How long does an Acura RLX last?
A well-maintained Acura RLX can reasonably reach about 200,000 miles, with many examples pushing past 250,000 miles or more. Some owners report 300,000 miles or higher with diligent upkeep.
The RLX was produced from 2014 through 2020 and is no longer in new production. Longevity depends on the car’s maintenance history, driving conditions, and how well the vehicle has been cared for over time. This article examines typical lifespans, maintenance practices, and practical tips to maximize the RLX’s durability.
What affects how long an RLX lasts
The lifespan of an RLX isn’t decided by a single factor. The following elements collectively influence how long the car remains reliable and safe to drive.
- Quality and consistency of maintenance, including timely oil changes and fluid replacements
- Driving style and usage pattern (highway cruising vs. stop-and-go city driving)
- Environmental conditions and climate (extreme heat, cold, or salted roads)
- Maintenance history and prior repairs (comprehensive records help assess future risk)
- Overall wear items such as tires, brakes, suspension, and electrical components
- Vehicle age and mileage at time of purchase and subsequent upkeep
In general, a RLX that sees steady service, regular preventive maintenance, and sensible driving can achieve the higher end of its life expectancy, while neglect or severe use tends to shorten it.
Maintenance milestones to maximize longevity
Sticking to proven maintenance timelines helps extend the RLX’s life and reduce unexpected failures. The following guidelines reflect common dealer recommendations and owner experiences; always verify against your specific model year and manual.
- Oil and filter changes with synthetic oil every 5,000–7,500 miles, or per the owner's manual
- Tire rotation and brake inspection every 5,000–7,500 miles; wheel alignment as needed
- Transmission fluid check/changes roughly around 60,000 miles, or per manual and driving style
- Coolant/antifreeze replacement or flush every 5 years or 100,000 miles
- Spark plugs typically replaced around 90,000–105,000 miles
- Engine and cabin air filters every 15,000–30,000 miles (environment dependent)
- Battery checks and replacement as needed; typical life ~3–5 years
- Timing chain inspection at high mileages; RLX uses a timing chain that generally does not have a routine replacement interval unless wear is detected
Adhering to these maintenance milestones helps minimize the risk of major failures and supports long-term durability for the RLX.
Used RLX: durability considerations
Because the RLX is no longer produced, most buyers will be evaluating used examples. Here are practical checks to gauge future longevity and avoid hidden issues.
- Request complete service records showing regular maintenance and any repairs
- Listen for unusual engine noises or transmission behavior that could signal wear
- Inspect the cooling system for leaks and verify there’s no history of overheating
- Assess the battery, tires, brakes, and suspension for wear consistent with mileage
A well-documented history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are strong indicators of a RLX that will continue to perform reliably.
Reliability data and owner feedback
Owner reports and reliability assessments for the RLX generally align with Honda/Acura reputation for durable powertrains. Well-maintained non-hybrid RLXs often reach the 200,000–250,000 mile range, while hybrids can introduce additional components to monitor. As with any aging vehicle, the key is consistent upkeep and timely addressing of wear items.
Summary
Bottom line: with diligent maintenance, the Acura RLX can last well beyond 200,000 miles, and many owners report 250,000 miles or more. Since production ended in 2020, longevity depends heavily on the service history and how well the vehicle has been cared for. Prospective buyers or current owners should prioritize documented maintenance, timely inspections, and a careful pre-purchase or pre-use assessment to maximize the RLX’s remaining lifespan.
What is the life expectancy of the Acura RLX?
Acura RLX – A Premium Sedan Built to Last
Many RLX owners report over 200,000 miles with proper care.
How reliable is the Acura RLX?
The Acura RLX has a generally good reliability, particularly for its powertrain, with some models receiving high ratings and some owners reporting longevity over 200,000 miles. However, some years, especially earlier models, have received criticism for electrical, suspension, and transmission issues, with some consumers reporting high-cost repairs. Reliability can be inconsistent, and a thorough inspection and history review is recommended for any model year.
You can watch this video to learn more about the reliability and performance of the RLX after 100k miles: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jul 21, 2020
Positive aspects
- Strong powertrain: The V6 engine is generally reliable, and the Sport Hybrid powertrain has received particularly high reliability ratings.
- Longevity: Many owners have reported their RLX lasting well over 100,000 or even 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
- Maintenance is key: Regular maintenance, especially oil and transmission fluid changes, is crucial for the long-term health of the vehicle.
Potential issues
- Electrical problems: Some owners have reported issues with various electrical components, including headlights, door handles, and dashboard displays, which can be expensive to repair.
- Transmission and suspension concerns: Some reviews point to transmission shift issues and a harsh ride, particularly in certain model years.
- Vibration and engine issues: There are some complaints of engine problems, such as stalling or a rough idle, and vibrations.
- Parts availability: Due to the car's relative rarity, finding specific parts could be a concern, particularly for older models.
- Inconsistent ratings: While specific years and powertrains have high ratings, there are other reviews that cite reliability as a weaker point for the overall model line.
Can an Acura last 300k miles?
MotorAsk.com – “Acuras can last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. According to Acura owners, some of the brand's vehicles can even last 400,000 miles or more in ideal conditions and with a responsible owner… one Acura MDX was reported with 946,252 miles,”
What is considered high mileage for an Acura?
High mileage for an Acura is 150,000+ miles, but they can still be reliable beyond that with regular maintenance.
