2013 Acura RDX - Ratings, Complaints and Recalls

The 2013 Acura RDX SUV FWD has not been rated for safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The car comes equipped with standard electronic stability control but does not have forward collision warning or lane departure warning systems. In terms of reported issues, there have been 123 complaints and 3 recalls associated with this vehicle. It is important to note that due to the lack of safety ratings, it is advised to exercise caution and stay informed about any potential safety concerns related to this model.

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Top stats at a glance

Complaint Count

123

Recall Count

3

Investigation Count

1

Safety Rating

Not Rated

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Safety Features

2013 Acura RDX SUV FWD Safety Features

Here are the safety features that come as standard on the 2013 Acura RDX SUV FWD

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is an advanced safety feature in vehicles designed to help drivers maintain control during challenging driving conditions. By continuously monitoring various factors such as steering angle, vehicle speed, and individual wheel speeds, ESC can detect and reduce the risk of skidding or loss of control. It achieves this by automatically applying brakes to specific wheels to stabilize the vehicle.

Standard
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent frontal collisions by alerting the driver of an imminent collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead. Using sensors such as radar or cameras, FCW monitors the distance and speed of vehicles in front, and if it detects a potential collision, it provides visual and/or auditory warnings to prompt the driver to take evasive action.

No
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is a safety feature in vehicles that alerts drivers when their vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling. Utilizing cameras or sensors to monitor lane markings on the road, LDW detects when the vehicle crosses these lines and triggers visual, auditory, or haptic alerts to notify the driver of potential lane departure.

No

2013 Acura RDX SUV FWD Safety Ratings

Here we have the crash and rollover ratings for the 2013 Acura RDX SUV FWD Where possible we've included the ratings for the oldest and latest models of this car so you can compare how the safety ratings have changed over time.

Frontal Crash Ratings

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Test 2007 Score 2013 Score 2024 Score
Overall Front Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 4
Front Crash Driver Side Rating 5 Not Rated 4
Front Crash Passenger Side Rating 5 Not Rated 4

Side Crash Ratings

Combines Side Barrier and Side Pole Star Ratings into a single side rating.

Test 2007 Score 2013 Score 2024 Score
Overall Side Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5
Side Crash Drivers Side Rating 5 Not Rated 5
Side Crash Passenger Side Rating 5 Not Rated 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Front Not Rated Not Rated 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Rear Not Rated Not Rated 5
Overall Side Barrier Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Rollover Ratings

The Rollover Resistance test measures the risk of rollover in a single-vehicle, loss-of-control scenario.

Test 2007 Score 2013 Score 2024 Score
Rollover Rating 4 Not Rated 4
Rollover Possibility % 0% 0% 0%
Dynamic Tip Result No Tip No Tip
Side Pole Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Complaints for the 2013 Acura RDX

This chart show the number of complaints for each car component. A Higher number of complaints could indicate that this car might have a common fault. Something to look out for when purchasing one.

Component Complaints

Choose a component to see what complaints people have made about them.

Complaint:
"the projection paint has worn off from halogen bulb resulting in dangerously low and dim lighting for low beams."
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2024-07-01
Complaint:
"headlights are dimming"
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2023-04-12
Complaint:
"the headlights are dim. i believe the projector has been burned by the halogen bulb. it is a common issue with the halogen-equipped rdx. it is a safety issue at night. replacing the bulb does not fix the issue."
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2025-02-12
Complaint:
"at approximately 76k i started noticing that my low beam headlights were very dim at night and was having a hard time seeing the street/lines and signs while driving. the distance i should have been able to see was declining. it continued to decline over time, and now at 80k literally the only light my vehicle is projecting at night is the front running lights, so i cannot see barely more that 5 feet in front of me while driving. i have changed bulbs 3 times, each time to progressively brighter bulbs, most recently to led, and it has not improved. i've researched this issue, and apparently i am not the only one who has this issue, and it appears the projector housing coating has burned out. this was an issue on the mdx as well, and they had a recall. why has this not been addressed for the rdx?"
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2023-11-11
Complaint:
"the hid headlights on this car degrade and fail to produce sufficient light. the reflectors lose their coating. this is a widely known issue [xxx] i have discussed this with my mechanic. the headlights are so dim as to be unsafe. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)"
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2023-01-01
Complaint:
"the headlights begin to dim in december 2020. i finally had to replace headlamp unit: replace both leadlight assemblies on 12 march 2021 due to reflective chrome paint has worn/burnt away. repairs costed $3,546.20. it is 15 october 2023 and the headlights are beginning to dim-out again. the acura dealership inspected my vehicle on 14 october 2023 and indicated that the headlamp unit need replacing, again."
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2020-01-12
Complaint:
"headlights are very dim. at night, it is very hard to see the road unless i put the high beamers on. i've inquired about this with the dealership and shared my concerned on how this is a safety issue and front lights arent bright enough. the response "we are aware, it is common in that year and model but nothing we can do." then proceeded to state it would cost $2k to replace. this clearly is a manufacturing issue with acura and should have been addressed during quality control or something. at this point, i dont feel comfortable driving my car in the evening and it is unfair. it is a risk and safety concern for me, as the driver, and others on the road. if acura is aware, why arent they fixing the issue? definitely not a consumer problem."
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2024-03-09
Complaint:
"the low beam headlights degraded very quickly and doesn't throw much light. the problem seems to be with the projector headlight housing"
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2018-01-09
Complaint:
"the headlights are soo dim that you cannot see anything at all at nighttime unless you drive with the brights on. the headlight bulbs blow out super fast, within a few months, and need to constantly be replaced over and over again. even brand new headlights you cannot see at night."
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2024-09-09
Complaint:
"i, along with many others according to the internet, am experiencing very low, unsafe visibility at night due to poor low beam performance. new bulbs make no difference and most of the time the vehicle must be operated using the high beams, which is a safety issue for other drivers."
Components Involved: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Date of incident: 2023-02-08

