2013 ACURA RDX Complaints and Recall Information
The 2013 ACURA RDX has 9 complaints and 3 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to dangerously dim low beam headlights that impair nighttime visibility. Some drivers have also reported sudden loss of power and malfunction warning lights while accelerating.
Common Issues- Dim headlights. Numerous owners report that the low beam headlights become extremely dim, reducing visibility to less than 25 feet at night in unlit areas.
- Headlight bulb failures. Bulbs burn out or fail repeatedly within weeks or months, and replacement bulbs do not restore proper brightness.
- Projector reflector damage. The original bulbs reportedly burn the reflector bowls inside the headlight assemblies, contributing to diminished light output.
- Headlight housing delamination. At least one owner experienced delaminated headlight housings requiring full assembly replacement.
- Power loss during acceleration. The car loses all acceleration power and steering assist intermittently, accompanied by warning lights for AVS, ABS, and charging system.
The 2013 ACURA RDX is subject to three recalls affecting transmission and air bag systems. These recalls address potential safety hazards involving unintended gear shift and defective air bag inflators which may rupture in a crash.
Recalls- Brake-shift interlock system. (NHTSA 13V143000) About 204,169 vehicles including the 2013 RDX may allow the gear selector to be moved from Park without pressing the brake pedal during freezing temperatures. This defect risks vehicle rollaway and potential crashes. Dealers will install an updated brake shift interlock mechanism at no cost.
- Driver air bag inflator recall (2019). (NHTSA 19V182000) Over 1.1 million vehicles including the 2013 RDX have defective driver air bag inflators from previous replacements or service parts. Inflators may explode during deployment, causing metal fragments to strike occupants and cause serious injury or death. Dealers will replace the inflator free of charge.
- Driver air bag inflator recall (2016). (NHTSA 16V061000) Approximately 2.2 million vehicles including the 2013 RDX have driver air bag inflators susceptible to moisture intrusion that may rupture during deployment. This can result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants and injury or death. The inflator will be replaced at no charge.
Owners facing repeated repairs for headlight failures, sudden power losses, or unresolved recall issues should consider consulting their state’s lemon law provisions. These laws may provide rights for consumers with persistent defects affecting vehicle safety and reliability.
2013 ACURA RDX Summary
2013
Model Year
9
Total Complaints
3
Total Recalls
3537890
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2013 ACURA RDX
1101534 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
2013 ACURA RDX
2232187 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
2013 ACURA RDX
204169 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: 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.
Complaints
2013 ACURA RDX
ID: 2127224EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My low beam headlights have diminished in their effectiveness / intensity over time such that I fear driving at night due to possible danger of an accident. If I do have to drive at night, I have to use my high beams...which is also totally unacceptable, and illegal in post places. I have taken the car to the Acura dealership to explain the problem and determine the proper fix. I felt like this should be covered under warranty, since this is a safety issue, no different than safety belts, air bags, etc. The Acura dealership tested the lights and acknowledged the problem, but stated there was no warranty coverage for the issue. The determined fix was to replace both headlight assemblies for a cost of approximately $2500. This is totally unacceptable in my opinion, given this a definite safety issue.
2013 ACURA RDX
ID: 2107228EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2013 Acura RDX. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the headlights were dim, causing the visibility to become impaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed delaminated headlight housings. The contact was informed that the headlight housings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
2013 ACURA RDX
ID: 2089146EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Have replaced low beam headlight bulbs multiple times within weeks/months of each time for months now. Low beam is so dim that vehicle is unsafe to drive at night without turning on high beams. Something is more wrong than just the bulb. Taken to repair shop each time. Changing bulbs works for a few days then no light happens again. What do I do???
2013 ACURA RDX
ID: 2085559EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights have begun to dim so much that they are unsafe and ineffective at night. I understand that there may be a reflector problem with the headlights.
2013 ACURA RDX
ID: 2084757EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights have grown dim. The bulbs have been replaced multiple times to find a bright enough bulb, to no avail. Approximate visual distance at night in unlit areas is less than 25'. This is a safety hazard because this does not allow enough time to avoid impacts.
2013 ACURA RDX
ID: 2067564EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights are dangerously dim due to the oem headlightbulbs burning the reflector bowls in the projector headlights this is a problem that's been complained about by many many people.
2013 ACURA RDX
ID: 2067405EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights have gotten progressively and dangerously dimmer over time and it is a known issue according to a local dealer. It's dangerous to drive at night but cost-prohibitive to fix.
2013 ACURA RDX
ID: 2056679UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Three different times, when accelerating, my car looses all power, will not accelerate, looses power steering, and different warning lights flash, such as check AVS system, check ABS system, and check charging system. I navigate to the side of the road and turn it off and on again and
2013 ACURA RDX
ID: 2053294EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My car is undriveable at night due to headlights malfunctioning. They are so dim they barely illuminate a foot in front of the car.