Debuting in 2007, the RDX is a midsize luxury crossover that ranks No. 1 as Acura's best-selling model.
More affordable than many of its competitors, this stylish SUV offers an exhilarating driving experience paired with a beautifully finished interior.
If you're considering the RDX for your next vehicle, you may be wondering what its average lifespan is.
We'll cover that in this article and more, read on to find out...
Index
Here's the short answer to how long the Acura RDX lasts:
The Acura RDX is a reliable and durable SUV that can last 250,000 to 300,000 miles with regular maintenance and conservative driving. Based on annual mileage of 15,000 miles, you can expect the Acura RDX to provide 15 to 20 years of service before breaking down or requiring expensive repairs.
How many miles can you expect from an Acura RDX?
If you're looking for a durable luxury crossover, the RDX won't disappoint.
Many owners have reported putting 250,000 to 300,000 miles on their RDX with the stock engine, transmission and turbo, and you'll still see plenty of first-generation models on the road today.
That shouldn't come as a surprise, however, as Acura is the luxury arm of Honda, the Japanese automaker synonymous with reliability.
Honda has always been known for its durable engines and the RDX is no exception, with many positive owner reviews on forums and even on Forbes' list of 10 Vehicles That Can Go 250,000 Miles.
Design and build quality play a crucial role in longevity, but it is up to the owner to get the most out of their vehicle.
To help your RDX reach 300,000 on the odometer:
- Strictly adhere to the factory recommended maintenance intervals
- Always use high quality oils, fluids and parts.
- Drive calmly and avoid exceeding the car's 1,500 lb. towing capacity
- Find a trusted dealer or independent mechanic to make sure your RDX gets the proper care
- Fix even minor problems as soon as possible so they don't become bigger problems.
How long should you wait for rust on an Acura RDX?
The Acura RDX is no more prone to rust than any other vehicle, but there are some reports that it shows surface rust quickly, and you may see rust spots in as little as 2-4 years, especially if you live in a high-rise neighborhood. risk region such as the Salt Belt states or the coast of the United States.
Rust is rare on a new car these days and should be covered under warranty in most cases, although you'll need to read the fine print; If you notice the first signs of rust, contact your dealer.
According to Acura's website, surface corrosion is covered for 4 years/50 miles, while drilling is covered for 5 years/no distance limit.
This warranty does not cover paint damage caused by road debris, acid rain, tree sap, bird droppings, and industrial fallout.
Some general areas reported to be more prone to rust on RDX are:
- Escape from Talipipe
- rotor mounts
- suspension components
Note: Corrosion problems do not necessarily affect the functionality of the vehicle.
Tips to keep your RDX rust free:
- Wash regularly, including the bottom.especially after contact with road salt– any good quality car wash will do.
- Apply paint protection film or ceramic coating.
- Check out rust prevention options, especially if you live on the coast or in an area that uses a lot of road salt.
- Store the vehicle in a garage to protect it from the elements.
What is high mileage for an Acura RDX?
An Acura RDX with more than 120,000 miles on the odometer is considered high mileage.and a riskier investment. However, there are many factors to consider, especially the vehicle's maintenance history. and the general state of the car.
Buying a used RDX with more than 120,000 miles doesn't necessarily mean bad results, but it's important to evaluate the car carefully before spending your money.
Some important points to keep in mind:
- maintenance history.Make sure the car has been properly maintained and can be tested by the owner.
- Get a second opinion:Have it checked by a mechanic
- Take a test drive:During the test drive, run it for a while, varying the speed from 30 to 50 and listening closely for (what Acura calls) "vibration." It will sound like you are driving in a noisy lane. This is the torque converter and will most likely cause problems later on.
- Check out CarFax. This does not guarantee anything, but it may help to get a clearer picture of the wear. Make sure it has minimal damage, if any. Please review the information to make sure that if something happened, it was not a transmission or mechanics.
- How long would you like to keep the car?If you plan to keep the car for years to come, consider whether the short-term savings outweigh the added expense of something more reliable.
