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2018 Acura RDX Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2018 Acura RDX carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering fuel pump. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Torque converter failure and harsh shifting.” 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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Acura RDX.

Reported to NHTSA

Torque converter failure and harsh shifting

POWER TRAIN

11 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2026-06

“The torque converter is defective in my 2018 Acura RDX. I have received flashing warning lights on my dashboard in Red " Check Transmission." This warning light is due to Acura's defective torque converter”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11689762
“The vehicle has developed a serious transmission defect involving harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and repeated slipping into neutral while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11715553
“The transmission went into limp mode one day after coming to a stop. When I safely got home, I turned the car off. Upon restarting, the issue was gone, but this has now happened several times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746062

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2026-06

“On [XXX] while traveling around 70 mph on [XXX] approximately 30 miles south of Florence, SC, I heard vehicle glass explode. The loud pop nearly caused my wife, driving at the time, to veer violently to the left lane”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580914
“DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I-17 IN PHOENIX, APPROXIMATELY 70-75 MPH WITH LIMITED TRAFFIC. THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. ACURA REFUSED TO REPAIR THE FAULTY SUNROOF AND I WAS REFERRED TO INSURANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141033
“Was driving down the hwy with the sunroof open tucked inside the headliner when a loud sound startled me and when I shut the sunroof glass rained down All over me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741418

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight housing moisture accumulation

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2022-01

“The headlight assemblies are poorly designed and accumulate moisture. The water condenses on the inside of the headlight housing reducing lighting output. In sub zero temperatures the condensation freezes, further reducing light output”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11449278
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE HEADLAMPS OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO A STRESS FRACTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXAMINATION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT NO IMPACT HAD OCCURRED TO CAUSE THE FRACTURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11299945

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump recall parts unavailability (23V858000)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

25 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2025-06

“I have received the recall notice from American Honda Motor company regarding the recall number 23V-858 for my Acura RDX 2018 fuel pump recall. My car had symptoms described by the recall: could not start the engine as well as losing drive power”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629638
“The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering and almost stalled. The contact stated that there was a yellow exclamation mark on the instrument cluster”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659351
“Received a recall notice in December 2023 about the fuel Acura Fuel Pump Motor Recall. Since then I have received several notices from Acura but the parts are not available when I contact the dealership to schedule service”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637038

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine hesitation and stall during acceleration

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2024-12

“It is progressively getting worse where my fuel injection is not working and when trying to accelerate and merge into traffic it bogs down and i almost get hit by the car behind me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622882
“There is acceleration hesitation every time when I'm driving. The car seems to "catch" as it's accelerating and is very "jerky". The issue has gotten worse over time”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11612982
“On Thursday 27/7/2024 5:00PM-6:00PM, Acura RDX abruptly started to slow down. When I press the accelerator, the car will not accelerate. Finally, my car came to an complete stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11597850

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and lurching from a stop

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2026-02

“I have been experiencing unintended acceleration when I press on my brakes. Fortunately, there hasn't been any accidents yet but it's a very dangerous situation”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11708677
“My car lurches when I put it into gear, drive or reverse. When a red light turns green and I put my foot on the accelerator the car will lurch forward”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11541845
“When I am stopped the vehicle routinely lurches as I touch the gas. I’ve complained to the dealer about it and they can’t reproduce the problem. It does lurch for my husband also”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506678

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

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)

1 crashes 1990–2024

How the 1 occupant deaths break down

1

driver deaths

0

passenger deaths

1

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2022 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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2018 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.

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