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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.
65 thoughts onAcura RDX Review: Engine Loses Power While Accelerating
This just happened to my wife and I yesterday. We were driving through a heavy rain from Jackson TN to Nashville for a work trip and my wife went to accelerate passed a semi and heard a small pop and she lost all acceleration. We were lucky enough to be able to pull over and have her co workers pick us up and have the RDX towed to Nashville. We got a rental but naturally this happened on a Friday afternoon, and Acura can’t see the car til at least Monday, maybe Tuesday. This will be brought up to them when we talk to them. Acura clearly has a problem here as a car with 15k miles on it, 1.5 years old could have cause a much more serious situation.
My husband and I just experienced this same incident today. On i95, driving 10 hours from Jersey on route to FL.. including two breaks for breakfast and lunch. The engine light came on and we could no longer accelerate. We were driving on the passing lane no less, by the grace of god there was no traffic behind us and we were able to pull over three car lanes to a complete stop. This is a very serious matter that needs to be addressed by Acura. We could have lost our lives. Oddly enough we were able to gain full acceleration after shutting off the car and shortly restarting. We will have to break up our trip back home in increments in hopes of making it home without incident.
Happened to us in 2020 March. I filed a NHTSA complaint. Dealer fix was a kit to modify the intercooler which will “choke” ingesting water in heavy rain. Recommend every RDX owner contact their dealer and demand the kit. No action yet on an obvious recall issue.
Just happened to us on I-65! Attempting to pass a slower car, engine stopped and had to pull over on side of road! Noted: it was rainy and we were on hour 10 of a car trip- also I’m pregnant and had my 2 year old in car!
Exactly what happened to me on I85 on August 1. Heavy rain.. after acceleration loss of power. After stop and restart problem gone.
Just happened to me. I have owned my Acura RDX (2019) for less than a week and when attempting to pass a truck, lost power and had to limp to the emergency lane then restarted and the problem resolved itself. It was raining at the time. Not acceptable for $45+ vehicle.
This happened to me in my 2019 RDX on 7/16 while headed on vacation. I lost power while attempting to go around a slower car in extremely busy traffic. My son was with me in the car and it was a terrible sinking feeling. We managed to barely get off the road and watch as trucks and cars flew by. The check engine light came on and then went off. We had been driving through rain previously but it was not raining at the time. I took my car to an auto place to check the engine code and it had 3 cylinder misfire codes. I took it to the nearest Acura dealership where they told me it was a known problem and it is not a recall but a “service bulletin” 20-053. It was a very scary incident and makes me wonder if I will purchase another Acura in the future.
In addition to my earlier comment, it was raining that day and had been raining on and off for days. Also, I am in the Southeast region of of the country.
It just happened to me today in my 2017 RDX. It scared the crap out of me, it just wouldn’t go faster than 15 -20 mph.I had it towed to the dealership. Hopefully they will be honest about what’s happening to the car and not try to say it is my fault.
So scary! I was driving at 45mile/hours, suddenly I noticed when I tried to accelerate , the car loses power, my car was getting slower and slower, I stopped my car in the middle of the road, after a few of minutes, I started the engine it worked fine. I refuse to drive this car now.
By the way, my car is Acura RDX 2019 with technology 20k miles. I drove at normal weather, probably a little hotter, 85 F.
This happened to me twice with 2014 Honda Odyssey.
Honda said they found no problem and charged me for their time.