2015 Acura RLX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#3 most-complained of 7 RLX years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2015 Acura RLX has 11 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 67, and 3 recalls, ranking 3rd worst among 7 model years with a "Caution" verdict. Steering issues dominate, making up 64% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 121,000.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 30 hwy
Top 2015 Acura RLX problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering7 (64%)
- Electrical System2 (18%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (18%)
- Brakes1 (9%)
- Engine1 (9%)
- Structure & Body1 (9%)
What owners report
- Owners report the rear end fishtailing and the steering wheel turning left on its own during lane changes or turns.
- Some describe the car entering limp mode with multiple warning lights, including traction control and brake alerts, after a left turn.
- Several complaints mention rear actuators (described as RTC or P-AWS actuators) failing, requiring dealer diagnosis.
- One owner reported a moaning or rubbing noise from the rear during small steering movements, followed by fishtailing.
- A separate report described a knocking sound from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled, later traced to a failed timing tensioner at 129,600 miles.
- One owner linked failing headlights to the film-backing recall covering 2014-2015 RLX models.
2015 Acura RLX recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
- NHTSA 15V301000May 20, 2015Collision Avoidance & Cameras19,502 vehicles
Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
Risk: If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
- NHTSA 14V792000Dec 16, 2014Electrical System9,751 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, to July 25, 2014. An aluminum film applied to the inner reflector of the headlight may experience adhesion issues causing the film to delaminate. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: Delamination of the aluminum film may diminish output of the headlight, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both of the headlights, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JN2.
2015 Acura RLX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,450
- 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.
2015 compared with other RLX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Acura RLX reliable?
- NHTSA lists 11 complaints for the 2015 RLX with a Complaint Index of 67, giving it a "Caution" rating and the 3rd worst rank out of 7 model years covered.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2015 Acura RLX?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 7 of 11 complaints (64%), with a median failure mileage of 121,000 miles.
- Does the 2015 Acura RLX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2015 RLX, covering the fuel system, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) software, and headlight electrical wiring.
- How does the 2015 RLX compare to other RLX model years?
- The 2015 RLX (Complaint Index 67, Caution) ranks better than 2014 (100, Avoid) but worse than 2016 (83), 2018 (50, Caution), and 2017 (33).
- What fuel economy does the 2015 Acura RLX get?
- EPA rates the 2015 RLX at 23 mpg combined (20 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,450.