The Acura RDX is on par with BMWs and Audis when it comes to features and ride comfort. However, the 2018 model, despite offering good value, had a few run-ins with reliability. Problems like unintended acceleration, transmission jerks, and VCM issues are not uncommon.
Key Points
- Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2018 Acura RDX has no recalls or investigations, and just 20 complaints on record.
- Unintended acceleration, hesitation, and transmission issues stand out as the top complaints. Headlight condensation and the shattering glass sunroof have also been reported.
- Lawsuits filed against the vehicle cover acceleration issues, jerky transmission, and loss of power.
- The 2018 Acura RDX may have its variable cylinder management malfunction, leading to excessive oil consumption and potential engine failure.
- Auto journalists find the 2018 RDX to have unimpressive interiors, poor fuel economy, and an underwhelming driving experience.
Multiple Lawsuits Have Been Filed Over 2018 Acura RDX’s Acceleration and Transmission Problems
While the 2018 RDX hasn’t been recalled, a few complaints have been registered with the NHTSA. Out of the 20 complaints, unintended acceleration, transmission issues, and an occasional hesitation to accelerate stand out the most. Other reported issues include headlight condensation and the sunroof shattering unexpectedly.
This NHTSA complaints about vehicle speed control mention unintended acceleration while attempting to park the SUV. Per the complainant, the vehicle accelerated on its own and almost ran into a tree.
Multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed against 2016–2020 Acura RDXs for acceleration issues, jerky transmission shifts, and loss of power. Many owners have complained about these issues happening at random. “On light acceleration from a stop light, the SUV sometimes stalls for a second then suddenly lurches forward in a low gear,” shares one owner in their registered complaint.
Upon consulting forums, it’s evident that transmission problems are pretty common in the RDX. Per one owner on Acura World, his 2018 RDX had intermittent transmission issues, and shifting from third to fourth gear reportedly felt like being rear-ended by another vehicle.
Also, he had issues with operating the paddle shifters as he could not shift manually when trying to override the system. It occurred four times in the 17 months he owned the vehicle.
2018 Acura RDXs May Not Be Immune to Technology Issues and Excessive Oil Consumption
Honda’s variable cylinder management (VCM) technology is something of a concern. According to forum members on Acurazine, Honda’s VCM system leaves a lot to be desired. Multiple iterations of the VCM technology, namely VCM-I and VCM-II, have been made available in the 3.5L V6 to improve fuel economy. VCM-I deactivated three cylinders, while VCM-II shuts down two or three cylinders.
The 2018 RDX makes use of the 3.5L V6 but employs the newer generation of Honda’s VCM-II, which does not shuffle between cylinders and shuts down the entire bank. Much like VCM-I.
Second-generation RDXs before 2016 had the earlier version of Honda’s VCM-II, which was quite problematic and was known to cause vibrations. Members claim earlier iterations brought in a lot of problems ranging from drivability issues to unusually high oil consumption to damaged engines. This even resulted in a class-action lawsuit.
Per a thread on Acurazine, the VCM system in the 2018 RDX is as good as it gets. However, members still suggest installing a VCM blocker for better peace of mind. That being said, several RDX owners have driven well over 100,000 miles and haven’t had any problems with the VCM system.
Auto Critics and Influencers Find the 2018 Acura RDX’s Interiors Lacking and Fuel Economy Underwhelming
Automotive journalists find the 2018 Acura RDX to be a smart buy. However, there are a few downsides to owning this fancy compact crossover.
For instance, Car and Driver finds the interior to be less impressive than its competition. The foot-operated parking brake feels a bit meh in 2022. Also, the touchscreen infotainment is less responsive, and the general interior layout seems dated by today’s standards.
Motor Trend is not impressed with the 2018 RDXs driving characteristics. The site says it lacks soul and doesn’t offer anything that makes you eager to go for a drive.
Kelley Blue Book, on the other hand, comments on the 2018 RDX’s rather underwhelming fuel economy. The compact crossover returns 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined—not appalling, but not great either.
2018 Acura RDX: Still One of the Most Reliable Luxury SUVs on the Market, Despite a Few Problems
The 2018 Acura RDX is one of the most reassuring compact crossovers you can buy today. And the best pick from all the second-generation RDXs (2013-2018). Especially considering values are as low as $30,000.
Yes, there are problems, but the numbers are far too low compared to some of its competition. The transmission and VCM issues aren’t too concerning but are certainly worth keeping in mind.
The RDX offers excellent cargo space, reliability, comfort, and value. What more do you need from a compact crossover?
Photos: Acura
