Model year

2018 Acura RLX

Sedan, gasoline, 4x2, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Nov 12, 2024 to Jun 2, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year12.49M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints6Below the median 2018 sedan
Severity index0.02018 sedans average 6.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2018 Acura RLX peaked in 2024, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01232024202520263
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

67% of complaints about the 2018 Acura RLX name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
4
Electrical system
2
Fuel system
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2018 Acura RLX

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2018 Acura RLX
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
23V-858Dec 18, 2023Fuel pump inside the fuel tank may failFuel system2,490,460Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2018 Acura RLX

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jun 2, 2026Failure May 20, 2026Schaumburg, ILEngine

    The first time I heard the engine noise was on [XXX]. I brought the vehicle to the Schaumburg Muller Acura dealership and dropped it off on May 20. On May 21, the dealership performed an initial inspection and informed me that they needed authorization to further disassemble the engine in order to determine the cause of the problem. I provided that authorization, and by May 22 the engine had been torn down to the point where the failure could be identified. On May 22, I spoke with my service advisor, Ken, who informed me that the connecting rod bearings were worn and that the engine would need to be replaced. I was sent photographs, a video, and an estimate for the repair totaling $12,943.83. While I was shocked by the cost, Ken advised me that the dealership would be contacting Acura to request goodwill assistance on my behalf. Because this occurred immediately before the Memorial Day weekend, several days passed before I received an update. On May 30, a different service advisor informed me that Acura had approved $8,000 in goodwill assistance. During that conversation, he asked me, “The original estimate was around $16,000, right?” I knew that was incorrect, as the estimate I had received was $12,943.83. Concerned by the discrepancy, I contacted Acura Customer Relations on June 1 and opened a case for review. Later that same day, I spoke with Ken and provided him with the case number. During that conversation, he informed me that the original estimate had been incorrect because certain parts and/or labor had allegedly been omitted. I was then told that the actual repair cost would be approximately $18,000 to $19,000 plus tax. While I can understand minor adjustments to an estimate, a difference of several hundred dollars or even $1,000 might be reasonable. However, an increase of approximately $6,000 from the original estimate is extremely concerning and raises serious questions about the accuracy of the repair assessment and cost estimate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (

    NHTSA complaint 11741672
  2. Filed May 18, 2026Failure Dec 1, 202551,000 milesMacon, GAStarter assembly, Crank/camshaft position sensor

    The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving her vehicle at an undisclosed speed, stated that the vehicle would not start up, and noticed every single waring light illuminated up on her dash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice, first time it was diagnosed to have a crank sensor failure, it was replaced. Two days after, the issues reoccurred, where it was diagnosed to be the engine starter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11738529
  3. Filed Mar 6, 2026Failure Mar 15, 2023110,785 milesBaltimore, MDElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the headlight failure message was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure started occurring in 2023. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that, because she was not the first owner, assistance was denied. The approximate failure mileage was 110,785.

    NHTSA complaint 11722582
  4. Filed Feb 12, 2025Failure Feb 8, 202592,000 milesStoughton, MAEngine and engine cooling

    The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the oil change and tire rotation messages were displayed. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that an oil change and tire rotation were performed, and the contact was informed that the engine was knocking. The contact received a call notification from the dealer two days after the vehicle was repaired regarding the connecting rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the issue would be escalated to a higher department. The failure mileage was 92,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11642306
  5. Filed Dec 3, 2024Failure Dec 3, 2024Lincoln Park, NJFuel system, Gasoline

    The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint 11628568
  6. Filed Nov 12, 2024Failure Oct 28, 2024Stafford, TXEngine

    My vehicle has the same 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 that comes in the Acrua MDX which is currently on recall for connecting rod bearings on vehicles with 3.5-liter V6 engines can fail, leading to complete engine failure. my car has the excact same engin with the exact same problem. i have the full diagnosis and estimate from Acura ENGINE REPLACEMENT