- Number of previous owners.In general, less is better. More owners generally mean more wear. If it was family owned and the full 120,000 miles were driven and the car serviced, then you can almost guarantee it was well taken care of during your ownership.
You may also be interested in our article:
How long does the Acura RDX last compared to similar car models?
Let's take a quick look at how the RDX stacks up against some of its peers.
Acura RDX con Lexus NX
Coming from rival Japanese automaker Lexus, the NX has a distinctive design, excellent trim levels, and a stylish cabin.
You can expect a well-maintained NX to last 250,000 to 300,000 miles, which is on par with the RDX.
According to RepairPal, the RDX beats the NX with a 4.5-star reliability rating, while the NX gets a slightly lower 4-star rating.
In terms of reliability, the NX ranks second in the segment, second only to the RDX, which ranks first.
The RDX is also much cheaper to maintain, averaging just $497 per year compared to $690 for the Lexus.
Acura RDX x BMW X3
The latest generation of the BMW X3 is the best-selling compact luxury SUV and offers a comfortable driving experience and many high-tech features.
The X3 is expected to last 150,000 to 200,000 miles before repair costs become prohibitive, and therefore has a much shorter life expectancy than the RDX.
RepairPal gives the BMW a 2.5/5 for reliability, which is below the 3.5 average for the entire segment and pales in comparison to the RDX's excellent 4.5-star rating.
Repair Pal ranked the X3 10th out of 11 at the bottom of the reliability list, while the RDX is at the top.
The X3's average annual cost to repair will also double to $1,034, compared to the RDX's $497 per year.
If reliability and maintenance costs are on your priority list, the RDX is the clear winner in this comparison.
Also read our article:How long is or BMW X3?
Acura RDX x Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is the best-selling vehicle from the German luxury brand and offers a sophisticated look and many sophisticated features.
The Audi Q5 is expected to last 150,000 to 200,000 miles before requiring expensive repairs, which is less than the RDX's 250,000 to 300,000 miles.
According to RepairPal, the Audi Q5 has a reliability rating of 3/5, slightly below the 3.5/5 average for the segment and well below the Acura RDX's 4.5/5.
According to Repair Pal results, the Q5 ranks 11th out of 14 luxury midsize SUVs, while the Acura RDX ranks 1st out of 11 luxury compact SUVs.
Running costs will also be much higher for the Q5, with an estimated annual repair cost of $928 compared to $497 for the RDX.
Again, the RDX has a clear advantage in terms of reliability and maintenance costs.
How reliable is the Acura RDX?
As you'd expect from a Honda, the Acura RDX is an extremely reliable vehicle that will provide years of trouble-free driving.
The RepairPal website gave the Acura RDX a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, ranking it #1 out of 11 other compact luxury SUVs.
Based on 55 consumer reviews, Kelley Blue Book gave the RDX 4.1 out of 5.0 stars for reliability.
- The first and second generation RDX are heavily based on the Honda CR-V and share many components with it (4.5/5.0 reliability rating and 2 of 26 rating for compact SUVs).
- The first and third generation RDX use Honda's K-series engines, which are reputed to be the most reliable engines ever developed.
- The second-generation RDX is powered by the same V6 engine used in the Honda Accord, another extremely reliable vehicle.
Reliability compared to other SUVs
| Model | reliability |
| Acura RDX | 4,5 / 5,0 |
| Lexus NX200t | 4,0 / 5,0 |
| Infiniti EX35 (Infiniti QX50) | 4,0 / 5,0 |
| volvo xc60 | 4,0 / 5,0 |
| Mercedes Benz GLK350 | 3,5 / 5,0 |
| bmw x1 | 3,5 / 5,0 |
| lincoln mkc | 3,5 / 5,0 |
| Land Rover LR2 | 3,0 / 5,0 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Evoque | 3,0 / 5,0 |
| bmw x3 | 2,5 / 5,0 |
| porsche macan | 1,5 / 5,0 |
| mid-luxury compact SUV | 3.5 |
The best and worst years of the Acura RDX
The RDX, like any other vehicle, had its good and bad years...
the worst year
According to the CarComplaints website, 2015 is the worst model year for the RDX. The 2015 model features soy-based electrical wiring insulation, which may be better for the environment but also attracts hungry bugs, costing customers in the region $2,000 to fix.
