Acura RDX engine failure problems

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Engine · OR

The vehicle had 84400 miles at the time a blown head gasket was diagnosed by a Honda factory dealer. Was told not to drive vehicle further as sudden and catastrophic engine failure could occur. Unexpected and sudden engine failure at moderate to highway speeds, can create serious safety issues for passengers, nearby vehicles, and pedestrians. The vehicle has been serviced as scheduled at the local Honda factory dealer since new with supporting receipts. No engines repairs had been made to the vehicle since new. The issue was identified when the car was in for routine scheduled maintenance and I asked the dealer to check for the cause of momentary rough idle at engine startup. No diagnostic codes were set or found. This relatively new low milage vehicle has never overheated or been exposed to driving conditions that one would expect to be related to a blown head gasket. During repair, no issues were found with either the head or block. The master technician indicated it appeared the head gasket was faulty and failed.

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Engine · IL

Engine was replaced 12/13/25 due to cracked cylinder head causing oil to leak into exhaust and fill cylinder 2 and 3. 09/21/26 new engine replacement done in December 25, has now blown cylinder head gasket seal in under 12,000 Miles. Causing coolant to leak into cylinders 2 and 3.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Engine, Steering · KY

On May 25, 2026, while driving my 2016 Acura RDX AWD on the interstate at highway speed, it suddenly began running rough and felt as if I was driving over low, spaced-out speed bumps. The check engine light started flashing, and multiple safety-system warnings appeared, including AWD System Problem, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Problem, Hill Start Assist Problem, Electric Power Steering (EPS) Problem, and lane-keeping warnings. The vehicle lost normal performance, and I was concerned about safely continuing in interstate traffic. The interstate shoulder was narrow, and the shoulder was ending where traffic was merging onto another busy interstate. I pulled over as soon as I could safely do so. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership for diagnosis. The Acura dealership diagnosed internal engine damage, cylinder misfires, and broken piston rings and advised that the engine required replacement. The vehicle had approximately 170,526 miles at the time of failure. Prior to this incident, the vehicle was operating normally, had been regularly maintained, and had not been involved in any collision. There was no indication that an engine failure was imminent. After researching the issue, I learned that Acura and Honda have issued technical service bulletins and warranty extensions involving certain J35 V6 engines equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), addressing conditions including excessive oil consumption, piston ring problems, spark plug fouling, and cylinder misfires. I am submitting this complaint because a sudden engine failure while operating at highway speed presents a potential safety risk. The failure also caused multiple vehicle systems and warning messages to activate simultaneously. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

Filed May 21, 2026 · Visibility · 37,850 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2023 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving in a heavy rain storm the windshield wipers was activated and suddenly seized. The contact was able to drive and park on the shoulder and the local police were contacted. After the rain storm passed the vehicle was safely driven home. The cause of the failure not determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,850.

Filed Oct 18, 2025 · Engine · AL

Completed 100,000-mile service work at the dealership, 1 month following the work, while driving, all engine codes went off and the car went into "limp mode". I was unable to drive at normal speeds while on a major highway and going through a busy intersection. After multiple assessments at the same dealership, a "software update", a replaced spark plug (that was previously replaced during service work a month prior), it was found to have a warped head gasket with coolant leaking into the engine. It has not been inspected by police or insurance agents. It has been inspected by Shottenkirk Acura of Huntsville (Alabama) and a secondary mechanic with the same findings of engine failure. This should not occur at 116,000 miles in a Honda motor!

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 380 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2025 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after the third attempt, the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that several days later, the message “Idle Stop - Temporarily Interrupted - System Warming up or Charging” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur,e and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 380.

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Steering · 2,200 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2025 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized, causing the vehicle to veer into another lane. The contact was unable to move the steering wheel more than half an inch to the left or the right. The contact was able to reach the nearest exit and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that after pulling over to the side of the road, the “Steering Wheel Lock” and “Stop Driving” warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,200. The VIN was not available.

Filed May 6, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · SC

Re: Safety Concerns with 2015 Acura RDX Engine. My vehicle has experienced multiple serious engine failures beginning December 8, 2023, when it suddenly lost power while driving with a flashing check engine light. Despite multiple repair attempts by McDaniel's Acura dealership (timing belt replacement, spark plugs, front cylinder head replacement, pulley replacements), the issues have persisted and worsened. Technicians found oil in cylinders 1&3, metal debris in the oil filter, and diagnosed the engine as failing in May 2024. Current symptoms include white smoke from the tailpipe, engine rattling, and ongoing risk of sudden failure. This vehicle was leased new in 2015, purchased after lease term, and consistently maintained at Acura dealerships. Despite opening two cases with Acura Client Relations (#14622769 on April 29 and #14633862 on May 6, 2024), Honda Financial declined assistance. The dealership only offered a trade-in "incentive" while admitting they couldn't resell my vehicle due to its condition, and would instead auction in off. I'm unable to safely use this as my primary transportation. Similar engines have had multiple recalls between 2018-2023, including a December 2023 recall of 2.6 million vehicles for fuel pump issues and recalls for connecting rod bearings in similar engines. In November 2024, the federal safety agency began investigating 1.4 million Honda/Acura V6 engines for rod bearing failures. I request the federal safety agency investigate whether this represents a broader safety defect affecting other Acura RDX vehicles. Service records from December 2023-May 2024 are attached as documentation of all repair attempts and diagnoses by authorized Acura technicians.

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 Jul 19, 2024 · Engine · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Acura RDX. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact's wife restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. Additionally, the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.