2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Acura RDX is a popular compact luxury SUV known for its sporty handling, comfortable interior, and user-friendly technology. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available as an option. Owners often praise the RDX for its value, spacious cargo area, and responsive engine. Common complaints include road noise and a sometimes-clunky infotainment system.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or whistling noises from the engine, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level warnings, needing to add oil frequently between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Could range from replacing PCV valve to piston ring replacement. In severe cases, engine replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5,000+ depending on the underlying cause
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky shifts, especially between lower gears, delayed response when accelerating, hesitation when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
  • Solution: Transmission software update. In some cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (software update) - $5,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission not engaging, slipping when changing gears, car not moving.
  • Solution: Transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Adaptive Damper System (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, reduced handling precision, knocking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of adaptive dampers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1500 per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive, system restarts randomly, loss of audio or navigation functionality.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Image flickering or distorted, no image displayed when in reverse.
  • Solution: Camera replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof/Moonroof Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water stains on the headliner, damp carpets.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of sunroof drain tubes, resealing of sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling Noises from Dashboard/Trim Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling sounds emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or other interior trim pieces, especially when driving on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating and securing loose trim panels or components. Applying felt tape or other sound-deadening material.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2023 Acura RDX, while generally reliable, does have some common issues that owners should be aware of. Engine problems like turbocharger failure and excessive oil consumption can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, especially harsh shifting, are a recurring complaint. Electrical glitches with the infotainment system are also not uncommon. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be quite expensive to address, highlighting the importance of thorough inspections and staying up-to-date on maintenance.