    NHTSA complaint 11624761
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • EA19001 Engineering analysis, Airbags
    Electrical overstress
    Opened Apr 19, 2019, closed Sep 19, 2024 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

21 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • ONL6R508212023 Aug 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Warranty Extension - Under certain circumstances, abnormal noise may be heard from the rear when driving straight or making small side-to-side turning movements with the steering wheel. The P-AWS indicator or warning light may also illuminate with certain d…
  • ONL6R507142023 Jul 14, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Owner Notification Letter - Under certain circumstances, abnormal noise may be heard from the rear when driving straight or making small side-to-side turning movements with the steering wheel. The MIL may also illuminate with certain DTC codes.
  • B23-022 Jun 9, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - Due to manufacturing errors, abnormal noise may be heard from the rear when driving straight or making small side-toside turning movements with the steering wheel. The MIL may also illuminate with DTC C1600-94 (PAWS unexpected behavior) …
  • BBOM06092023901 Jun 9, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Message - Due to manufacturing errors, abnormal noise may be heard from the rear when driving straight or making small side-to-side turning movements with the steering wheel. The MIL may also illuminate with DTC C1600-94 (PAWS unexpected behavior) an…
  • BTI&05102022901 May 10, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2016-2020 MDXs, RLXs & TLXs with a client complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P030X (Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0171 & P0174 (Rear/Front Bank Fuel System Too Lean…
  • B98015 Mar 18, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
  • B14-025 Sep 18, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - The timing belt area chirps after the engine warms up.
  • B14-025 Aug 6, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - The timing belt area makes a chirping noise after the engine warms up.
  • B20-020 Jun 19, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - The blower motor makes excessive noise, runs slowly, or intermittently stops working.
  • B20-009 Feb 21, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - There is a high-pitched sound from the speakers while on a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (HFL) call.
  • B20-009 Feb 14, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - There is a high-pitched sound from the speakers while on a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (HFL) call.
  • B20-009 Feb 7, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin - There is a high-pitched sound from the speakers while on a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (HFL) call.
  • B19050B May 16, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ServiceNews Article - When removing and installing a cable reel, you need to keep both the cable reel and the steering angle sensor in position. If you don't, the VSA indicator may come on along with one or more VSA DTCs. And when you run the Neutral Memori…
  • B17120C Mar 21, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ServiceNews Article - This article replaces "Don't Worry About the Brown Dust on the Wheels," posted in December 2017. On some arriving vehicles, are you seeing brown dust covering the wheels? Don't worry; it's completely normal.
  • B16-008 Sep 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service bulletin - The high pressure fuel pump area chirps after the engine is warm. The high pressure fuel pump is making a chirp.
  • B18070B Jul 12, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service news article - If the On Demand Multi-Use Display? (ODMD) isn't responding to touch or is freezing up, the reason could be there's debris lodged in the gap between the touch screen and the bezel. Lodged debris contacting the screen can cause a false…
  • B18070B Jul 12, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service news article - If the On Demand Multi-Use Display? (ODMD) isn't responding to touch or is freezing up, the reason could be there's debris lodged in the gap between the touch screen and the bezel. Lodged debris contacting the screen can cause a false…
  • B16-008 Apr 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service bulletin - The high pressure fuel pump area chirps after the engine is warm. The high pressure fuel pump is making a chirp noise. NOTE: This noise does not impact the pump, engine function, or reliability.
  • B17-040 Apr 3, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service bulletin - The front brakes squeal when braking at slow speeds after the brakes are warm (after approximately 20 miles or 30 minutes of driving).
  • BTS180202 Feb 13, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Tech line summary article - debris lodged in the gap between the touch screen and the bezel. Lodged debris contacting the screen can cause a false input, resulting in this issue. And since that gap widens and narrows with cabin temperature, this issue can b…
  • B15060C Aug 3, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service news article - To prevent damage during shipping, leather-wrapped steering wheels come with a protective plastic covering. The easiest way to remove it during PDI is to grab the covering with both hands near the top of the steering wheel and pull
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.