2018 Acura RLX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#4 most-complained of 7 RLX years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Acura RLX has a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 4th worst out of 7 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 6 complaints and 1 recall, with Engine issues making up 67% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25.5
- 24 city / 29 hwy
Top 2018 Acura RLX problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (67%)
- Electrical System2 (33%)
- Fuel System1 (17%)
What owners report
- Owners report the 3.5-liter V6 engine knocking, sometimes discovered during routine oil changes at a median 92,000 miles.
- Some owners describe the engine sharing the same V6 as the Acura MDX, which faced connecting rod bearing failures leading to complete engine failure.
- Owners report the vehicle failing to start with every warning light illuminated on the dash, later traced to a crank sensor failure that recurred after replacement.
- Owners describe a headlight failure message appearing at startup, with dealers instead diagnosing a failed A/C compressor at 110,785 miles.
- One owner reported being unable to get the fuel system recall (campaign 23V858000) completed because the replacement part was unavailable.
2018 Acura RLX 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 RLX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 25.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,150
- 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 RLX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Acura RLX reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2018 RLX a Complaint Index of 50, ranking 4th worst among 7 model years and earning a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints (6) than the worst years like 2014 (84 complaints) but more than 2019 or 2020.
- What problems does the 2018 Acura RLX have?
- Engine problems account for 67% of complaints (4 of 6), including reports of engine knocking and crank sensor failure. Electrical system issues make up 33% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 80,892 miles.
- Does the 2018 Acura RLX have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 23V858000, covering the fuel system and fuel pump module across several Honda and Acura models including the RLX. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2018 RLX compare to other years?
- The 2018 RLX (Complaint Index 50) ranks better than the 2014 (100, Avoid) and 2016 (83, Avoid) model years, but worse than the 2017 (33) and 2019 (0) model years.