2018 Acura RLX

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2018 Acura RLX, categorized by component and powertrain, following your specified format.

The 2018 Acura RLX is a mid-size luxury sedan. It was offered with two powertrain options: a 3.5L V6 engine with front-wheel drive and Acura’s Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS), and a 3.5L V6 engine paired with a three-motor hybrid system and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The 3.5L V6 produces 310 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system boosts total output to 377 horsepower. Owners generally appreciate the RLX’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and long list of standard features. Some criticisms include a somewhat dated infotainment system, uninspired styling, and lack of brand prestige compared to European rivals.

Engine

3.5L V6 (Non-Hybrid)

• Oil Leaks from the VTEC Solenoid Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks near the VTEC solenoid, resulting in a burning oil smell or visible oil drips.
  • Solution: Replace the VTEC solenoid gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6 Hybrid

• High Voltage Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced electric driving range, decreased fuel economy, error messages related to the hybrid system, and eventual failure to start in electric mode.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high-voltage battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

3.5L V6 (Non-Hybrid) - 10-Speed Automatic

• Harsh or Jerky Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or uneven shifts, especially when shifting between lower gears.
  • Solution: A software update or a complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $7,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6 Hybrid - 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

• DCT Clutch Judder
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during low-speed acceleration or when starting from a stop.
  • Solution: Replacement of the clutch packs within the DCT.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Failure (Applies to models with Adaptive Damper System)
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride quality, clunking noises from the suspension, and error messages related to the adaptive dampers.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed adaptive damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or randomly reboots.
  • Solution: Software update or infotainment system replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$1,500
  • Recalls: None Found
• False ACC/FCW Activations
  • Description/Symptoms: The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system activates unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Calibration of the radar or camera system, or replacement of a faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Premature Failure of LED Headlights
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming, flickering, or complete failure of the LED headlights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000 per headlight
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Loose or Rattling Interior Trim Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises coming from the dashboard, door panels, or rear deck.
  • Solution: Securing or replacing the loose trim panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on the severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Acura RLX, while offering a comfortable and feature-rich experience, can suffer from a range of issues. The most concerning and potentially costly are related to the hybrid system’s battery degradation and the DCT clutch issues in the hybrid model. Electrical glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and driver-assistance features, can also be frustrating. The non-hybrid model may experience oil leaks and harsh shifting, but these are generally less severe than the hybrid-specific problems. Overall, while the RLX presents a good value in the luxury sedan market, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in potential repair costs when making their decision.