Acura RDX vs BMW X3: reliability compared
From 2007 to 2026, owners filed an average of 110 complaints per model year about the Acura RDX and 82 about the BMW X3.
Side by side
| Acura RDX | BMW X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2007-2026 | 2007-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 2,191 | 1,641 |
| Complaints per model year | 110 | 82 |
| Recalls | 16 | 59 |
| Years to avoid | 201320142015201920202021 | 2013 |
| Best years | 200820162022 | 200920102012 |
| Most common problem | Lights | Engine |
| Crash rating | 5 2025 | 4 2026 |
| Fuel economy | 23 mpg combined (2026) | 27-29 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| RDX | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lights | 617 | 50 |
| Visibility | 303 | 39 |
| Airbags | 233 | 168 |
| Engine | 230 | 609 |
| Electrical | 164 | 375 |
| Transmission | 146 | 176 |
| Brakes | 121 | 110 |
| Fuel system | 140 | 98 |
Questions about the Acura RDX vs BMW X3
Which is more reliable, the Acura RDX or the BMW X3?
Between 2007 and 2026, the Acura RDX has 6 years to avoid and the BMW X3 1. The BMW X3 has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the BMW X3 drew fewer complaints per model year (82 vs 110), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Acura RDX or the BMW X3?
From 2007 to 2026, the Acura RDX was covered by 16 recalls and the BMW X3 by 59.
What years of the Acura RDX and BMW X3 should you avoid?
Acura RDX: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2021. BMW X3: 2013.
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