ACURA RDX · model year

2014 ACURA RDX

254 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014ACURARDX carries 254 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 RDX is exterior lighting with 150 filings, followed by air bags (40) and unknown or other (12). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2014 RDX, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

254
Complaints
3
Crashes
3
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
2014 ACURA RDX — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2014 ACURA RDX. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

254 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
EXTERIOR LIGHTING150
AIR BAGS40
UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
VISIBILITY/WIPER10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS7
SUSPENSION6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
SERVICE BRAKES3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
POWER TRAIN2
STEERING2
ENGINE2
SUSPENSION:REAR2
SEAT BELTS2

Recalls (3)

23V85800018/12/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, F

19V18200006/03/2019

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

16V06100003/02/2016

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 2010-20

Recent Complaints

20260209EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Low beam headlights degrading. Car is unsafe to drive at night! Tried changing light bulbs but does not improve light quality. Dealer said it was an Acura issue. The problem has been getting progressively worse.

20260112EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Low beam Headlights degrading from reflector delamination. Car is unsafe to drive at night. Changing lightbulbs does not improve light quality. Issue has been getting progressively worst each year to a point where the car is not drivable at night

20260102EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I purchased this 2014 Acura RDX in 2016, a Certified Pre-Owned with original 28,000 miles, from Price Acura in Dover, DE. VIN # [XXX] . The car is very well maintained; garage kept and consistently follows the regular maintenance schedule. The current mileage is 143,968. I have voiced my concern to the Price Acura dealership regarding the ongoing issue with the headlights. The combination of heavy oxidation, internal condensation, and water seepage has gotten worse over time, causing very dim, unsafe low beams even after bulb/lens restoration. This issue is NOT normal wear and tear but is a defective seal or manufacturing issue. I’ve had to use my high beams to see while driving at night, but with oncoming traffic having to turn them off and on, not to impact other drivers, it is not safe. This issue has worsened, has negatively impacted my safety driving at night, most recent the driver side low beam headlight burnt out while I was traveling along back roads at night. After rese

20251223EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The headlights are unsafe with dim low beam projectors even after trying a couple sets of new bulbs. Here are the Part Numbers for reference 33100-TX4-A12 33150-TX4-A12 There is a significant safety issue requiring replacement of components that should not need replacing.

20251209VISIBILITY/WIPER

We are noticing what many others are with similar age RDX models - the headlamp assemblies are terribly dim leading to low visibility without using the high beams (not always possible). We have replaced the headlamps with really high output ones, with no real difference. The faulty inside of the headlamp assemblies are making it much harder to see at night, especially in rain or other bad weather. At highway speeds, we rarely see obstacles until we're right on top of them.

20251209UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We are noticing what many others are with similar age RDX models - the headlamp assemblies are terribly dim leading to low visibility without using the high beams (not always possible). We have replaced the headlamps with really high output ones, with no real difference. The faulty inside of the headlamp assemblies are making it much harder to see at night, especially in rain or other bad weather. At highway speeds, we rarely see obstacles until we're right on top of them.

20251118EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Acura RDX headlight problem, dimming headlights, which is a known issue according to the Acura dealership service department in Brentwood, TN. The Acura technician stated that this is often caused by delaminating reflector film, and flickering headlights, which can result from faulty relays or wiring. The dimming makes it hard to see while driving during sundown. Driving with the high beam on causes problems for oncoming traffic. Acura acknowledged the issue, and a recall addressed the delamination issue for some models, but not the 2014 RDX. For my models, Acura stated the internal reflector is damaged, and replacing bulbs will not help. The most effective solution is to replace the headlight assembly or the entire projector housing, which can be a costly repair.

20251118ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Acura RDX headlight problem, dimming headlights, which is a known issue according to the Acura dealership service department in Brentwood, TN. The Acura technician stated that this is often caused by delaminating reflector film, and flickering headlights, which can result from faulty relays or wiring. The dimming makes it hard to see while driving during sundown. Driving with the high beam on causes problems for oncoming traffic. Acura acknowledged the issue, and a recall addressed the delamination issue for some models, but not the 2014 RDX. For my models, Acura stated the internal reflector is damaged, and replacing bulbs will not help. The most effective solution is to replace the headlight assembly or the entire projector housing, which can be a costly repair.

20251116EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The low-beam projector headlights in our 2014 Acura RDX have become extremely dim over time, which is making the car very unsafe to drive at night because we cannot see well enough. The dealer inspected them in 2024, and stated the dim lighting is due to oxidation of the interior projector lenses. This sounds similar to other complaints that the internal reflective material in the low-beam headlight assembly delaminates or fogs up due to heat, significantly reducing light output. It also sounds similar to a recall issued for the 2013-2014 Acura ILX due to headlight problems. The dealer provided a $2500 quote to replace the headlight assemblies. They have not been inspected by anyone else. They have not been replaced yet and are available for further inspection. This defect has been particularly dangerous because our eyes adjusted to the gradually diminishing light output over time so we, and I suspect many other drivers, have been unaware of the danger we’ve been in until the proble

20251115EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The low beam is very dim at night regardless what bulb I've installed. The reflective material inside the projector housing is no longer working.

