2017 Acura Rdx Safety Report
2017 Acura RDX Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Acura Rdx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Acura Rdx. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (71) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 8 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2016 | Compare against the 2016 Acura Rdx with 38 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Acura Rdx before buying across this generation. |
Acura Rdx Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Acura Rdx years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Acura Rdx | 71 | 1 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2016 Acura Rdx | 38 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Acura Rdx | 416 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Acura Rdx | 394 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Acura Rdx | 325 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Acura Rdx | 98 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2017 Acura Rdx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Acura Rdx, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Acura onlyElectrical System
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Acura onlyService Brakes
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Acura onlyEngine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Acura onlyUnknown Or Other
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Acura onlyVehicle Speed Control,Engine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control,Engine issues Acura onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Acura Rdx
Reliability Score
The 2017 Acura Rdx receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Acura Rdx
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Acura Rdx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Acura Rdx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Emission Warning The engine upper magnesium intake manifold is spider cracked, causing an emission warning light to illuminate frequently. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Alarm And Keyless Access Issues The smart power control unit (keyless access/TPMS) is faulty, causing the alarm to go off randomly and dashboard lights to flicker. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Light If the vehicle exceeds 65 mph, the transmission light starts blinking on the dashboard. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Stalling And Shaking The vehicle experiences stalls when accelerating and shaking/vibrations when accelerating uphill or around curves. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Acura Rdx:
Transmission issues are a common problem, affecting 23% of vehicles.
Electrical system problems are frequent, affecting 18% of vehicles.
Alarm and keyless access issues are common, affecting 15% of vehicles.
Engine emission issues are a common problem, affecting 10% of vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2017 Acura Rdx
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2017 Acura Rdx by NHTSA:
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 CR-V and Acura RDX vehicles. The Certification Labels on the affected vehicles were printed with ink that may be inadvertently wiped away with an alcohol solvent. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Consequence: If the label information can be wiped away, the operator may not be able to refer to the information, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda and Acura will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Certification Label, free of charge. The recall began June 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KF3 (CR-V)and KF4 (RDX).
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Acura Rdx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Acura Rdx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 5 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 4 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered, and the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0741 was retrieved. The mechanic determined that the torque converter clutch had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle w...
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, a/c blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, abs and traction control were all going haywire. T...
ENGINEN BRAKE DON
The engine upper magnesium intake manifold is spider cracked around several mating half bolts causing an engine emission warning light to illuminate for bank #2 lean code. I believe the part number for the upper intake manifold is P/N 17160-5G0-A00. 2017 Acura RDX with 84,000 miles. The Acura mechanic knew what the issue was right away stating that it’s known problem with the magnesium intake mani...
Acura RDX alarm keeps going off; smart power control unit (keyless access/tpms) is faulty.
Locked Acura RDX alarm goes off randomly for no reason. When the alarm is turned off all the lights on the dash are flashing on and off and ticking. The most recent is 8/14/25. But has happened on several occasions especially if locked with the key fob or the lock on exterior of door. On 8/14/2025 it was lock by the inside door lock.
Pearl white paint peeling on trunk of car, same issue as with MDX models.
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, A/C blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, ABS and traction control were all going haywire. T...
My car alarm starting going off at random throughout the night, last night and day today. The car also started flickering all the dashboard lights while the car was turned off completely. This seems like it’s the keyless access unit. I don’t know how the battery is not dead yet but seems like it will be tomorrow. The car has not been diagnosed by a dealership or independent service center but I’m ...
The RDX has been experiencing stalls when trying to accelerate, shaking/vibrations when accelerating uphill or around curves in roads. I received a letter about the Torque Converter having its warrantee extended. The letter stated if you are experiences issues related to the torque converter to contact the dealership. I took my RDX to the Acura dealership in which they stated the car did not sho...
Drive Train labor rear driver cv halfshaft axle could not locate axle part anywhere for repair, sold out and on back order! clear indication that other drivers are having same issue with this part. should be looked into and recalled!
If the vehicle goes over 65 mph the transmission light starts blinking on the dashboard.