The 2019 RDX (the first model year of the 3rd generation) received the most complaints of any model year, with a total of 26 complaints.
The most common complaint with the 2019 model is loss of power during acceleration, or "limp home" followed by stalling.
Other RDX problems are:
- Brake Squeal on the 2016 RDX
- Broken axles on RDX 2012
best model of the year
The model years with the fewest complaints are 2009 and 2021.
Our top pick would be the 2021 model year as it offers the latest in safety and technology, including a 10.2-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Related:
number of complaints
Here is an overview of the number of complaints filed against RDX on the auto complaint website:
| model year | number of complaints |
| 2007 | 8 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | sixteen |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 0 |
What about callbacks?
As of this writing, the Acura RDX has a total of 28 recalls across all model years, ranging from defective airbags to faulty fuel pumps.
Recalls are manufacturing repairs that are offered at no charge to the consumer.
Here is a complete list of recalls for the Acura RDX based on data from the NHTSA website.
| model year | callback number |
| 2007 | 3 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 0 |
Acura RDX Model Year List
These are all the model years of the Acura RDX:
First generation (2007 to 2012)
- Acura RDX 2007
- Acura RDX 2008
- Acura RDX 2009
- Acura RDX 2010
- Acura RDX 2011
- Acura RDX 2012
Second generation (2013 to 2018)
- Acura RDX 2013
- Acura RDX 2014
- Acura RDX 2015
- Acura RDX 2016
- Acura RDX 2017
- Acura RDX 2018
Third generation (2019 to present)
- Acura RDX 2019
- Acura RDX 2020
- 2021 Acura RDX
Is Acura RDX maintenance expensive?
One of the cheapest luxury SUVs, the Acura RDX costs just $497 per year. The average annual repair cost for all compact luxury SUVs is $859 per year, compared to $652 across all makes and models, according to RepairPal.
Over a 5-year period, you can expect to spend around $2,485 on the RDX.
The RDX comes with a standard 4-year/50,000-mile warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty that covers the engine and transmission in the event of a major failure.
| Model | annual percentage repair costs | frequency of unscheduled repairs (by year) | Probability heavy repairs |
| Acura RDX | $ 497 | 0,4 | 6% |
| Lexus NX200t | $ 690 | 0,3 | 6% |
| Infiniti EX35 | $ 588 | 0,7 | 8% |
| volvo xc60 | $ 746 | 0,5 | 7% |
| Mercedes Benz GLK350 | $ 859 | 0,6 | 10% |
| bmw x1 | $ 915 | 0,7 | 8% |
| lincoln mkc | $ 853 | 0,4 | 12% |
| Land Rover LR2 | $ 895 | 0,8 | 11% |
| Land Rover Range Rover Evoque | 1.102 $ | 0,6 | 12% |
| bmw x3 | 1.034 $ | 0,8 | 14% |
| porsche macan | 1.265 $ | 1.3 | 20% |
| mid-luxury compact SUV | $ 859 | 0,6 | 10% |
Related:The 6 Most Common Acura RDX Problems (Explained)
How long do the brakes last?
Acura RDX brake padsshould last 30,000 to 70,000 km.
The front pads wear out faster than the rear, so you don't have to change all four at once.
Of course, the mileage you get from the brakes depends on your driving habits. If you drive calmly, they will last much longer.
How long do the batteries last?
The average life of Acura RDX batteries is around 3-5 years.
How to extend the battery of your RDX:
- Avoid parking outdoors in extreme weather conditions
- Plug it into a winter drumming contest
- Do not operate any electrical accessory while the engine is off.
- Make sure the battery is connected correctly and clean any corrosion.
How long do the tires last?
With regular tire changes and wheel alignment, the tires on the Acura RDX should last 50,000 to 70,000 miles or 3 to 5 years.