20251015EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The drivers side headlight does not work. If it does work initially upon turning on, when the car brakes, the light flickers and then goes out. I have replaced the light bulb three times and it doesn't fix the problem. My mechanic said there is no way to fix it and sometimes this happens with the type of light bulbs this car uses. It seems to be electrical that the brake or motion of the stopping causes the light to shut off and I can't get it to turn back on so I either have to not drive at night or drive with my high beams on - both of which seem unsafe. Another reason i'm thinking it could be electrical is that the lock beep noise and lights flashing rarely works anymore and if it does, it's very faint.

20251006EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Base model Halogen headlights project unsafe low light after defects in the projection reflector assembly delaminate. Light output at night is completely unsafe to drive. Acura knows it’s a defective part and will not offer fix other than full replacement of entire headlight assemblies at a cost of approximately $3,000. Major safety issue making a car unsafe to drive at night, all due to a poor design and defective reflective coating used on projector part of headlights.

20251004VISIBILITY/WIPER

Low beam headlights do not reflect. I can barely see when driving at night due to the low beams. I replaced the bulbs with a high grade brand and restored the lenses to the housing unit and they are very clear. The Reflector or Housing is degraded so the bulbs do not shine bright enough. This is a serious safety issue. I almost hit a deer that I couldn’t see in my neighborhood. We have great street lighting and it was 7:50pm so not very dark.

20250904EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Acura recalled 2014 vehicles for delamination of reflector film within headlights that results in decreased light output. The RDX was not included, but many - like mine - have experienced this issue. I purchased the RDX in 2017 from an Acura dealer as a certified, lease return vehicle. I began to notice dimming of the low beams within the first year. I had the plastic outside of the headlights restored. No change. The low beams became unsafe. The dealer’s service department was aware of a recall on other models when I mentioned it. They provided me with a number to call American Honda. When I called they acknowledged the issue, but refused to help or provide any financial assistance to purchase new headlight assemblies. I was advised by my mechanic to use my high beams as they were brighter. The low beams barely light up the bumper - no projection. @12 lumens or = 3-5 watt nightlight bulb.

20250822EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I came close to striking certian low lining dividers, etc.... It is very well known That RDX around my build date Main headlight projector reflector burns out. I found out that Acura had a mandatory NHTSA recall to that era ILX for this same issue and Nissan has just settled a class action lawsuit for the same issue. The headlights were all manufactured by National Automotive Lighting (NAL). and the reflective coating inside the projector lens burns in time due to high lightbulb heat. When will this be recalled?

20250616EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 2014 Acura RDX Component: Exterior Lighting – Headlights (Low Beam) Summary of the Problem: My wife drives a 2014 Acura RDX. A few years ago, she mentioned that the low beam headlights seemed unusually dim at night. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but after driving the vehicle myself more recently, I confirmed the issue—the low beams provide very poor visibility, making night driving hazardous. To address this, I replaced the bulbs with new ones, but it made no noticeable improvement. After researching online, I discovered that many other owners of the 2013–2014 Acura RDX have reported the same issue. It appears this may be a widespread defect with the headlight housing or reflector design, rather than just a bulb issue. I also found articles and forum posts online where some people resolved the issue only by replacing the entire headlight assembly, which is a costly fix. This suggests the problem may lie in a design flaw rather than normal w

20250607EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

While driving I have no headlights. Had bulbs replaced but still doesn’t work. Can’t drive at night since purchased. Have only high beams but very low. While driving almost got in accident. Complaints are numerous on social media for 2014 Acura RDX. No one does anything to fix problems. Acura dealer charged 129.00 for headlights still not working and said no recall. This is extremely dangerous. Thank you for your help in this matter

20250523EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The vehicle's low beam headlights are getting progressively weaker. They are now dangerous, because they do not illuminate the road ahead at night. I have replaced the bulbs and it does not help. This is a safety issue. I am the original owner and have owned 10 cars in my life and have never had this issue. There is something wrong with the headlights.

20250513EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Over time, I noticed the low beam headlights seemed dimmer and attributed it to my older eyes and night driving. (the high beams work great) Yes, it's available for inspection Currently it's nearly impossible to drive at night without using the high beams. This is only an option when there's no oncoming traffic. There have been times when I've had to use the high beams with an oncoming car (safety issue) or stop driving until I can safely use the high beams again. We don't use the car at night! The above issue makes it unsafe for us to drive in the dark. While we haven't had any accidents, the possibility is extremely high under these conditions. I had the car evaluated for the issue, they suggested calling an Acura dealer. Their cost to replace the headlights is $3145.71. I've read all over the internet and on this site, the number of drivers with the same issue. Similar years and other models have been recalled for this issue. Please address this concern. Thank you

20250417EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Low beam headlights are very dim, making it difficult to see at night. I believe this puts me, as well as other drivers at serious risk of injury. I see many other reported issues with the low beam headlights being too dim, but evidently Honda/Acura has not recalled my car (yet).

Compare 2014ACURARDX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 ACURA RDX have?
The 2014 ACURA RDX has 254 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2014 ACURA RDX?
The 2014 ACURA RDX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 ACURA RDX?
Yes, the 2014 ACURA RDX has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 ACURA RDX?
The most-complained component for the 2014 ACURA RDX is EXTERIOR LIGHTING with 150 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2014 ACURA RDX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2014 ACURA RDX has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.