Model year guide

2021 Acura rdx

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Acura rdx is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2021 Acura rdx — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Acura rdx at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints101

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2021 Acura rdx recalls 3

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft NHTSA Campaign #21V939000 · 02/12/2021

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.

Fix: 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.

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger NHTSA Campaign #24V064000 · 01/02/2024

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 su…

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. 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.

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger NHTSA Campaign #26V332000 · 21/05/2026

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…

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 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, D…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2021 Acura rdx common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2021 Acura rdx trims & engines on record

Trims
SH-AWD Tech · RDX
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 272 hp

2021 Acura rdx vehicles on record

2021 Acura rdx 2021 Acura rdx SH-AWD Tech5J8TC2H58ML009907 2021 Acura rdx 2021 Acura rdx RDX5J8TC1H39ML003297

Other Acura rdx model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

2021 Acura rdx — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Acura rdx have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2021 Acura rdx. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Acura rdx?

Based on 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, structure, visibility.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.