YearToAvoid

2020 Acura RLX Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

17/100

#6 most-complained of 7 RLX years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2020 Acura RLX has 2 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and a Complaint Index of 17, ranking 6th out of 7 model years — meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other RLX years.

Complaints
2
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 2020 Acura RLX problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine1 (50%)
  2. Steering1 (50%)

What owners report

  • Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds under 15 mph, even in parking lots, despite no obstruction of the pedal.
  • One owner reported the steering wheel suddenly seized while driving, with several warning lights illuminated, at 41,647 miles.
  • Owners describe the steering becoming difficult to turn along with an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel.
2020 Acura RLX complaints: complaints filed per month1Mar 2026Apr 2026
2 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2026 to Apr 2026; peak Mar 2026 (1).

2020 Acura RLX recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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.

2020 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.

2020 compared with other RLX years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Caution506125.5
2019No verdict00325.5
2020No verdict172125.5

All Acura RLX years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Acura RLX reliable?
NHTSA lists only 2 complaints for the 2020 Acura RLX, giving it a Complaint Index of 17, which is lower than most other RLX model years.
How does the 2020 RLX compare to other RLX years?
The 2020 RLX ranks 6th worst out of 7 model years tracked, with fewer complaints than the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018 model years.
Does the 2020 Acura RLX have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 RLX involving the fuel system, covering a fuel pump module replacement across multiple Honda and Acura models.
What is the top problem area for the 2020 Acura RLX?
Engine complaints and steering complaints each make up 50% of reported issues, with one steering complaint occurring at 41,647 miles.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Acura RLX?
The EPA rates the 2020 Acura RLX at 25.5 mpg combined (24 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,150.

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.