Changing tires every 5,000 miles ensures even wear and helps you get the most out of your tires.
It is recommended to check tire pressure every few weeks: flat tires cause excessive and uneven tread wear.
How long does the transfer take?
The Acura RDX should easily transfer 150,000 miles and an average of 250,000 to 300,000 miles.
Acura recommends changing the RDX oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles over conventional oil. Synthetic oil should be changed frequently every 7,500-10,000 miles.
How long do spark plugs last?
The Acura RDX manual recommends changing the spark plugs every 100,000 miles.
The RDX uses high quality iridium tipped spark plugs.
What about insurance costs?
Based on quotes compiled by Finder, the average insurance rate for a new Acura RDX is $1,836 per year or $153 per month.
Insurance quotes vary widely and depend on many factors such as: B. Your age, driving habits, status, and existing insurance policies.
Tips to prolong the life of your Acura RDX
- Follow factory recommended maintenance intervals
- Keep vehicle modifications to a minimum
- Drive calmly; avoid sudden acceleration and braking
- Check tire fluids and pressure regularly
- Apply paint protection film or ceramic coating.
- Repair stone chips and scratches immediately.
- Wash the vehicle regularly, especially in winter.
- Leave the vehicle in the garage as much as possible.
resources
https://www.motortrend.com/features/best-sellers-luxury-vehicles-2020
https://owners.acura.com/Documentum/Warranty/Handbooks/2021_Acura_Warranty_Basebook.pdf
https://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/rdx
https://repairpal.com/reliability/lexus/nx200t
https://repairpal.com/reliability/audi/q5
https://enginepatrol.com/acura-tlx-snow-winter-driving/
https://repairpal.com/reliability/bmw/x3
https://www.motortrend.com/features/meistverkaufte-luxusfahrzeuge-2020/
https://www.nalleyacura.com/acura-rdx-brake-pads.htm
https://enginepatrol.com/cuanto-dura-acura-mdx-last/
https://www.nalleyacura.com/bateria-acura-rdx.htm
https://www.davidmcdavidacuraofaustin.com/2021-acura-rdx-oil-change.htm
https://www.finder.com/car-insurance/acura-rdx-insurance-rates
FAQs
How many miles does Acura RDX last? ›
The older Acura RDX models last for many miles
By now, it's pretty safe to say that nearly any Honda or Acura product is sure to last well over the 200,000-mile mark, and the RDX is no exception.
Longevity is influenced by design and construction quality, but it isn't free of flaws. Generally speaking, owners who average 15,000 miles per yearly average can anticipate the Acura RDX to last between 15 to 20 years before breaking down or requiring repairs that are beyond routine and feasible.
Are Acura RDX reliable cars? ›Is the 2023 Acura RDX Reliable? The 2023 Acura RDX has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How long does Acura RDX battery last? ›Acura RDX batteries usually last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on the type of battery, weather conditions, driving habits, and more. You can prolong the life of your RDX battery by: Cleaning the terminals and posts of corrosion with the suitable cleaning solution & a wire brush.
How long do Acura engines last? ›Acura is one of the best luxury brands, and brands in general, in the world. They're designed in a way that helps them withstand the road. According to motorask.com, an Acura should last around 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. This lifespan is incredible, especially considering that Acura is a luxury brand.
How long do Acura transmissions last? ›Some transmissions can last just over 10,000 miles, while others will last over 200,000 miles. Generally though, regular vehicle maintenance is the number one factor effecting a transmission's lifespan, and good upkeep can help it last even longer.
Are acuras reliable after 100k miles? ›They have all lasted well over 100,000 miles. The first car was running great when it was hit and totalled at about 135,000 miles. Its engine went into a race car. The second car was at about 185,000 miles when something went wrong with its engine computer and it would flood the engine when starting.
Is Acura as good as Toyota? ›Toyota and Acura both have high-performance vehicles that have stellar performance capabilities as well as more refined vehicles that are designed for a responsive, smooth drive through town. Because Acura is a luxury brand, you can generally expect to find most sophisticated performance-based features in its models.
