2020 Acura RDX transmission problems

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Transmission · FL

Transfer case is leaking. Then the engine overheated. Confirmed and inspected by the dealer. No warnings prior to the incident.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Transmission · MN

Powertrain failed in 2020 Acura RDX Tech Pkg AWD. Only 2 weeks after the 6 year warranty expired on the vehicle the powertrain failed and set off the check engine light. Dealer service department found an excessive amount of shavings in the plug. The vehicle only had 41,345 miles on it before transmission/powertrain failed and there was only 1 owner for the vehicle. It was purchased brand new from the dealer and vehicle was well-maintained.

Filed May 5, 2025 · Transmission · OH

Under full throttle acceleration while merging onto highway the car would not deliver power and the check engine started flashing. Pressing the accelerator did not make the car go. I had to pull over and stop the car. I turned it off and turned it back on and was able to drive away. Both times, the weather was very humid and I was merging on a ramp that had an uphill incline. This happened twice within a few days. The first time was on 3-MAY-2025 and the second time was on 5-MAY-2025

Filed May 23, 2023 · Driver assistance, Transmission · CA

My car transmission light came on...check engine. Then said blind spot warning not working. See dealer. My car transmission warning message appears every time I accelerate to 60mph. It switches to sport mode on its on and I am unable to switch it back. My cameras malfunction for blind spots. The car sound is louder and usually it's quiet. I take my car in regularly for servid3 with the dealer. This is very strange. I am scared to go past 60mph.

Filed Mar 2, 2023 · Transmission · 280,093 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and changing lanes, the vehicle decelerated with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to accelerate; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle started to operate as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 280,093.

Filed Mar 28, 2022 · Transmission · 36,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH in the rain, the vehicle upshifted and downshifted independently. The check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle continued to downshift. The accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle continued to decelerate. The contact veered to the side of the roadway and parked the vehicle. The contact then turned off the vehicle for 30 seconds. The contact stated that as he restarted the vehicle, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle then operated as needed while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2021 · Transmission · AL

Pulled out to pass and when I tried to accelerate, the engine basically died. It didn't turn off, but dropped to limp mode and the check engine light started flashing. Engine stayed in limp mode until being turned off and on again. In limp mode, car would not even go 10 mhp on even a slight uphill incline. Doubt it would have made it up more of a hill. This could be a huge safety problem if there had been more traffic. Acura is aware of the problem and says it is a design flaw with the turbo intercooler, but they don't have parts to fix it. They said pulling over and turning the car off for a minute and restarting it should fix the problem, which it did for me, but that isn't always safe to do. Acura also said it is out of warranty and I will have to pay for the repair out of pocket. Owners need to be aware their car could die unexpectedly when trying to accelerate and what to do to correct it, and Acura/Honda needs to recall and repair this!

Filed Aug 6, 2021 · Transmission · NJ

When accelerating, my vehicle continues to have sudden deceleration, loss of power and stalls. While driving, the vehicle continues to have very sudden decelerate and loses power which is very dangerous given the volume and speed of other vehicles on the road. When driving steady for more than 30 minutes, you can hear the vehicle downshift or trying to go into another gear. It's only a matter of time before an accident happens if it has not yet already happened to someone else where life if not worth the risk.. Given the number vehicle owners who have had this same experience, I do not understand why this vehicle has not been recalled. It needs to be recalled as soon as possible before a life is involved. By the time the dealer checks for transmission issues, of course they do not find anything after a 10-minute drive which is very frustrating for the owner only to experience this issue over and over again! I am an unsatisfied and frighten by my experience. This issues also seems to be getting worse and worse!!!!!! No crash.....yet!

Filed Jul 30, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · 5,040 miles · TX · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owned a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle inadvertently slowed down and without warning a strange noise came from the engine compartment and a sudden jerk to the wheel when the vehicle accelerated without warning up to approximately 100 mph. The contact was able to exit the highway where the vehicle made another strange noise from the engine compartment and the wheel jerked when the vehicle accelerated without warning again which resulted in the contact crashing into a group of 3 vehicles. There were 2 confirmed injuries which were the occupants of the contact's vehicle the driver and front seat passenger. The contact sustained a broken sternum, internal bleeding, decompression of lower back, and swollen right side foot. The contact's son sustained a lumbar fracture and a contusion. The contact does not know if anyone in the other vehicles were injured. A police report was taken and the vehicle was towed to an insurance lot. The vehicle was then towed to a salvaged lot and deemed a total loss. The contact stated she does not know if warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 5,040.

Filed Jul 9, 2021 · Transmission · TX

Driving 40 MPH in heavy rain, had to accelerate quickly while changing lanes, engine when into derate. Check engine flashing, loss of power, engaged 4 way flasher, went 25mph to interstate exit.