle off also the check engine light began to flash on and off.
Head Gasket failure. Design failure there are grooves holding coolant on the block making the coolant leak into cylinders heads
blown head gasket
My RDX A-Spec experienced premature head gasket failure and suspected turbocharger related issues at low moderate mileage. Vehicle shows coolant loss and overheating/midfire symptons, rough idle. Im concerned this May be related to known Honda/Acura 2.0 turbo engine defects causing unsafe and costly engine damage.
The car started jerking and overheating. Mechanic says blown head gasket. The car is only 64000 miles.
Vehicle: 2019 Acura RDX (Technology Package) I am reporting a serious safety issue involving sudden loss of engine power while driving. On March 14, 2026, I filled my gas tank before traveling approximately 1.5 hours out of town. The vehicle operated normally that day. The following morning, during snowy and icy conditions, while accelerating in traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard (“Christmas tree” effect), and the steering became very stiff, making it difficult to safely maneuver the vehicle out of traffic. I was able to restart the vehicle, but warning lights remained on. The next day, while driving on the highway under normal conditions, the same issue occurred again. While accelerating, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled in traffic, creating a dangerous situation. In response, the fuel pump inside the gas tank was replaced; however, the problem persists. The vehicle continues to display warning lights and still loses power when accelerating. I contacted an Acura dealership after seeing reports of a fuel pump recall for similar vehicles, but I was told my VIN was not included. Despite this, the symptoms match known fuel pump-related issues. This defect poses a serious safety risk, especially when driving at highway speeds or in traffic, as sudden loss of power and steering assist can lead to a crash. No injuries have occurred yet, but the issue is ongoing and unresolved. I am requesting investigation into this issue as a potential safety defect.
We have owned our 2019 Acura RDX for about 4 years. Roughly 2 years ago my wife called me panicked that the car had lost power and the check engine light was on as she was exiting the freeway. It was a rainy day, she had our kids in the car on the way to a soccer game. I called off work with an emergency, drove an hour to where she was and scanned the car. No codes popped up on my scanner, I started the vehicle and it seemed to run like normal, no check engine light. I had it towed to Honda of Gresham, OR and after a week or so they called and said they couldn't find anything wrong with our vehicle. I paid for a oil change, a tow and a dealer diagnostics and was told they could not find anything. $500 later no answers. Fast forward 2 years Oct 26th 2025 I was driving the RDX this time, in the rain on the freeway. Wife and kids in the car. Went to accelerate past a slow driver and the car went into limp mode. Check engine light flashing and limited to 40 mph or so, I put the hazards on as I was on a single lane bridge with traffic behind me. I pulled over after the bridge and turned the vehicle off. After 5 minutes or so I started the car again and everything seems fine, no check engine lights nothing seems off. I continued on down the freeway without any more incident. I started researching what is going on and find many many reports of this same thing. Acura has a tsb for a front mount intercooler as the fix, but when I took ours in for the stated problem they couldn't find a problem. This car looks beautiful, but it's a safety hazard on the freeway when moisture is present, we live in the PNW and it rains 7 months out of the year. I have owned 10-12 hondas in my lifetime and this 2019 Acura RDX is the worst. Absolutely a safety hazard to my family. Disappointed this will be the last Honda we buy.
Questions about the 2019 Acura RDX engine
Does the 2019 Acura RDX have engine problems?
Owners have filed 92 complaints about the engine of the 2019 Acura RDX, 21% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2019 Acura RDX engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 8,300 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2019 Acura RDX engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Acura RDX have bad engine?
The Acura RDX model years with the most engine complaints are 2019 (92 complaints), 2020 (57 complaints) and 2021 (24 complaints).
Other 2019 Acura RDX problems
Visibility 114Fuel system 44Electrical 39Transmission 37Body 23Brakes 23Acceleration 17Airbags 12Driver assistance 9Steering 5Suspension 5Lights 4Seat belts 4Seats 4Tires 2Wheels 1
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