2021 Acura RDX brakes problems

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NY · crash

Two low-speed sudden unintended acceleration events while parking a 2021 Acura RDX. Incident 1 (July 2026): While parking at low speed, the car unexpectedly surged forward. Flew up the curb and hit a restaurant window, causing massive undercarriage damage. Active braking did not help and seemed to make acceleration worse. It only stopped when it wanted to. Incident 2 (August 2026): Two weeks after getting the car back from repairs, under identical low-speed parking conditions, a second sudden acceleration event occurred. Slamming on the brakes did nothing. It stopped after scraping a car wash vacuum pole, destroying the entire passenger side. Prior to these, the car exhibited erratic safety software behavior, including multiple phantom braking incidents where it slammed on its brakes violently with no obstacles present. I bought the car Certified Pre-Owned two years ago. The dealership repaired a known "popping sound" from the panoramic sunroof frame three times. This required extensive cabin/pillar teardown work, which may have disturbed internal wiring harnesses or grounding points linked to the electronic throttle control system. In both events, it felt like an uncontrolled amusement park ride—the engine loudly revving and taking over with zero driver control. I initially assumed pedal confusion during the first crash, but since it happened again under identical circumstances, there is clearly a systemic electronic/software defect in the Throttle Actuator or Powertrain Control Module. The vehicle is at an insurance network body shop awaiting forensic evaluation of the throttle system, pedal sensors, and a Bosch EDR black box download.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · NJ

On or about XXX, my 2021 Acura RDX, with approximately 121,078 miles, suddenly displayed multiple dashboard warning lights and system-failure messages while I was driving. These included the check-engine light, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, steering, stability-control, braking-assistance and other driver-assistance warnings. Earlier, the tire-pressure monitoring system had also indicated a malfunction even though the tire pressures were correct. The vehicle initially continued to drive and the conventional brakes appeared to function normally. However, it then began hesitating when I attempted to accelerate. The vehicle would eventually gain speed, but the initial hesitation created a serious safety concern when pulling into traffic or attempting to accelerate. The check-engine light remained solid while the vehicle was stopped but flashed whenever I began driving and accelerating again. No crash, fire or injury occurred. The vehicle had undergone a full diagnostic inspection approximately two weeks earlier, and I was informed that everything checked out properly. There were no known drivability problems before this incident, and the vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by Elite Acura, an authorized Acura dealership in [XXX]. The dealership confirmed a head-gasket failure and a problem with the rear differential left-side actuator. The dealer recommended replacing the head gasket, four spark plugs, coolant, oil and filter, as well as replacing the rear differential left-side actuator and changing the differential fluid. The estimated head-gasket repair was $5,391.46, and the estimated rear differential actuator and fluid service was $813.85. The dealer also recommended rear brake pads and rotors. The head-gasket and rear differential actuator problems were confirmed by the authorized Acura dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Brakes · NY

After dealer (worldwide motors Ltd also call (Paragon Acura) 33-40 57th street, Woodside, NY 11377)replaced front and rear brake pads and rotors, my vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while stopped. While idling at a red light with my foot firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly moved forward approximately 10 feet on its own. This was a serious safety concern and nearly caused a collision or pedestrian injury. I immediately returned the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated they could not duplicate the issue and said the vehicle was operating normally. No warning lights were present. The incident occurred immediately after brake service. I am concerned this may involve the braking system, brake booster, brake switch, or electronic throttle interaction. This behavior is not normal and poses a safety risk.

Filed Jun 1, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · NY

I have a 2021 Acura RDX A-spec AW and ever since I had a brakes problem, when applying brakes will not take break promptly kept slipping like going I address this to the dealer numerous time and what they said is that they haven’t had a recall in order to know what really the problem is I think is due to my calipers and probably rotors, but I think is the cut for defect on these 2021 Acura RDX . Also my engine been leaking oil from the top rear side and rear the valve cover this need to be addressed and I have made a complaint to Acura Honda The Corp. and they said they haven’t been a recall for this. Also, I would like someone to look at this matter break And engine problem due to a leak that could cost a fire.

