Which Acura RDX years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2020 as the RDX years with the most reported problems, led by electrical system complaints and, in 2019-2020, visibility and wiper issues.

Which GMC Terrain years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 as the Terrain years with the most reported problems, dominated by engine complaints, including a complaint index of 100 for 2011.

Which has more recalls, the RDX or the Terrain?

The Terrain has 20 total recall campaigns across 16 model years versus 15 for the RDX over the same span.

Which gets better fuel economy, the RDX or the Terrain?

The GMC Terrain averages 24 mpg combined across its model years compared with 22.4 mpg combined for the Acura RDX.

Which model has more total complaints?

The GMC Terrain has 3,079 total NHTSA complaints (192 per model year) versus 2,050 for the Acura RDX (128 per model year), though these totals are not adjusted for sales volume.

Acura RDX vs GMC Terrain: Which Years to Avoid

Acura RDX years to avoid: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020. GMC Terrain years to avoid: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. RDX logs 2,050 total complaints (128/year) across 15 recalls; Terrain logs 3,079 (192/year) across 20 recalls. Terrain averages 24 mpg combined vs RDX's 22.4 mpg.

Head to head

Acura RDX

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 2,050
Per model year: 128
Recall campaigns: 15
Years to avoid: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020
Best years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2023
Top problem area: Electrical System
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 22.4
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 5.0 ★

GMC Terrain

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 3,079
Per model year: 192
Recall campaigns: 20
Years to avoid: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Best years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 24.0
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.5 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	RDX				Terrain
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Best	22	2	20	Avoid	290	2	21.5
2011	Best	16	2	20	Avoid	386	4	19.5
2012	Best	15	2	20	Avoid	364	4	21.5
2013	Caution	162	3	22.5	Avoid	364	3	21.5
2014	Avoid	242	3	22.5	Caution	296	2	21.5
2015	Avoid	411	3	22.5	Caution	297	3	23
2016	Good	40	2	22.5	Good	152	2	23
2017	Caution	76	1	22.5	Good	133	1	23
2018	Good	77	1	22.5	Caution	220	5	27
2019	Avoid	438	5	23.5	Good	185	3	27
2020	Avoid	345	5	23.5	Caution	196	2	25
2021	Caution	112	3	23.5	Best	35	2	26.5
2022	Good	31	2	23.5	Best	60	2	26.5
2023	Best	22	2	23.5	Best	39	2	26
2024	Good	11	2	23	Good	49	1	25.5
2025	Caution	30	1	23	Best	13	0	26

Complaint Index by year

Acura RDX

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

GMC Terrain

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which Acura RDX years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2020 as the RDX years with the most reported problems, led by electrical system complaints and, in 2019-2020, visibility and wiper issues.
Which GMC Terrain years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 as the Terrain years with the most reported problems, dominated by engine complaints, including a complaint index of 100 for 2011.
Which has more recalls, the RDX or the Terrain?: The Terrain has 20 total recall campaigns across 16 model years versus 15 for the RDX over the same span.
Which gets better fuel economy, the RDX or the Terrain?: The GMC Terrain averages 24 mpg combined across its model years compared with 22.4 mpg combined for the Acura RDX.
Which model has more total complaints?: The GMC Terrain has 3,079 total NHTSA complaints (192 per model year) versus 2,050 for the Acura RDX (128 per model year), though these totals are not adjusted for sales volume.