YearToAvoid

2021 Acura RDX Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 16 brake complaints for the 2021 Acura RDX, 14% of that year's 112 total complaints. No related recalls are on file, and the median mileage at failure reported is 200 miles. Two crashes and no fires or injuries are recorded.

Brakes complaints
16
14% of 112
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
200 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Rear brakes squeak or screech loudly, especially at low speeds and when reversing, sometimes starting when the vehicle was only a few weeks old.
  • Owners describe brakes slipping or not engaging promptly, requiring extra pedal force to stop the vehicle.
  • Front and sometimes rear brakes judder or vibrate when applied at moderate to higher speeds, described as feeling like premature failure.
  • Some owners report the brake system failing alongside other systems (steering, engine, lane keep assist), putting the vehicle into limp mode or triggering a tow.
  • One owner reported the vehicle moved forward on its own while stopped with the brake pedal held, shortly after a dealer brake pad and rotor replacement.
  • Clunking, rattling, or popping noises from wheel wells during acceleration and braking were also noted.

When 2021 Acura RDX brake complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 16, 2020, latest Aug 22, 2026.

2021 Acura RDX brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Dec 2020Aug 2022Mar 2023Jul 2023Dec 2024May 2025Dec 2025Aug 2026
16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2020 to Aug 2026; peak Jan 2025 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2021 Acura RDX

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Brakes complaints by RDX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20076 (11%)
  2. 20081 (3%)
  3. 20092 (13%)
  4. 20100 (0%)
  5. 20111 (6%)
  6. 20120 (0%)
  7. 20133 (2%)
  8. 20145 (2%)
  9. 20151 (0%)
  10. 20166 (15%)
  11. 201713 (17%)
  12. 20185 (6%)
  13. 201926 (6%)
  14. 202024 (7%)
  15. 202116 (14%)
  16. 20224 (13%)
  17. 20231 (5%)
  18. 20242 (18%)
  19. 202514 (47%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2021 Acura RDX have?
NHTSA lists 16 brake-related complaints for the 2021 Acura RDX, which is 14% of the 112 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Acura RDX?
No. The data shows no related recalls filed for brake issues on the 2021 Acura RDX.
Did the brake problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows 2 crashes linked to brake complaints on the 2021 Acura RDX, with no fires and no injuries reported.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for 2021 Acura RDX brake complaints is 200 miles.
What kind of brake problems do owners describe most?
Owners most often describe rear brake squeaking or screeching, brakes slipping or not engaging promptly, and front or rear brake judder at moderate to higher speeds.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.