2018 Acura RDX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 RDX years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Acura RDX has 77 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 47, and 1 recall, ranking 9th worst out of 16 model years with a "Good" verdict relative to other RDX years. The top problem area is Fuel System, with 34 complaints.
- Complaints
- 77
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 19.5 city / 27.5 hwy
Top 2018 Acura RDX problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System34 (44%)
- Engine17 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (16%)
- Electrical System10 (13%)
- Other7 (9%)
- Brakes5 (6%)
- Structure & Body5 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (5%)
- Airbags3 (4%)
- Lane Departure3 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners describe automatic emergency braking engaging unexpectedly in wet conditions, causing the vehicle to hydroplane or spin out.
- Some report the vehicle rolling on its own after the driver exited or while parked on an incline, in one case knocking a person to the ground.
- Several describe seatback failures during rear-end collisions that allowed the occupant to slip under the seatbelt.
- Owners report brake lights failing to function due to a missing relay power connection.
- Some describe rodents entering the engine compartment and chewing through battery cables and wiring harnesses.
- A few report the vehicle lurching or accelerating unexpectedly at low speed while parking or cornering.
2018 Acura RDX recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V858000Dec 18, 2023Fuel System2,490,460 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
2018 Acura RDX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,550
- 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.
2018 compared with other RDX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Acura RDX reliable?
- NHTSA lists 77 complaints and a complaint index of 47 for the 2018 RDX, giving it a "Good" verdict compared to other RDX model years. It ranks 9th worst out of 16 years with available data.
- What is the top problem area for the 2018 Acura RDX?
- Fuel System complaints make up the largest share, with 34 complaints representing 44 percent of all reported issues, at a median mileage of 46,750 miles.
- Does the 2018 Acura RDX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 RDX, covering a fuel pump module replacement affecting multiple Honda and Acura models, with dealers replacing the part free of charge.
- How does the 2018 RDX compare to other bad RDX years?
- The 2018 RDX has a complaint index of 47, far lower than the 2019 RDX at 100 or the 2015 RDX at 87, both rated "Avoid." The 2018 model is rated "Good" relative to those years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Acura RDX?
- EPA rates the 2018 RDX at 22.5 mpg combined, 19.5 city and 27.5 highway, with an annual fuel cost of $3,550.