2018 Acura Rlx Safety Report

2018 Acura RLX earns top safety ratings but faces a critical fuel pump recall.

4Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
85/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Electrical System (1)Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Fuel System, Gasoline (1)Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Acura Rlx

The 2018 Acura RLX presents a strong overall safety picture, achieving a perfect 5-star rating in all NHTSA crash test categories including Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover. This indicates excellent performance in protecting occupants during various collision scenarios. However, the vehicle has a very low number of NHTSA complaints, with only 4 reported in total, and no associated crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. This low complaint volume makes it challenging to identify widespread safety issues from the complaint data alone. The recall history for the 2018 Acura RLX includes one significant recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000) concerning the fuel pump. This recall, affecting a broad range of Honda and Acura models from 2013-2023, addresses a critical safety defect where fuel pump failure can lead to an engine stall while driving, substantially increasing the risk of a crash. One complaint specifically mentions the unavailability of parts for this recall repair, highlighting a potential delay in addressing this safety concern. While the complaint data is sparse, the top reported components are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaint), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaint), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (1 complaint), and ENGINE (1 complaint). One complaint details a headlight failure message and a diagnosis of an A/C compressor replacement, while another mentions oil change and tire rotation messages followed by an engine warning. A notable complaint also draws a parallel to a known connecting rod bearing issue in other Acura 3.5L V6 engines, suggesting a potential underlying engine concern, though this is not a widespread complaint for the RLX itself. Despite these individual reports, the overwhelming crash test performance and very low complaint volume suggest a generally safe vehicle, provided the fuel pump recall is addressed.

Reliability Score

The 2018 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.

Known Issues for the 2018 Acura Rlx

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Acura Rlx:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Fuel Pump Failure
Defective fuel pump can cause engine stall while driving, increasing crash risk. Subject to NHTSA recall 23V858000.		 High Common 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 2018 Acura Rlx:

Electrical System 25% of complaints

One complaint reported headlight failure message and A/C compressor diagnosis.

Engine And Engine Cooling 25% of complaints

One complaint mentioned oil change/tire rotation messages followed by an engine warning.

Fuel System, Gasoline 25% of complaints

One complaint related to the fuel pump recall and part unavailability.

Engine 25% of complaints

One complaint noted potential connecting rod bearing issue similar to other Acura 3.5L V6 engines.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Acura Rlx

Is the 2018 Acura RLX safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Acura RLX is considered very safe, achieving a perfect 5-star overall safety rating and 5 stars in all individual crash test categories. However, it is subject to a critical fuel pump recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000) that must be addressed.

What are common problems with the 2018 Acura RLX?

With only 4 total NHTSA complaints, common problems are not clearly established. The complaints are distributed across ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, and ENGINE, each with one report. The most significant known issue is the fuel pump recall.

What recalls affect the 2018 Acura RLX?

The 2018 Acura RLX is affected by one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000) concerning the fuel pump, which can fail and cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

How does the 2018 Acura RLX perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Acura RLX performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in Frontal, Side, and Rollover categories.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: The 2018 Acura RLX is a very safe vehicle based on its top-tier crash test ratings; however, ensure the critical fuel pump recall (23V858000) has been completed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Acura Rlx

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Acura Rlx. The data includes 4 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 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.