CarModelProblems.com

2013 Acura RDX Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Exterior Lighting — runs 9.1× the fleet median for that category across the 720 model-years tracked on this site.
161Complaints
3Recalls
6Crashes
2Fires
4Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Exterior Lighting (52.2% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Exterior Lighting complaints here are 9.1× the median for that category across the 720 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Exterior Lighting84 · 52.2%not available
Air Bags35 · 21.7%RecalledRecall 19V182000 · Recall 16V061000
Visibility/wiper8 · 5%not available
Electrical System7 · 4.3%not available
Power Train7 · 4.3%RecalledRecall 13V143000
Suspension6 · 3.7%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

AIR BAGS35 · 21.7%
VISIBILITY/WIPER8 · 5%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7 · 4.3%
POWER TRAIN7 · 4.3%
SUSPENSION6 · 3.7%
Unspecified / other6 · 3.7%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS5 · 3.1%
SEATS3 · 1.9%
STEERING2 · 1.2%

Percentages are the share of the 161 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

NHTSA campaign 19V182000 · 2019 · reported 03/06/2019

An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

NHTSA campaign 16V061000 · 2016 · reported 02/03/2016

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 13V143000 · 2013 · reported 04/15/2013

If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“I purchased the car new and have maintained the vehicle in very condition. What happened is the headlights have gradually become dim as time passed…”NHTSA complaint 11626091 — filed 11/19/2024 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
“My 2013 Acura RDX headlights are so dim and it is very dangerous for me to drive at night. This is worse when raining or…”NHTSA complaint 11624871 — filed 11/12/2024 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
“After 10 years, the low beam headlights have become very dim to the point that it’s difficult and unsafe for myself and other drivers for…”NHTSA complaint 11623380 — filed 11/04/2024 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

620124102014333201665201863202010212022252820241092026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Acura RDX?

Exterior lighting issues are the most-reported category, cited in 84 of 161 NHTSA complaints (52.2%), followed by air bags (35), visibility/wiper (8), electrical system (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2013 Acura RDX have?

161 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 4 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2013 Acura RDX have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V182000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2013 Acura RDX's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.