Which RDX and Terrain years should I avoid?

For the Acura RDX, avoid 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2021. For the GMC Terrain, avoid 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2020, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.

Which model has more reported problems overall?

The GMC Terrain has more total NHTSA complaints (3,079) and recall campaigns (21) than the Acura RDX (2,151 complaints, 16 recalls), though NHTSA doesn't publish sales data so these totals aren't adjusted for how many of each were sold.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

RDX owners report Electrical System issues most (754 complaints, 35% share), followed by Visibility & Wipers. Terrain owners report Engine issues most (1,315 complaints, 43% share), followed by Visibility & Wipers.

Which years are considered best for each model?

RDX's best years are 2010, 2011, and 2012. Terrain's best years are 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025, per NHTSA complaint index data.

How do fuel costs compare?

EPA annual fuel cost estimates range from $3,375 to $4,200 for the RDX depending on model year, and from $2,450 to $3,325 for the Terrain.

Acura RDX vs GMC Terrain: Which Years to Avoid

Acura RDX years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2021; GMC Terrain years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2020. Terrain logs more total complaints (3,079 vs 2,151) and recalls (21 vs 16), while RDX averages slightly better combined MPG (21.9 vs 24 for Terrain, per EPA — Terrain is actually higher).

Head to head

Acura RDX

Model years: 2007–2025 (19)
NHTSA complaints: 2,151
Per model year: 113
Recall campaigns: 16
Years to avoid: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021
Best years: 2010, 2011, 2012
Top problem area: Electrical System
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 21.9
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 5.0 ★

GMC Terrain

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 3,079
Per model year: 192
Recall campaigns: 21
Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2020
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
2007	Good	53	2	19	—	—	—	—
2008	Good	33	3	19	—	—	—	—
2009	Good	15	2	19	—	—	—	—
2010	Best	22	2	20	Caution	290	3	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	Good	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	Caution	77	1	22.5	Caution	220	5	27
2019	Avoid	438	5	23.5	Caution	185	3	27
2020	Avoid	345	5	23.5	Avoid	196	2	25
2021	Avoid	112	3	23.5	Best	35	2	26.5
2022	Caution	31	2	23.5	Best	60	2	26.5
2023	Good	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 RDX and Terrain years should I avoid?: For the Acura RDX, avoid 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2021. For the GMC Terrain, avoid 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2020, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
Which model has more reported problems overall?: The GMC Terrain has more total NHTSA complaints (3,079) and recall campaigns (21) than the Acura RDX (2,151 complaints, 16 recalls), though NHTSA doesn't publish sales data so these totals aren't adjusted for how many of each were sold.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: RDX owners report Electrical System issues most (754 complaints, 35% share), followed by Visibility & Wipers. Terrain owners report Engine issues most (1,315 complaints, 43% share), followed by Visibility & Wipers.
Which years are considered best for each model?: RDX's best years are 2010, 2011, and 2012. Terrain's best years are 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025, per NHTSA complaint index data.
How do fuel costs compare?: EPA annual fuel cost estimates range from $3,375 to $4,200 for the RDX depending on model year, and from $2,450 to $3,325 for the Terrain.