Acura RDX Years to Avoid – When it comes to buying a used car, choosing the right year model is crucial. You want a car that is reliable, safe, and won’t give you too many problems.
Acura RDX is a popular choice among buyers looking for a reliable and comfortable compact SUV.
Not all Acura RDX models are created equal. In this article, we will discuss the Acura RDX years to avoid and why.
Acura RDX Overview
Before we dive into the Acura RDX years to avoid, let’s take a brief look at the history and features of this popular SUV.
Acura RDX was first introduced in 2006 as a compact luxury crossover SUV. It was designed to compete with other luxury SUVs such as BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
The first-generation Acura RDX was produced from 2007 to 2012. It was powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The second-generation Acura RDX was introduced in 2013 and is still in production today.
It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The Acura RDX is known for its spacious and comfortable interior, smooth ride, and impressive safety features.
It comes standard with features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Acura RDX Years to Avoid
Now, let’s discuss the Acura RDX years to avoid. While the Acura RDX is generally a reliable SUV, some model years have had more problems than others. Here are the Acura RDX years to avoid and why:
2007-2009 Acura RDX
The first-generation Acura RDX (2007-2012) had a common problem with its automatic transmission. The transmission would often fail prematurely, leaving drivers stranded on the side of the road.
The problem was caused by a design flaw in the transmission’s torque converter.
Acura issued a recall for the transmission problem in 2012, but if you’re looking to buy a used Acura RDX from these years, it’s best to avoid those that have not been serviced or recalled.
2010-2013 Acura RDX
The 2010-2013 Acura RDX models had several issues with their electrical systems and brakes.
The brake booster was prone to failure, which could cause the brake pedal to feel stiff and require more pressure to brake.
The electrical system had several problems, including a faulty wiring harness that could cause the headlights to fail and a faulty air conditioning system that could blow hot air instead of cold.
2016 Acura RDX
The 2016 Acura RDX had a problem with its drivetrain that caused shuddering and vibration while driving.
The problem was caused by a faulty torque converter that would cause the engine to stall when shifting between gears.
Acura issued a service bulletin for the problem and replaced the torque converter under warranty for affected customers.
2019 Acura RDX
The 2019 Acura RDX had several problems with its infotainment system, including freezing and crashing. The problem was caused by a faulty software update that was installed on the system. Acura issued a recall for the problem and provided affected customers with a free software update.
2020 Acura RDX
The 2020 Acura RDX had a problem with its brake system that could cause the brakes to fail.
The problem was caused by a faulty brake booster that could cause the brakes to feel spongy and require more pressure to brake.
A recall was issued for the problem, and Acura provided affected customers with a free replacement of the brake booster.
Best Years for Acura RDX
While there are some Acura RDX model years to avoid, there are also some that are considered the best years for this compact SUV. Here are some of the top model years for the Acura RDX:
2014 Acura RDX
The 2014 Acura RDX was praised for its smooth and powerful V6 engine, comfortable and spacious interior, and good fuel economy. The 2014 model year also had a good reliability rating, making it a solid choice for a used Acura RDX.
2009 Acura RDX
While the 2007-2009 Acura RDX models had transmission issues, the 2009 model year received some updates that improved the transmission’s reliability. The 2009 Acura RDX also received high marks for its powerful turbocharged engine, sporty handling, and comfortable and well-appointed interior.
By choosing one of these top Acura RDX model years, you can enjoy a reliable, comfortable, and stylish compact SUV that will provide you with years of driving pleasure.
How to Avoid Acura RDX Problems
While there are some model years of the Acura RDX that you should avoid, it’s still possible to find a reliable and well-maintained used Acura RDX. Here are some tips to help you avoid Acura RDX problems:
- Do your research: Before buying a used Acura RDX, do your research to find out which model years have had the most problems. Check online forums, owner reviews, and expert reviews to get an idea of what to look for.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection: A pre-purchase inspection by a professional mechanic can help you spot any potential problems with the Acura RDX you’re considering. It’s worth the extra cost to avoid any unexpected problems down the line.
- Check for recalls: Before buying a used Acura RDX, check to see if there are any outstanding recalls for the model year you’re interested in. If there are, make sure the recall has been addressed before buying the car.
- Check the maintenance history: Ask the seller for the Acura RDX’s maintenance history to see if it has been well-maintained. Look for regular oil changes, brake inspections, and other routine maintenance.
- Test drive the car: Take the Acura RDX for a test drive to see how it handles on the road. Pay attention to any unusual sounds, vibrations, or warning lights. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s best to walk away.
Conclusion
The Acura RDX is a popular choice for buyers looking for a reliable and comfortable compact SUV. However, not all Acura RDX model years are created equal.
If you’re looking to buy a used Acura RDX, it’s best to avoid the model years that have had the most problems, such as the 2007-2009 models with transmission issues or the 2010-2013 models with electrical and brake problems.
By doing your research, getting a pre-purchase inspection, checking for recalls, and test-driving the car, you can find a reliable and well-maintained used Acura RDX that will give you years of trouble-free driving.