I have a 2017 Acura rdx all wash lights on ( Check emissions, abs, brake, brake system, power steering, tpms, and hill start assist, air bags, no seatbelt). Been to 3 different dealerships nobody can figure out what's wrong because the car does not communicate with itself anymore. Unsafe to drive because some is majorly wrong. Losses acceleration and beeps at you that the whole vehicle is not work...
Keyless access unit and security system. Random ignition flickering and alarm going on and off numerous times with or without key nearby. Said to be commonly known issue for similar years for various Acura models including RDX.
Vehicle has ONLY around 83,000 miles on it and needed a whole new torque converter. The vehicle was displaying problems in delay in shifting so I was planing an inspection. However, before the date reached my a check transmission light displayed on my dash so I had to move the inspection date up. No one was harmed but it was concerning to me when I was driving on the highway and saw my check trans...
Premature defective hydraulic timing belt tensioner similarly to the 2018 and 2019 RDX under recall. The seal in the tensioner prematurely aged causing hydraulic leakage making it unable to maintain timing belt tension. If the tensioner fail at highway speed causing the timing belt to skip leading to out of timing and major engine malfunction.
Dashboard warning lights all light up at once. Flickering on and off. Lights turn on and off inside car, it unlocks and locks car on it’s own. Says key is not close to car when trying to turn on car. Alarm goes off randomly once parked and locked.
The alarm and lights keep going off for No reason. The doors can be locked and Armed. Goes off even when not locked.
Keyless Access Control Unit (a.k.a. Smart Power Control Unit) is defective. This is an electronic part and should not have failed. It causes random security alarm triggers, random flashing of exterior lights, clicking noises, and flashing of dash lights. There are plenty of discussion boards about this online with many complaints. A recall should definitely be issued.
Vehicle began jerking while in motion, and all error messages the vehicle has ability to display rotated across the screen, including PO848. Transmission was replaced by a dealer. Vehicle would not start two weeks later. Vehicle towed to dealer. Dealer stated battery and starter were bad. Both of those components replaced by Acura dealer. Within one week, alarm was sounding randomly and clic...
Showing 20 of 71 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Acura Rdx
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Acura Rdx
Has the 2017 ACURA RDX been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 ACURA RDX has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 ACURA RDX have?
The 2017 ACURA RDX has 71 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 6 injuries and 1 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 ACURA RDX?
The 2017 ACURA RDX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 ACURA RDX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 ACURA RDX involve power train (10 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), service brakes (8 complaints). Other affected components include engine, unknown or other, vehicle speed control,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2017 ACURA RDX have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2017 ACURA RDX out of 71 total complaints (9.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 ACURA RDX have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2017 ACURA RDX out of 71 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 ACURA RDX?
Yes, 1 death has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 ACURA RDX. These are self-reported by complainants and do not imply the vehicle caused the death.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 ACURA RDX?
6 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 ACURA RDX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 ACURA RDX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 ACURA RDX is acceptable with caveats. It has 71 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Note: 1 death(s) have been reported. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 ACURA RDX?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 ACURA RDX are: 1. POWER TRAIN (10 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints), 3. SERVICE BRAKES (8 complaints), 4. ENGINE (4 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 10 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 ACURA RDX?
Be cautious of transmission and electrical system issues, as they are frequent and can lead to unexpected problems. The 2017 ACURA RDX has 71 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 ACURA RDX?
The 2017 ACURA RDX receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 71 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 8 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Emission Warning and Alarm and Keyless Access Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2017 ACURA RDX?
Known issues with the 2017 ACURA RDX include: Engine Emission Warning, Alarm and Keyless Access Issues, Transmission Light, Stalling and Shaking. These are based on patterns found across 71 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2017 Acura RDX?
The most common issues are transmission problems and electrical system failures, leading to unexpected sputtering and dashboard lights flickering.
Can you explain the engine emission warning light issue?
The engine upper magnesium intake manifold is cracked, causing the emission warning light to illuminate frequently.
What should I do if my Acura RDX alarm keeps going off randomly?
Check the smart power control unit (keyless access/TPMS) for faults, as it is a common issue affecting many vehicles.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of transmission and electrical system issues, as they are frequent and can lead to unexpected problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Acura Rdx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Acura Rdx. The data includes 71 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Acura Rdx an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13