2017 Acura RDX Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2017 Acura RDX carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering labels. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Keyless access unit failure triggering random alarms.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.

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1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #17V256000 · Apr 18, 2017

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 CR-V and Acura RDX vehicles. The Certification Labels on the affected vehicles were printed with ink that may be inadvertently wiped away with an alcohol solvent. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Risk: If the label information can be wiped away, the operator may not be able to refer to the information, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Honda and Acura will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Certification Label, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KF3 (CR-V)and KF4 (RDX).

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Acura RDX.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA
  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Keyless access unit failure triggering random alarms

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2026-08

“Keyless Access Control Unit (a.k.a. Smart Power Control Unit) is defective. This is an electronic part and should not have failed. It causes random security alarm triggers, random flashing of exterior lights, clicking noises, and flashing of dash lights. There are plenty of”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11604739
“My car alarm starting going off at random throughout the night, last night and day today. The car also started flickering all the dashboard lights while the car was turned off completely. This seems like it’s the keyless access unit. I don’t know how the battery is not dead yet”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670941
“Keyless entry system failed at under 50k miles. When this Keyless Access Unit fails, you cannot start the car and the powertrain. The only way to resolve is to have the car towed to the dealership and have the part orders and installed at over $800. In a worst case scenario, the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496776

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Torque converter shudder and harsh transmission shifting

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered, and the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0741 was retrieved. The mechanic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726756
“The RDX has been experiencing stalls when trying to accelerate, shaking/vibrations when accelerating uphill or around curves in roads. I received a letter about the Torque Converter having its warrantee extended. The letter stated if you are experiences issues related to the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667859
“ON THE DAY 10/27/2016 I PURCHASED A ZERO MILE ACURA RDX 2017 VEHICLE FROM BELLA GROUP AT KENNEDY SAN JUAN WITH TRANSMISSION ISSUES. IT JUMPS MOSTLY WHEN IT PASSES 20 MHP AND WHEN IT BRAKES SHE JUMPED AS IF LOWERING CHANGES. DURING THE PAST 3 YEARS I WENT TO ACURA SERVICE IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11317957

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of engine power and stalling while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2022-06

“On Friday May 10, 2022, as I was merging from a local road to the highway, I tried to accelerate to complete a safe merge however, the car stated loosing power and jerking, I had to floor the accelerator to get the power needed to avoid a collision with the vehicle behind me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11468879
“DURING MORNING COMMUTE ON HIGHWAY MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EMISSIONS, LANE DEPARTURE, AND POWER STEERING. ON RAPID ACCELERATION VEHICLE HAD PRONOUNCED POWER LOSS, WHICH OBVIOUSLY COULD BE DANGEROUS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11257617
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 ACURA RDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10954547

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and cruise control malfunction

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2026-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING, THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET TO 25 MPH, WHEN SHE DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT THE STOPLIGHT, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND, WHICH RESULTED IN HER VEHICLE REAR-ENDING SIX OTHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413566
“WHILE USING THE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY SLAM ON THE BRAKES WITHOUT REASON. THIS TYPICALLY OCCURS ON HIGHWAY WHERE VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY BRAKE REDUCING SPEED DRAMATICALLY. VEHICLE WILL GO FROM 70MPH TO 55 MPH IN A FEW SECONDS CAUSING THE VEHICLES BEHIND TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11396930
“I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH THE AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) ENABLED AND SET AT 68 MPH. WITHOUT TOUCHING THE PEDAL OR CONTROLS, THE CRUISE SPEED SETTING SUDDENLY JUMPED TO 90 MPH AND MY CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED TO REACH THAT SPEED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO ONE IN FRONT OF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11240464

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pulsation, noise, and failure to stop

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2024-05

“I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND I WANTED TO SLOW MY CAR DOWN BECAUSE I WAS APPROACHING A CONSTRUCTION AREA. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE BREAK PEDAL WENT RIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THIS TOTAL BREAK FAILURE DID NOT ALLOW ME TO STOP MY CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11096578
“SEVERE PULSATION OF BRAKING SYSTEM AFTER ONLY 6000 MILES. DEALER RESURFACED WARPED REAR ROTORS. AT 10080 MILES THE SAME PROBLEM HAS COME BACK AND CAR IS BEING REPAIRED AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11123780
“The brakes failed at 17,649 and all brakes needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555749

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal and rear crashes

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2024-05

“The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to avoid a second vehicle the husband lost control of the steering and crashed into a tree. During the crash the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590516
“Rear ended other vehicle going about 40 plus miles per hour, then another vehicle rear ended me. Upon impact ( which I have pictures of) my driver side seatbelt released completely unbuckled & dangling , my dash lit up & said airbags deployed. But no airbags deployed. In turn”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11588985
“MY VEHICLE HAD TWO RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM . IT WAS SERVICED BY THE FIRST RECALL , HOWEVER THE SAME PROBLEM RETURNED WITH ANOTHER AIRBAG NOTIFICATION . WHEN I CONTACTED ACURA AND MY DEALER THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT DESPITE THE LATEST RECALL MY VEHICLE IS NOT ON THE LIST. I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209546

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter (Maintenance Minder A/B)

Every 8,000 mi

Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Timing Belt (3.5L V6 — MDX, TL)

Every 105,000 mi

J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transmission Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

SH-AWD Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 4)

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Sub-code 5)

Every 100,000 mi

Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

16 crashes 1990–2024

How the 16 occupant deaths break down

12

driver deaths

4

passenger deaths

16

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2017 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Acura RDX reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.