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A recent Acura RDX review received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) highlights a serious problem with these vehicles.
Specifically, the review says that when a driver attempts to accelerate, the engine begins to malfunction, suddenly losing all power. This condition is known as “limp mode,” and is usually accompanied by the “check engine” light illuminating. One complaint sent to the NHTSA noted this happening when the driver attempted to pass another vehicle, nearly causing a potentially devastating accident.
Ironically, the NHSTA gave the Acura RDX a five-star rating for safety in crash tests. This problem was not apparent in those tests, but since that time, the NHTSA has received will over 70 complaints — and owners are starting to demand that the manufacturer issue a recall for all affected vehicles. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported in connection with this defect — yet.
Specific Incidents
The NHTSA has received no fewer than 20 complaints late model about Acura vehicles that abruptly lose all power when the driver attempts to accelerate – typically, while attempting to pass another vehicle. Three of these stories highlight the dangers of this condition.
The first Acura RDX review submission comes from a New Jersey man who was attempting to pass a slow-moving dump truck on Route 539, a two-lane highway through a rural part of the Garden State. He had completed the pass and had pulled in front of the truck when the engine abruptly lost power and the check engine light began flashing. Unable to go faster than 20 miles per hour, the driver was fortunately able to pull over on to the shoulder before he was struck from behind. The problem cleared up after shutting the motor down and restarting.
The second complaint submitted to the NHTSA was from an owner who experienced the problem four times. Twice, the driver was attempting to merge on to the freeway, and the other two incidents occurred while attempting to pass slower vehicles. A third complaint also noted an abrupt power loss when attempting to pass.
Acura Dealers’ Response
Generally, owners and lessees report Acura dealers have refused to address the problem, denying that it’s happening. Mechanics claim they are unable to replicate the problem under garage conditions. One owner wrote, “Acura has repeatedly denied the existence and told me I was the only one experiencing this issue. The approximately 20 complaints filed with the NHTSA indicate otherwise.”
Why is it Happening?
The exact cause of the problem is not altogether clear. According to Honda, parent company of Acura, it may be due to sodium particles that is found in some brands of gasoline. This affects the fuel pump, impeding the flow of fuel. However, Honda also noted that the problem has been occurring primarily during warmer months and in southern regions of the country – so this explanation fails to account for such incidents that have occurred in the late fall and winter months. Furthermore, although Honda has recalled affected vehicles, the recall list does not include the models that have been the subject of many an Acura RDX review.
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65 thoughts onAcura RDX Review: Engine Loses Power While Accelerating
Exact thing just happened to us 2 weeks after we bought a 2019 RDX Advanced, AWD. It has 10k miles. The dealer said they could not get a code and couldn’t replicate the issue so they sent it back us.
The exact same thing happen to me. Traveling N on 95 on a rainy day tried to pass and my Acura 2020 lost all power. This happen twice on this Sunday with 1/2 hour of lapse time.
Hi , same thing happened to my 2019 RDX technology. Acura can’t recall this? It’s really not safe and I’m scared to drive my new car!
2020 RDX , few months old !
The same exact thing happened to my wife on 9/20 , she was driving on I-35, a TX Hwy, at night and it was raining also. She attempted to pass a car , the engine light came on , and car literally died!! So lucky that truck behind did not collided with her. What can we do ?? I won’t take a chance !! Any advice ?
This exact thing just happened to me this morning! I was driving on the interstate, thankfully in the slow lane when my engine light started flashing and the car lost acceleration power. I was able to pull over and turn the car off. Once restarted, it drove fine. I’m afraid to drive it now given what just happened. I called Acura service department, and they acted like they’ve never heard of this and told me i can bring it in to have the codes checked. Now I’m reading this, and I’m super disappointed. My car is brand new. It has 4800 miles on it.
Did you post this incident on NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) data base? There are quit a few similar failures posted for RDX 2019 and newer. A recall is clearly needed before people get killed.
2016 RDX loss power on freeway as engine light appeared. Faithfully take vehicle into dealership for oil changes and any service codes that may appear. It’s been explained to me that this should not break down and will give service code warning if service needed. Towed to dealership for inspection.
2016 RDX loss power on freeway on the way home from work. Faithfully take vehicle into dealership for old changes and any service codes that may appear.
These comments are describing exactly what just happened to me…my heart rate hasnt even subsided yet.
2019 Acura RDX w/ Tech package with 10,000 miles on it. I was passing someone on the highway going about 50mph, it was raining, and then suddenly I expereienced a major power loss w/ every dashboard light in the manual flashing at me. I had to pull over and restart the car. I couldnt get the lights to go out but atleast i got my accelerator back so I could limp home. This is going to kill someone if Acura doesnt do something about this.
On August 31, 2020, my wife, two young daughters, and dog were in the car on the way back from a weekend trip. We had been driving for a few hours and had experienced some rain. As we accelerated the check engine light began to blink and the engine lost power. We didn’t have a very safe place to pull over, but luckily found enough flat space in the grass on the side of the road to get off the highway. After turning the car off for 10 minutes, it restarted and ran without issue for another 100 miles or so. Was a scary experience and definitely dangerous. We took it to the dealer and, although it’s a known issue, there is no fix for it. Not sure what we can do at this point. The advice we got from the dealer, after they had consulted with Acura, was to refrain from driving in the rain. This doesn’t seem like a satisfactory solution, to say the least.
I have an Acura RDX 2019 and experienced the same limp engine decelerations . I pressed on gas and the car only went to 40 mph. It’s hot in Washington DC and this is concerning. I will be returning it to the dealer for check up and possibly returning it all together. Who has time to worry about safety on 5 star rated safety car??
This just happened too me on my new 2020 RDX last night. The car only has 2100 miles on it. I was going to pass a car on two lane highway on aug 27th 2020 on a rainy night and once I pushed on the accelerator the car lost all power and engine light blinking Thankful I had enough time from the other car coming head on that I got pull over with my hazards on How do I get this fix or how do I sub this compliant to National highway safety? I bought this car because of the 5 star rating
I have a 2017 Acura MDX. I’ve only had it 3 weeks. Yesterday I the same problem twice. I am literally scared to drive my car now. It is such a scary feeling when this happens.
2019 RDX. 12000 miles. After driving in rainy conditions on I-80 engine lost all power when accelerating. All warning systems flashing, was able to coast to side of the road. Hard to restart and would not stay running. Towed to dealer 60 miles. Car started and ran then, but all warning lights remained.