10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 6,556 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request" Headlight Assembly. Yes, it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Visibility at night is significantly diminished. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center" Yes. Car engine and body is in great shape. It is well maintained with approximately 101,019 miles. The low beam headlights have dimmed to the point the vehicle is almost undrivable at night. This is a well documented problem with other Acura RDX owners with the same model year. The manufacturer will not fix the issue and is recommending a replacement of the entire headlight assembly which is >$2,000. This is not a wear and tear item. I've never had to replace this type of equipment on any vehicle I've owned.
- Stow, MA, USA
The headlights have become so dim that driving at night is unsafe. Replacing bulbs does not fix the problem. This is a design defect and is very unsafe.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
The front headlights have failed and now hardly illuminate the roadway at night. I brought the vehicle to the dealer and they polished the outside housing of the headlamp assembly, but that failed to remedy the problem. I brought the vehicle to a local repair shop, and they report this is a common problem with Acuras and they state that the entire headlight assembly needs to be replaced. The headlights are available to be inspected on request. Without adequate headlight illumination, this puts the operator, passengers and pedestrians at risk as they cannot be seen at night.
- North Andover, MA, USA
Headlights (low beams) are way too dim making driving in the dark impossible. Replacing bulbs and aligning lights did not correct problem. Driver in another car said headlights were barely visible on their end.
- Melbourne, FL, USA
Headlights are very dim. Sometimes need to use high beams to see at night. From what I read on line, it is a common problem with the headlight housing on 2013-2015 Acura RDX. This is a serious safety risk and Acura should repair. I purchased the car used about 2 years ago and the problem has gotten worse
- Mililani, HI, USA
The low-beam headlights are so dim at night that it is extremely dangerous to drive. One can only see several feet in front of the car. I understand other years of Acura RDX's have a defect, and were subject to a recall, involving the reflective material in the headlight assembly. That material would degrade over time, making the lights dim. I have replaced the bulbs themselves, but that has not improved the situation.
- Minneapolis, MN, USA
the front low beam headlights are extremely dim. Can typically only see approximately 30 feet in front while driving. Any speed in excess of 25mph is dangerous. High beams work fine. there are no fog lights on this vehicle.
- Grand Rapids, MI, USA
The reflective surface inside the headlight assemblies has delaminated. This effectively makes the headlights useless and creates a very unsafe driving condition at night. I reported the issue to Acura's national customer service number but they did nothing but record the call. This is a known issue with Acura as they have done recalls on other year and model combinations. This is clearly a very serious latent manufacturing and safety issue that needs immediate attention. A simple Google search will reveal many owners talkin about this on internet forums.
- Melrose, FL, USA
It is a commonly known (with consumers) problem, that manufacturers choose to ignore. I have a 2013 Acura Rdx, that I bought new in December 2012. The vehicle has never been in any type of accident. The vehicle has always been maintained by myself, or an Acura/Honda dealership. My problem are the headlights. I can not see much with them anymore. I have never put any aftermarket led type or other bulbs, nor have they ever been altered in any way. I replaced the bulbs (with oem style) thinking it was the bulbs themselves, with the same results. In any inclement weather, especially rain, or with oncoming traffic, I see less. I understand oncoming traffic will lessen what a driver sees, but this is beyond normal. The lenses on my vehicle are also clear (not yellow from years of sunlight exposure). The vehicle is always garage-kept, when at home. From my research, the headlight reflectors inside the housing, deteriorate. This causes very little light to reflect in the right direction. If this is considered "wear and tear", I would fix this issue myself. But to me, I feel that this a terrible design, that Acura should fix. My inability to see while driving, is a hazard. I continue to maintain my vehicle as required. I have a different vehicle that was bought new, in 2003 and now has 230K miles, no problems. I maintain my vehicles well! I don't feel that I should have to pay several thousands to have the headlights fixed on my Acura, or to trade the Acura in, as a reason to get rid of a known issue. I have invested in the Acura, to keep it running at its best. When I bought the Acura, my plan was to keep it for 15 years or more, if possible. I am doing my part, as much as I can. I reached out to Acura, with no help. My only hope, is that this issue is investigated, and for Acura to help me with this safety design flaw. Thank you in advance gabriel colo
- Summerville, SC, USA
Both headlights are too dim to safely drive at night. I was pulled over by a state trooper for not having my lights on when they were actually on. Acura has a recall for this issue on the 2014 ilx. The 2013 Rdx should also be included in this recall.
- Everett, WA, USA
Even after replacement the headlights are dangerously dim. It appears that the projectors are blocking the light.
- Gainesville, FL, USA
- Sugarland, TX, USA