Is Acura a long lasting car? ›Because of this, if they are well taken care of, they can usually run for at least 200,000 miles (321,868 km). The ILX, TLX, and RDX are the most reliable Acuras because they all have a reliability rating of “Excellent.” With an above-average score, the MDX is pretty close behind.
Is Acura RDX good for long trips? ›This luxury crossover is also ready to keep you and your family safe on long trips thanks to its standard suite of AcuraWatch™ safety features. The 2023 Acura RDX offers tech like Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Can I use regular gas in my Acura RDX? ›
Your Acura ILX, TLX, RLX, MDX, or RDX will run fine on regular gasoline, but using the recommended premium unleaded 91 octane fuel is sure to boost performance, increase longevity, and keep your Acura running as it should – providing you with the peace of mind you've been seeking.
Which car is better MDX or RDX? ›If you're looking for the differences between the Acura MDX and RDX SUVs, the Acura MDX is bigger, has more rows of seating, and boasts a bigger engine than the Acura RDX. The Acura MDX is designed for families with more than two child safety seats and drivers who need ample cargo room and towing capabilities.
How much is a new battery for Acura RDX? ›The average cost for an Acura RDX battery replacement is between $238 and $249. Labor costs are estimated between $42 and $53 while parts are priced at $196. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
How much is a battery for RDX? ›We're sorry to hear about your Acura's battery warning dash light! You can expect to pay around $163 for a new Acura RDX battery.
How much does an Acura battery cost? ›How much to replace the battery in my Acura? Depending on power, size, and quality, prices for a replacement car battery range from about $45 to $250.
What lasts longer Honda or Acura? ›Acuras have a reputation for being more durable than their more affordable Honda counterparts, but they cost more to repair when things go wrong. The quality of Acuras is a testament to the lasting standard of the brand, but only with proper maintenance and care.
What car has the longest lasting engine? ›Among the models with the greatest potential lifespan, Toyota Sequoia topped the list, with the ability to travel nearly 300,000 miles, followed by the Land Cruiser, according to a recent iSeeCars study, which analyzed more than 2 million cars over the past 20 years to see which vehicles could last the longest.
What is the average life of an engine? ›Average engine lifespan
For some time, the average lifespan of a car's engine was eight years, or 150,000 miles. New designs, better technology and improved service standards in recent years have increased this average life expectancy to about 200,000 miles, or about 10 years.
With proper maintenance, transmissions can last up to 300,000 miles or more. This includes changing the fluid in your transmission system and regular checkups. However, when you don't keep up with routine maintenance, your transmission might have problems at the 100,000-mile mark or even sooner.
Do Acura RDX have transmission problems? ›Such problems aren't hard to spot. 2021 Acura RDX transmission problems could include shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, a feeling of shakiness, or whistling noises and a burning smell coming from under the hood.
What is the average life of an automatic transmission? ›
Time and mileage vary between car drivers and how they use or abuse their transmissions. Still, typical automatic transmissions last around 150,00 to 200,000 miles or approximately 7 years. Cases exist in both extremes; extreme longevity and early failure.
What is considered high mileage for an Acura? ›The average amount of miles put on a vehicle every year is between 10,000 and 15,000 miles. Anything above this is considered high mileage.
What happens when a car reaches 100000 miles? ›In all likelihood, your transmission fluid, oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid will all require to be replaced during your 100,000 mile maintenance appointment.
What is the most reliable car brand for high mileage? ›Toyota earns the top spot as the best automaker for dependability. Toyota vehicles are known for their longevity, and they are proven to last longer than any other brand. Toyotas are built so well they have below-average maintenance and repair costs, which helps contribute to why they remain on the road for so long.
Whats the highest running mileage for Acura? ›But that's not all, there are many owners reporting that their MDXs have lasted well over the 200,000-mile mark, some of them even going for over 400,000 miles. But a real hero story is the one about a 2001 Acura MDX that was used as a taxi and ended up turning the odometer to the tune of over 900,000 miles!