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2021 Acura

RDX AWD

Auto (S10), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo

Acura RDX: best and worst years
2021 Acura RDX AWD

Closest available photo (2019 model year); you're viewing the 2021.

2019 photoKevautoCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S10)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
272
Power to weight
0.067 hp/lb
Axle ratio
4.17

Efficiency

Smog score
6/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1D (5,001 to 6,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
3
Owner complaints
115 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
1

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

  • Adaptive cruise control
    Standard
  • Automatic emergency brakingPart of AcuraWatch.
    Standard
  • Blind-spot monitor
    Standard
  • Lane-keeping assist
    Standard

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Exterior

  • Adaptive headlights
    Optional

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER19%
  • ENGINE14%
  • SERVICE BRAKES9%
  • POWER TRAIN8%
  • AIR BAGS7%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 165 total.

Acura RDX: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

176 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 18, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB21673

    Over The Air Update - Vehicles equipped with the System Updates application are capable of downloading and installing Over the Air System Updates. System Updates contain upgrades that fix a variety of operational errors and/or enhancements that add new functionality. Information for the various software releases can be found in this document. Software version: D.1.6.4

  • Oct 17, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYB23-004

    "Service Bulletin - A pop noise can occur from the rear roof area when turning into driveways, bumps, or on an incline due to, in some cases, the panoramic roof frame mounting bolts are unable to maintain the necessary clamp force. This can allow shifting, which may lead to a pop noise."

  • Sep 17, 2025ENGINEB25-049

    Service Bulletin - Oil leak at the cam chain tensioner inspection cover due to and insufficient sealant adhesion on the inspection cover.

  • May 30, 2025SERVICE BRAKESB19-053

    Service Bulletin - The front and/or rear brakes make a high-pitched squeal when the brakes are lightly applied at 24 km/h (15 mph) or less, with ambient temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

  • May 10, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYBTI&05092025901

    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2025 RDXs and 2022-2025 MDXs with a client complaint of a pop noise in the rear sunroof area. Clients may describe a single pop noise heard while driving over a bump or turning in and out of driveways. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

  • Apr 25, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYBTI&04252025901

    Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2019-2025 RDXs and 2022-2025 MDXs with a client complaint of a pop noise in the rear sunroof area. Clients may describe a single pop noise heard while driving over a bump or turning in and out of driveways. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

  • Dec 18, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB23-025

    Service Bulletin - A coaxial cable terminal was not manufactured to proper specifications. An improperly manufactured terminal may lead to poor communication in the media-oriented system (MOST) bus network which can potentially affect the audio sound quality.

  • Sep 18, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMONL6M309172024

    Owner Notification Letter - A coaxial cable terminal was not manufactured to proper specifications. An improperly manufactured terminal may lead to poor communication in the media-oriented system (MOST) bus network which can potentially affect the audio sound quality.

  • and 168 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
6 yr / 70k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / 50k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.