2023 Acura RDX Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 15, 2026 · Filed: October 15, 2026

This is a follow-up to my earlier complaint about the same vehicle, a 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance. In August 2026 the vehicle was stolen from a public street after offenders broke through the exterior driver’s door handle, reached the wiring behind it, and lowered the window to get inside. On Oct 15th, offenders attacked the same driver’s door handle on the same vehicle in what appears to be a second attempt using the same method. The handle was broken, but because we spent a lot of money installing more security, the vehicle was not taken. Two attacks on one vehicle in about two months, both starting at the exterior handle, suggest the method is known and repeatable. We have heard this exactly from police and repair shops too. The door’s window and lock circuitry appears to respond to input at the handle area without authentication, so physical access to that point is enough to defeat the locking system and lower all windows. I am a repeat RDX owner (2008, 2017, and 2023 models) and did not experience this on earlier generations. I ask NHTSA to investigate whether the third-generation door and window architecture is vulnerable, whether other Acura and Honda models share it, and whether a remedy, such as requiring key authentication before the window circuit responds, is warranted. Police reports were filed for both incidents, and I can provide the damaged handle for inspection.

Incident: September 3, 2026 · Filed: September 29, 2026

On September 3, 2026 at approximately 1 AM, my 2023 Acura RDX A-Spec was stolen from my residence while both of my authorized keys were in my possession. The exterior driver-door key cylinder showed evidence of forced manipulation/damage. Despite the vehicle being locked, the factory theft-deterrent alarm did not activate and I did not receive an AcuraLink theft/alarm notification. The vehicle was successfully entered, started, and driven away without an authorized key in the thief’s possession. After the vehicle was recovered, I contacted Acura Client Relations because I am concerned that the factory theft-deterrent/immobilizer system did not prevent the vehicle from being started and the alarm did not activate during the unauthorized entry. Acura has not identified the method by which the vehicle was started or provided an explanation for the reported non-activation of the alarm. I am reporting this because I am concerned there may be a vulnerability involving the door-lock, alarm, immobilizer, and other related electronic security systems that could allow unauthorized entry and theft. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate whether similar incidents have been reported involving 2023 Acura RDX vehicles or other vehicles manufactured by American Honda Motor Co. including Honda and Acura vehicles.

Incident: August 20, 2026 · Filed: September 21, 2026

On 8-20-26, my RDX was stolen while legally parked in front of our home, only 10 days after I traded in my previous 2017 RDX for this vehicle. I am a repeat Acura RDX owner, having also previously owned a 2008 RDX. I did not experience or become aware of this vulnerability on either of those earlier generation vehicles; it appears specific to the current (third) generation RDX's door/window electrical architecture. The method used to steal the vehicle exploited what appears to be a design vulnerability in the driver's door: the offender(s) forcibly broke/punched through the exterior door handle assembly to gain direct physical access to the internal door wiring harness located behind it. Using that access, they manually activated the power window motor circuit to lower the driver's side window, then reached through the opening to unlock and open the door — completely bypassing the vehicle's locking and anti-theft system. Component that failed: The driver's door window motor control circuit / door control module wiring. The circuit appears to respond to direct voltage/signal applied to the wiring without any authentication, verification of key fob presence, or confirmation that a legitimate occupant is issuing the command. This means physical access to the wiring — obtainable simply by breaking the exterior handle housing — is sufficient to defeat the entire vehicle security system. The vehicle itself is no longer available for inspection in its as-stolen condition, as it was recovered by police in a different location and condition; the damaged handle and wiring may still show evidence of the breach method. Safety risk: This defect allowed an unauthorized individual to gain full entry to and control of the vehicle in under a minute, without needing a key, fob, or any electronic bypass tool, defeating the purpose of the vehicle's locking system entirely. This creates both a theft risk and a broader safety risk, since anyone with knowledge of this meth

Incident: July 25, 2026 · Filed: July 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and retrieving an item from the front driver’s side door; after closing the door, the rear glass exploded without impact. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled. Upon investigation, the contact discovered an undisclosed Technical Service Bulletin that was associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the model of vehicle was not included in a TSB for the failure. A case was filed with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 30,100.

Incident: July 1, 2026 · Filed: July 18, 2026

GPS has stopped working. This affects navigation safety. Also, creates clock error and compass error. It's dangerous to get lost and disoriented. This is a common problem in many Acuras. Needs to be a recall.

Incident: May 20, 2026 · Filed: May 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving in a heavy rain storm the windshield wipers was activated and suddenly seized. The contact was able to drive and park on the shoulder and the local police were contacted. After the rain storm passed the vehicle was safely driven home. The cause of the failure not determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 37,850.

Incident: May 17, 2026 · Filed: May 17, 2026

The rear windshield shattered with no incident happening to cause this. I returned home, parked in the garage, closed the garage door. 20 minutes later I opened the garage door, and when I opened the trunk, I noticed glass everywhere and the rear window shattered.

Incident: January 17, 2026 · Filed: May 15, 2026

The brakes squeaks all the time and makes a grinding noise. I have been at the dealership several times for the same issue. The sensor also hit brakes on its own sometimes when nothing is in front of the car!!! Very dangerous!!!!

Incident: June 18, 2025 · Filed: March 13, 2026

Transfer case is defective and Acura is refusing to fix it under warranty. Says it’s’normal’ for the AWD system to leak causing destruction.

Incident: November 21, 2025 · Filed: November 22, 2025

Back windshield exploded.