I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defe…
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I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.
NHTSA ODI #11753867
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2026
Power Train
I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defe…
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I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.
NHTSA ODI #11753866
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2026
Power Train
I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defe…
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I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.
NHTSA ODI #11753865
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2026
Power Train
I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defe…
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I own an Acura RDX that experienced a sudden failure of the transfer case. Prior to the failure, there was little or no warning that a major drivetrain component was about to fail. When the transfer case failed, the vehicle lost its normal all-wheel-drive operation and required expensive repairs. I believe this is a safety defect because the transfer case is a critical drivetrain component. A sudden failure can reduce traction and vehicle control, especially when driving at highway speeds or on wet, snowy, or icy roads. Drivers may not expect the loss of power to the rear wheels, which could increase the risk of skidding, loss of stability, or being unable to safely accelerate into traffic or avoid a hazard. In addition, there are numerous reports from other Acura RDX owners describing similar transfer case failures, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident but a recurring problem. A critical drivetrain component should not fail prematurely under normal use without adequate warning. I believe this issue warrants investigation because it has the potential to affect vehicle safety and place drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.
NHTSA ODI #11753864
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2026
Power Train
A transmission fluid leak has been identified emanating from the passenger side output shaft seal, located between the transmission and the transfer case. This issue pertains to 2019–2023 Acura RDX and TLX models equipped with SH-AWD, specifically at the interface where the transmission connects to the front transfer case, which…
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A transmission fluid leak has been identified emanating from the passenger side output shaft seal, located between the transmission and the transfer case. This issue pertains to 2019–2023 Acura RDX and TLX models equipped with SH-AWD, specifically at the interface where the transmission connects to the front transfer case, which is responsible for power distribution to the rear wheels. It appears that the fitment tolerances at this connection point are problematic, suggesting a potential engineering deficiency that warrants a manufacturer-funded resolution..
NHTSA ODI #11746061
Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2025
Power Train
The transfer case began leaking between the transmission and transfer case. Upon taking it to a mechanic I’ve been told the entire transfer case needs replacement because it has prematurely failed. The repair cost is $5533.00. Through research I’ve seen there are many failing transfer cases on acuras with the SH all wheel dri…
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The transfer case began leaking between the transmission and transfer case. Upon taking it to a mechanic I’ve been told the entire transfer case needs replacement because it has prematurely failed. The repair cost is $5533.00. Through research I’ve seen there are many failing transfer cases on acuras with the SH all wheel drive systems. I believe Acura has a design flaw in the system and should be responsible for the repair.
NHTSA ODI #11697855
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2024
EnginePower TrainService Brakes
While driving on a freeway for about 15 minutes at 65 MPH, the MIL indicator started blinking. The vehicle began to rapidly shake, while the engine power decreased significantly. The engine dramatically went from 65 mph to 35 mph causing a safety hazard while driving on the freeway as we attempted to exit and pull over safely.…
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While driving on a freeway for about 15 minutes at 65 MPH, the MIL indicator started blinking. The vehicle began to rapidly shake, while the engine power decreased significantly. The engine dramatically went from 65 mph to 35 mph causing a safety hazard while driving on the freeway as we attempted to exit and pull over safely. The vehicle is a 2021 Acura RDX and is driven approximately 10,000 miles per year. All maintenance has been performed in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule. It has not been involved in any collisions or other user risk other than normal driving in accordance with the approved use of the vehicles. Upon trying to restart the vehicle, the vehicle continues to violently shake while in park. Notification lights indicating Brake Failure, AWD failure, Check Emissions System, etc. There were no other indicators that there was an issue with the vehicle prior to this instance on 4/20/2024. In fact, the vehicle was viewed by Cerritos Acura for its regularly schedule service on 4/10/2024 and no issues were identified by the dealer. As far as safety, we were traveling with two young children and the location of the freeway did not have a safe place to pull over. The sudden reduction in speed also put us in risk with surrounding vehicles. This appears to be related to TSB 20-053, however, no communication have been identified or communicated by the dealers to the the owner/operator of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11584313
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2024
Air BagsPower TrainSeats
This is my second complaint to NHTSA. I purchased my certified pre owned Acura on 01/06/2024 After I added my Acura to my Car Insurance. They notified me and told me that there is an open Recall Associated with my vin number. That recall is for a (seat weight sensor) RECALL # 24v-064000 RECALL DATE 02/01/24 -- REMEDY NOT AVAILAB…
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This is my second complaint to NHTSA. I purchased my certified pre owned Acura on 01/06/2024 After I added my Acura to my Car Insurance. They notified me and told me that there is an open Recall Associated with my vin number. That recall is for a (seat weight sensor) RECALL # 24v-064000 RECALL DATE 02/01/24 -- REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE. I filed a complaint with NHTSA ID# 11572570. After I filed my first complaint I found another unrepaired recall for my vin number Recall date 02/12/2021 NHTSA # 21v93900 For the power train drive shaft I'm not sure exactly what happened with this specific recall. I also wanted to add to my complaint that since my vehicle is a certified pre owend. I never received a complete inspection report indicating all the components inspected prior to selling me the vehicle. Now that I'm searching through all my paperwork. I also am hesitant with the interest rate. I put $20000 down on the vehicle. And I have excellent credit and my interest rate is 8.99% I also had to pay for the warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11573454
128,000 miles · Nov 2, 2023
Power Train
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, he entered and started the vehicle; the contact then shifted from park(P) to drive(D) and the gear shifter independently shifted back into park(P). The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within several m…
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The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, he entered and started the vehicle; the contact then shifted from park(P) to drive(D) and the gear shifter independently shifted back into park(P). The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within several months. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle had been taken to two Acura dealers however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI #11553240
Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
I have a 2021 RDX. Was on the interstate moving at about 70 MPH coming back from Missouri. Raining. Lots of semis creating huge following misty, hard to see rain. Decided to accelerate to pass a couple. Car nearly stalled and acted like it had lost a cylinder's worth of power. Turned on hazards, slowed, pulled over and lifted th…
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I have a 2021 RDX. Was on the interstate moving at about 70 MPH coming back from Missouri. Raining. Lots of semis creating huge following misty, hard to see rain. Decided to accelerate to pass a couple. Car nearly stalled and acted like it had lost a cylinder's worth of power. Turned on hazards, slowed, pulled over and lifted the hood hearing all kinds of unusual noises. Shut the car off and restarted. All was well. Turned all lane-keeping, etc. off including cruise. Drove the last 100 miles or so without incident. Called dealer and was told likely didn't pull a code. Don't worry and keep driving. Said to make sure front of car was clean. Duh!! I keep my ride spotless (unless driving in the rain). Called CA's Acura line. Absolutely no help. 2 different females had no idea what limp mode was. Read quite a bit since then finding out it could be the result of many things including problems that could damage the motor and/or tranny. WOW!!! Had never heard of "limp mode" before. Nice that no info on this possible problem was anywhere in any user manual. Car has performed flawlessly ever since. So far, I guess the rain had interfered with the "radar" system and confused the computer. I'm thinking about buying a 40 year old car that doesn't have any of the modern computers etc. Later found info regarding TSB 20-053 which explains the problem and proposed solution. 06-26-2022 06:52 PM
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, or cause the vehicle to roll away when parked if the parking brake is not applied. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BBY, NBW, and OBX.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2021 Acura Rdx Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year