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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
Yes for the second time has happened to me with all the stereo radio issues that went with it also a little warmer 28 f in mpls limp mode and check engine light on nearly has a an accident with a 16 wheeler trying to pull over I have no confidence to drive this car 2018 RDX 14 000 + miles. service coordinator laughed and said this would not happen again it’s in a service bulletin we can repair inner coolant will it matter if I’m dead for the third time….would like Honda to exchange my car out and own up to the serious issues that portray I am the only person experiencing these issues. To blame humidity in February really Honda
We just bought 2017 Acura Advanced with 42K on it in Oct 2021. This just happened to my wife losing power driving through town. Car would only go 20mph to get her home. We have owned Honda vehicles for 39 years and have never had major malfunctions with our cars. Most have gone to almost 300K before we sold them with no major issues. Our Honda mechanic scanned the RDX and found P2652 error code witch is Oil Pressure Switch B Circuit High Voltage. This is a known, common failure with Honda products and there is an update switch to fix it. After this was replaced, the car continues to run very rough without acceleration. He has it now and is trying to figure out what is wrong with the car. I am very disappointed to read so many of the same problems above without any response from Honda/Acura on the behalf of their quality, and integrity!! People should not have to die in accidents for there to be a safety recall on their product!! These are very expensive vehicles and those who put their faith in them should be able to maintain trust that their families will make it home safely at the end of the day. There should at least be extended bumper to bumper warranties offered for the owners of these vehicles at no charge to them!!
I live in Tucson and have a 2018 RDX and this started happening to my car- I don’t trust the dealership, having it looked at tomorrow.
Am I to understand that there’s no way to fix this? Are people just not driving their cars?
I have a 2018 RDX and this started happening to my car- I don’t trust the dealership, having it looked at tomorrow.
Am I to understand that there’s no way to fix this? Are people just not driving their cars?
Same thing keeps happening to me. No one believes me. I bought my RDX in 2017 brand new. It doesn’t even have 40k miles on it yet. Another thing that happened to me for the 2nd time this morning, I lost control of my car…it was like the car was doing it’s own thing…going from one side of the road to another till it stopped on its own. I thought I was going to die. I wish there was a camera that could record it. I was lucky no one else was close by.
Wow! I had this same thing happen 11/28/2021 and decided to Google it before contacting the dealer.I can’t believe that I came across this and how many people are experiencing the same issue.I was put in an extremely dangerous situation on a parkway when it happened.
I was contacted by Acura about a fuel pump recall a few months ago and brought my 2019 RDX in to have it changed. They did not explain this issue and how dangerous it could be and obviously it hasn’t fixed the problem.
Same problem. Acura told me it is a design problem, but they don’t have parts and it is out of warranty so costs will be out of pocket. Have reported problem to nhtsa.
Happened to me yesterday! I reported as well. I refuse to drive it.
The same exact thing happened to me yesterday in our 2020 RDX AWD. Went to pass a vehicle and the check engine light started flashing and the vehicle lost power. I was able to pull off the road, but it could have been tragic.
Same thing happened to me on September 4th 2021 in my 2020 RDX Advanced package .
Took it to the dealer for service and they gave me a loner on the 7th . It is now October 1st and I’m still driving the loner and and they say they are still waiting for parts or something .
This took place up in Bayfield Wisconsin on a cool wet fall day !
This happened to me three times with family, about once per year, in 2019 RDX. Under acceleration on Highway in wet weather conditions. Barely avoided serious accidents each occurrence. Acura, Honda and their dealers lack integrity. They know it’s a problem yet will not own it and fix it.