Filed May 9, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

It was raining and I was sat at a stop light. The brakes started to slip a little no matter how much I pressed then all of a sudden the entire car started shutting down. Engine, Transmission, Power Steering, Lane Keep Assist, Collision warning, all the lights started flashing. The car was put into Limp mode.

Filed Jan 30, 2025 · Brakes · NH

The front brakes and possibly the rear as well judder when applied at moderate and higher speeds. The sensation is disconcerting as though the brakes are prematurely failing. Malfunctioning brakes are obviously a safety issue. This is an ongoing problem and shouldn't be happening on a gently used, well maintained vehicle. It has been happening consistently and worsening for at least the past year. It is very reproducible but when I contacted the closest Acura dealer, they denied any known issues affecting this vehicle. No warning lamps or other errors were set but I doubt this issue is monitored by the vehicle's sensors.

Filed Jan 22, 2025 · Brakes · TX

On July 21st, 2024, the electronic parking brake on our 2021 Acura RDX seized and would not release. The vehicle had not sustained any damage and only had 63,270 miles on the odometer. The vehicle was in the garage but the brake seizure rendered the otherwise functioning vehicle unusable. The vehicle is available for inspection. There was nothing to indicate a problem prior to failure on the 21st. An Acura dealer replaced the gear unit motor that actuates the parking brake but the brake did not disengage as per the repair invoice attached. It was determined the parking brake switch circuit connection did not match specs and the parking brake switch was replaced. The parking brake worked at the time we retrieved the vehicle from the dealership but currently do not engage the brake as we are unsure if this will fail again. This issue put us and owners of like vehicles in danger due to the fact that a simple switch malfunction seizes the rear brakes of the car. Fortunately the vehicle was in our garage at the time but if failure occurs at speed, rear locked brake(s) could no doubt lead to a serious crash. At best, a parked disabled vehicle leads to very costly inconvenience as it did for us. Whether a failed switch or a poor connection my concern is the problem replicates while in motion while driving and losing control of the vehicle. From internet searches it appears failed switches are a growing problem with Honda vehicles equipped with electronic parking brakes. There exists no override ability to disengage the parking brake apart from the electronic switch. Again, an otherwise functioning vehicle can be disabled as the rear wheel(s) are seized.

Filed Dec 12, 2024 · Brakes · CA

I bought this car from a Honda dealership 1 month ago and my brakes are squeaking very loud when reversing my car. It happens every morning and is very frustrating. I would like this fixed for it being such an expensive car.

Filed Apr 21, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · CA

While driving on a freeway for about 15 minutes at 65 MPH, the MIL indicator started blinking. The vehicle began to rapidly shake, while the engine power decreased significantly. The engine dramatically went from 65 mph to 35 mph causing a safety hazard while driving on the freeway as we attempted to exit and pull over safely. The vehicle is a 2021 Acura RDX and is driven approximately 10,000 miles per year. All maintenance has been performed in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule. It has not been involved in any collisions or other user risk other than normal driving in accordance with the approved use of the vehicles. Upon trying to restart the vehicle, the vehicle continues to violently shake while in park. Notification lights indicating Brake Failure, AWD failure, Check Emissions System, etc. There were no other indicators that there was an issue with the vehicle prior to this instance on 4/20/2024. In fact, the vehicle was viewed by Cerritos Acura for its regularly schedule service on 4/10/2024 and no issues were identified by the dealer. As far as safety, we were traveling with two young children and the location of the freeway did not have a safe place to pull over. The sudden reduction in speed also put us in risk with surrounding vehicles. This appears to be related to TSB 20-053, however, no communication have been identified or communicated by the dealers to the the owner/operator of the vehicle.

Filed Jul 16, 2023 · Brakes · KS

Since buying this car I’ve had a few occasions where the car has not slowed down and feels like the transmission is pushing the car more than it should under hard breaking.