2022 Acura Rdx Safety Report

The 2022 Acura RDX presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts strong crash test performance with an overall 5-star NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 27 total complaints, 4 crashes, and 2 injuries reported, there are specific areas of concern. A significant number of complaints, 6 under 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' and 3 under 'VISIBILITY', are related to spontaneous shattering of rear and sunroof glass, with multiple owners reporting this occurring while parked or driving without external impact. This suggests a potential manufacturing or design flaw that could pose a hazard due to sudden glass failure and obscured visibility. Beyond glass issues, the vehicle has a recall for 'AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER' which affects various Honda/Acura models from 2020-2022. This recall addresses a risk of unintentional airbag deployment, which can increase injury risk. Although only 2 airbag-related complaints are listed for this specific RDX model, one complaint details a front driver's side knee bolster airbag gradually deploying and exploding after a deer collision, and another mentions a passenger side airbag failing to deploy in a side collision, raising questions about airbag system reliability beyond the recall scope. Other notable complaint patterns include issues with the automatic braking system (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE), with reports of unintended emergency braking causing sudden stops, and premature wear of brakes leading to unusual vibrations and noise at 22,000 miles. Engine power loss and 'limp mode' occurrences are also reported, indicating potential powertrain reliability issues. Despite the high crash test ratings, the recurring nature of these complaints, particularly the spontaneous glass shattering and unintended braking, suggests areas where real-world safety performance may deviate from controlled test environments.

Our recommendation: While the 2022 Acura RDX has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring complaints regarding spontaneous glass shattering, unintended automatic braking, and premature brake wear. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle's glass and braking system, and consider an extended warranty to mitigate risks associated with these known issues.