2009 Acura RDX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
11/100
#17 most-complained of 19 RDX years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2009 Acura RDX has a complaint index of 11, among the lowest of the RDX years, and ranks 17th worst out of 19 model years. NHTSA lists 15 complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash for this year, with airbags as the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17 city / 22 hwy
Top 2009 Acura RDX problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags10 (67%)
- Brakes2 (13%)
- Engine1 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (7%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in a crash while the check airbag light came on intermittently and the seatbelt locked up.
- Owners reported uncontrollable acceleration where the engine continued to rev even after switching from drive to neutral.
- The transmission failed to shift and hit the rev limiter, stopping forward momentum during a merge into traffic.
- A sunroof made a loud popping noise and reportedly shattered while driving at highway speed.
- Takata airbag recall repairs were delayed for months due to unavailable parts, with no loaner vehicle provided.
- Brake system and tire pressure sensor warning lights activated in cold weather, along with a soft-feeling brake pedal.
2009 Acura RDX recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V182000Mar 6, 2019Airbags1,101,534 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
- NHTSA 16V061000Feb 3, 2016Airbags2,232,187 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.
2009 Acura RDX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other RDX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Acura RDX reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 11 for the 2009 RDX, one of the lowest among RDX model years, and it ranks 17th worst out of 19 years tracked.
- What is the top problem area for the 2009 Acura RDX?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 67% of complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year.
- Does the 2009 Acura RDX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2009 RDX, both related to airbags, including the Takata inflator recall.
- Why is the 2009 Acura RDX rated Good instead of Best?
- The verdict is capped to Good because NHTSA complaint records for 2005-2009 model years are less complete, even though the complaint index of 11 is low.
- What mileage do problems typically show up at on the 2009 RDX?
- The median mileage at failure across reported complaints for the 2009 RDX is 33,899 miles.