Recalls for the 2013 Acura RDX

Component Recalls

Choose a component to see what recalls people have made about them.

Recall:
"honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling specific 2003 acura 3.2cl, 2013-2016 ilx, 2013-2014 ilx hybrid, 2003-2006 mdx, 2007-2016 rdx, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 tl, 2010-2013 zdx and 2001-2007 and 2009 honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2007 fit, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, and 2006-2014 ridgeline vehicles. the affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode."
Consequence:
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.
Remedy:

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > DRIVER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2019-03-06
Recall:
"honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 honda cr-v, 2011-2015 cr-z, 2010-2014 fcx, and insight, 2009-2013 fit, 2013-2014 fit ev, 2007-2014 ridgeline, 2013-2016 acura ilx, 2013-2014 acura ilx hybrid, 2007-2016 rdx, 2005-2012 acura rl, 2009-2014 acura tl, and 2010-2013 acura zdx vehicles. the affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture."
Consequence:
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.
Remedy:

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Component(s) Involved: AIR BAGS > FRONTAL > DRIVER SIDE > INFLATOR MODULE
Date of incident: 2016-02-03

ACURA Overall Complaint Ranking

This table shows the ranking of car manufacturers when it comes to most complaints and recalls. The manufacturer with the most complaints is at the top. However this doesn't necassarily mean they should be avoided. Some manufacturers might just have more popular or affordable cars which a lot of people have bought. Which means there's more scope for a complaint to be made. Use the ranking table below as a part your wider research into buying a car.

ACURA ranks 25 out of 44 in the complaints ranking table.

Manufacturer Complaint Count Recall Count Ranking
FORD 208,358 3,259 1
CHEVROLET 111,306 2,082 2
TOYOTA 81,019 1,852 3
HONDA 61,937 1,268 4
NISSAN 56,226 930 5
DODGE 45,756 827 6
HYUNDAI 44,150 649 7
GMC 34,441 1,410 8
KIA 29,832 501 9
CHRYSLER 27,698 254 10
TESLA 26,230 730 11
BMW 24,890 1,877 12
VOLKSWAGEN 23,125 829 13
MERCEDES-BENZ 19,066 2,925 14
SUBARU 18,513 703 15
MAZDA 10,599 364 16
PONTIAC 10,430 138 17
CADILLAC 9,434 444 18
AUDI 7,865 1,093 19
BUICK 7,851 279 20
SATURN 7,672 84 21
MERCURY 7,374 135 22
LEXUS 6,373 408 23
LINCOLN 5,897 423 24
ACURA 5,722 382 25
MINI 5,585 366 26
INFINITI 4,000 187 27
MITSUBISHI 3,912 397 28
VOLVO 3,875 727 29
PORSCHE 2,646 1,231 30
SUZUKI 2,272 123 31
FIAT 2,205 80 32
SAAB 1,536 76 33
JAGUAR 1,195 198 34
SMART 528 17 35
GENESIS 436 42 36
ISUZU 249 37 37
ALFA ROMEO 161 37 38
MASERATI 76 46 39
BENTLEY 46 159 40
POLESTAR 42 2 41
LUCID 14 6 42
CODA 4 2 43
MAYBACH 0 0 44

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