2025 Acura Rdx Safety Report

2025 Acura RDX: Strong crash ratings, but critical power steering failures and recall raise significant safety concerns.

26Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Steering,Service Brakes,Lane Departure (7)Steering (4)Steering,Lane Departure (3)Steering,Electrical System,Lane Departure (3)Steering,Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Wheels,Service Brakes (1)Tires (1)Electrical System,Engine (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)Service Brakes,Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2025 Acura Rdx

The 2025 Acura RDX presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but significant concerns regarding its steering system. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover tests, indicating robust occupant protection in a crash. However, the vehicle has accumulated 26 complaints, with a notable concentration around the steering system, which is also the subject of its sole recall. Multiple complaints describe sudden loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to control and increasing the risk of a crash, directly aligning with the recall's stated consequence. This issue appears to manifest at various speeds and driving conditions, from highway speeds to navigating turns, and often involves simultaneous illumination of multiple warning lights including brake system failures and collision avoidance system malfunctions. While the overall crash test ratings are reassuring, the recurring and critical nature of the steering complaints, coupled with a recall on the electric power steering software, highlights a significant safety vulnerability that potential buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2025 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.

Known Issues for the 2025 Acura Rdx

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2025 Acura Rdx:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Loss Of Electric Power Steering (Eps) Assist
Multiple complaints and a recall indicate sudden loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer, often accompanied by various warning lights (e.g., brake system, collision avoidance). This can occur at various speeds and driving conditions.
High Common 0-5000 miles
Brake System Malfunctions/Jerking
Complaints describe 'herky/jerking brakes,' vibration when applying brakes, and in some cases, brakes locking up or diminished braking power, often in conjunction with steering issues.
Medium Occasional 0-5000 miles
Windshield Distortion
One complaint mentions a distorted windshield, described as 'like looking through a convex piece of glass' or a 'fish bowl,' making driving uncomfortable or potentially unsafe.
Low Occasional 0-5000 miles
Engine Stalling/Seizing
One complaint details the vehicle stalling while reversing and the engine seizing, failing to restart initially before eventually coming back on.
Medium Rare 0-5000 miles
Tire Tread Separation
One complaint reports tire tread separating from the rim while driving on the highway, leading to a dangerous situation and requiring a tow.
High Rare 0-5000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2025 Acura Rdx:

Steering 65% of complaints

The most prevalent issue, accounting for 17 out of 26 complaints, involves the steering system, specifically sudden loss of power steering assist, often linked to the electric power steering (EPS) system and a related recall.

Service Brakes 38% of complaints

Brake-related issues are frequently reported, often in conjunction with steering problems, including jerking, vibration, diminished power, or locking up. This accounts for 10 out of 26 complaints.

Lane Departure 38% of complaints

Problems with the Lane Departure system, often appearing as warning lights or malfunctions, are reported in 10 out of 26 complaints, frequently alongside steering and brake issues.

Forward Collision Avoidance 15% of complaints

Malfunctions or unexpected behavior from the forward collision avoidance system are noted in 4 out of 26 complaints, sometimes occurring with steering and brake warnings.

Electrical System 15% of complaints

Electrical system issues, often manifesting as multiple warning lights or contributing to other component failures, are mentioned in 4 out of 26 complaints.

Engine 8% of complaints

Engine-related problems, including stalling or seizing, are reported in 2 out of 26 complaints.

Visibility/Wiper 4% of complaints

One complaint (4% of total) specifically mentions windshield distortion affecting visibility.

Tires 4% of complaints

One complaint (4% of total) details a tire tread separation issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Acura Rdx

Is the 2025 Acura RDX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2025 Acura RDX received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall safety rating. However, there are significant safety concerns due to 26 complaints, primarily regarding sudden loss of power steering assist, which is also the subject of a recall. This issue can make the vehicle very difficult to control and increases crash risk.

What are common problems with the 2025 Acura RDX?

The most reported issues for the 2025 Acura RDX revolve around the STEERING system, accounting for 65% of complaints, specifically the loss of electric power steering assist. Other common problems include SERVICE BRAKES (38% of complaints) and LANE DEPARTURE system malfunctions (38% of complaints), often occurring simultaneously with steering issues.

Has the 2025 Acura RDX been recalled?

Yes, the 2025 Acura RDX has had one recall. This recall, issued by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.), addresses a software calibration issue with the electric power steering (EPS) assist system, which can lead to a loss of power steering assist and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

How does the 2025 Acura RDX perform in crash tests?

The 2025 Acura RDX performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for side impact, and 4 stars for both frontal crash and rollover resistance.

Are there any issues with the brakes on the 2025 Acura RDX?

Yes, brake issues are reported in 38% of complaints for the 2025 Acura RDX. These include 'herky/jerking brakes,' vibration during braking, and instances where braking power diminished or brakes locked up, sometimes in conjunction with power steering failures.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2025 Acura RDX boasts strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be highly cautious due to the critical and common power steering failures, which are subject to a recall. Ensure any recalled steering software updates have been performed and consider an extended test drive to monitor for any steering or brake anomalies.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2025 Acura Rdx

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2025 Acura Rdx. The data includes 26 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2025 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.