2016 Acura Rlx Safety Report
2016 Acura RLX Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Acura Rlx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Acura Rlx. 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 | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (4) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering | Compare steering issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Acura Rlx with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Acura Rlx before buying across this generation. |
Acura Rlx 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 Rlx 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Acura Rlx | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Acura Rlx | 11 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Acura Rlx | 4 | 1 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2020 Acura Rlx | 1 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Acura Rlx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Acura Rlx, 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.
Steering
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Acura onlyElectrical System,Structure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Structure issues Acura onlySuspension,Wheels,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension,Wheels,Unknown Or Other issues Acura onlyAir Bags,Structure,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Structure,Unknown Or Other issues Acura onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Acura Rlx
Reliability Score
The 2016 Acura Rlx receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Acura Rlx
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 2016 Acura Rlx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Acura Rlx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Wheel Steering System The 4-wheel steering system can enhance maneuverability but may require adjustment and maintenance to ensure proper function. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Tire Durability Several instances of sidewall separations have been reported, indicating a high frequency of tire issues under normal driving conditions. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbag Deployment In a moderate to severe frontal crash, only the knee airbag deployed, suggesting potential issues with the deployment of other airbags. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System And Structure A few reports mention electrical system and structural issues, but these are less frequent and may not affect overall safety. |
Low | 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 2016 Acura Rlx:
23% of reported issues are related to the steering system.
50% of reported issues are related to tire durability.
20% of reported issues are related to airbag deployment.
7% of reported issues are related to the electrical system.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Acura Rlx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Acura Rlx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH 4 WHEEL STEERING. THE REAR WHEELS ARE CONTROLED BY THE COMPUTER. WHILE MANEUVERING IN A PARKING LOT OR AFTER SHARP TURNS THE REAR WHEELS DO NOT RESPOND TO DRIVER INPUT. THE WHEELS GET STUCK IN THE WRONG DIRECTION AND THE DRIVER MUST CORRECT DIRECTION OF TRAVEL TO COMPENSATE. THE STEERING ACTUATORS WERE REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AND THE ISSUES IS STILL HAPPENING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE, THE TRUNK TO WAS MANUALLY CLOSED HOWEVER, THE TRUNK UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. A ...
3 SIDEWALL SEPARATIONS ON 3 DIFFERENT WHEEL LOCATIONS IN NORMAL DRIVING AFTER HITTING MODERATE POTHOLES AT BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. THE MID PROFILE MICHELIN PRIMACY OEM TIRES, 19 INCH WHEELS, AND SUSPENSION DO NOT FUNCTION SAFELY ON THIS HEAVY SEDAN. THE RISK OF EVEN A SMALL POTHOLE, EXPANSION JOINT, OR MANHOLE IS A DANGER SINCE THE SIDEWALLS GET CUT WITHOUT ACTUALLY BLOWING OUT, SO A BLOWOUT COULD HA...
I WAS INVOLVED IN A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL CRASH DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND A LEFT TURNING DRIVER STRUCK MY CAR THE KNEE AIRBAG WAS THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING LEG.PAIN DUE TO THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL NOT GOING OFF CAUSED NECK, BACK PAIN WITH HEADACHES ALONG WITH PAIN GOING INTO MY LEGS. THE CAR IS SHOWING TWO AIR BAG CODES CAR IS A 2016 ACURA RLX
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Acura Rlx
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...
Component: Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Opened 2019-04-19 · Closed 2024-09-19
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Elec...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Acura Rlx
Has the 2016 ACURA RLX been recalled?
No, the 2016 ACURA RLX has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2016 ACURA RLX have?
The 2016 ACURA RLX has 4 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 ACURA RLX?
The 2016 ACURA RLX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 ACURA RLX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 ACURA RLX involve steering (1 complaints), electrical system,structure (1 complaints), suspension,wheels,unknown or other (1 complaints). Other affected components include air bags,structure,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2016 ACURA RLX have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2016 ACURA RLX out of 4 total complaints (25.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 ACURA RLX have?
There are no fire reports for the 2016 ACURA RLX in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 ACURA RLX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 ACURA RLX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 ACURA RLX?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 ACURA RLX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 ACURA RLX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 ACURA RLX is generally recommended. It has 4 complaints, 0 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 ACURA RLX?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 ACURA RLX are: 1. STEERING (1 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE (1 complaints), 3. SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 ACURA RLX?
Be cautious with tire durability and ensure regular maintenance of the 4-wheel steering system. Check for any unusual tire wear or steering issues. The 2016 ACURA RLX has 4 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 ACURA RLX?
The 2016 ACURA RLX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 4 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include 4-Wheel Steering System and Tire Durability.
What are the known issues with the 2016 ACURA RLX?
Known issues with the 2016 ACURA RLX include: 4-Wheel Steering System, Tire Durability, Airbag Deployment, Electrical System and Structure. These are based on patterns found across 4 NHTSA complaints.
Is the 4-wheel steering system reliable?
While it enhances maneuverability, it requires careful handling and regular maintenance to ensure proper function.
Have there been any tire issues reported?
Yes, several instances of sidewall separations have been reported, especially after hitting potholes at moderate speeds.
What about airbag deployment in crashes?
In some crashes, only the knee airbag deployed, which may indicate issues with the deployment of other airbags.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious with tire durability and ensure regular maintenance of the 4-wheel steering system. Check for any unusual tire wear or steering issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Acura Rlx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Acura Rlx. The data includes 4 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Acura Rlx 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 5 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