2019 Acura Rdx Safety Report

2019 Acura RDX: Excellent crash ratings overshadowed by numerous spontaneous rear window failures and critical fuel pump recalls.

416Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (103)Visibility/Wiper (74)Engine (39)Visibility (16)Structure (15)Power Train (12)Fuel/Propulsion System (11)Fuel System, Gasoline (11)Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper (9)Air Bags (9)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Acura Rdx

The 2019 Acura RDX presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover, it is plagued by a significant number of consumer complaints, totaling 416. A concerning pattern emerges with 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' and 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' components leading the complaints with 103 and 74 reports respectively, many of which detail spontaneous shattering of the rear window. This issue, often occurring while parked or with the defroster on, poses a safety risk due to sudden glass failure and obscured visibility. The vehicle also has 4 recalls, three of which are critical fuel pump issues that can lead to engine stalls and increased crash risk, and one for a front seat belt buckle assembly defect that could compromise occupant restraint during a crash. Despite the high crash test scores, the recurring mechanical and structural issues, particularly the rear window problem, indicate potential long-term safety concerns.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Acura Rdx receives a reliability score of 65 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.

Known Issues for the 2019 Acura Rdx

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Acura Rdx:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Spontaneous Rear Window Shattering
Numerous complaints detail the rear window spontaneously shattering, often without impact, while parked, driving, or with the defroster on. This is a significant safety concern due to sudden glass failure and obscured visibility.
High Common N/A (occurs while parked or driving) miles
Fuel Pump Failure
Multiple recalls (three distinct campaigns) address defective fuel pumps that can lead to engine stalling while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
High Occasional N/A (covered by multiple recalls) miles
Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly Defect
A recall addresses a manufacturing issue with the front seat belt buckle assembly, which could prevent proper occupant restraint during a crash, increasing injury risk.
High Rare N/A (covered by recall) miles
Awd System Malfunction
Reports indicate the AWD system unexpectedly disabling and switching to FWD, particularly in snowy conditions, which could affect vehicle handling and safety.
Medium Occasional N/A (reported in adverse weather) miles
Head-Up Display (Hud) Warping/Cracking
The HUD projection surface has been reported to warp and crack after sun exposure, affecting clarity and potentially distracting the driver.
Low Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Acura Rdx:

Unknown Or Other 24% of complaints

A significant portion of complaints fall under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', many of which are related to the spontaneous shattering of the rear window.

Visibility/Wiper 17% of complaints

High number of complaints, primarily concerning the rear window shattering and related visibility issues.

Engine 9% of complaints

Engine-related complaints, some potentially linked to the recalled fuel pump issues causing stalls.

Fuel System, Gasoline 2% of complaints

Complaints directly related to the fuel system, consistent with the multiple fuel pump recalls.

Power Train 2% of complaints

Issues reported with the power train, including instances of AWD system malfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Acura Rdx

Is the 2019 Acura RDX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Acura RDX received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating in crash tests. However, it has 416 total complaints, including 3 crashes and 5 injuries, and is subject to 4 recalls. A major recurring issue is the spontaneous shattering of the rear window, and three recalls address critical fuel pump failures that can cause engine stalls. While crash protection is high, these recurring defects raise significant safety concerns.

What are common problems with the 2019 Acura RDX?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Acura RDX are related to 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (103 complaints) and 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' (74 complaints), with a prominent pattern of spontaneous rear window shattering. Other common problems include ENGINE (39 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (12 complaints) issues, some of which may be linked to the multiple fuel pump recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Acura RDX?

Yes, the 2019 Acura RDX has 4 recalls. Three of these are for defective fuel pumps that can cause the engine to stall, increasing crash risk. The fourth recall is for a manufacturing issue with the front seat belt buckle assembly that could prevent proper occupant restraint during a crash.

How does the 2019 Acura RDX perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Acura RDX performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover, and a perfect 5 stars for side crash protection.

Should I be concerned about the rear window shattering on a 2019 Acura RDX?

Yes, you should be concerned. There are numerous NHTSA complaints detailing spontaneous rear window shattering on the 2019 Acura RDX, often without impact and sometimes while parked or with the defroster on. This is a significant and frequently reported issue that can lead to sudden loss of visibility and potential injury from glass fragments.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the numerous complaints regarding spontaneous rear window shattering and ensure all 4 recalls, especially the fuel pump issues, have been addressed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Acura Rdx

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Acura Rdx. The data includes 416 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Acura Rdx an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 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.