Is an Acura RDX expensive to maintain?

The Acura RDX is a luxury compact SUV that is generally considered to have reasonable maintenance costs compared to other luxury vehicles in its class. While the RDX may require more frequent maintenance than some non-luxury SUVs, its overall maintenance expenses are typically lower than those of more expensive luxury models.

Maintenance Costs for the Acura RDX

According to industry data, the average annual maintenance cost for an Acura RDX is around $500 to $700. This includes routine services such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. In comparison, the average annual maintenance cost for a luxury SUV like the BMW X5 is around $1,200 to $1,500.

The RDX's maintenance costs are lower for a few key reasons:

• The RDX uses a relatively simple and reliable 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is less complex and expensive to maintain than the larger, more powerful engines found in some luxury SUVs.li>
  
• Acura is Honda's luxury division, and the RDX shares many components with more affordable Honda models, which tend to have lower parts and labor costs.


• Acura dealers and authorized service centers generally charge lower labor rates than those of other luxury brands.

While the RDX may require more frequent maintenance than some non-luxury SUVs, its overall maintenance expenses are typically lower than those of more expensive luxury models. This makes the RDX a relatively affordable option in the luxury SUV segment.

Factors That Can Affect Maintenance Costs

It's important to note that the actual maintenance costs for an Acura RDX can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Driving habits and conditions (e.g., city vs. highway driving, towing, off-road use)


• Maintenance schedule adherence (e.g., following the recommended service intervals)


• Use of genuine Acura parts and authorized service centers


• Any unexpected repairs or replacements needed

By following the recommended maintenance schedule and using genuine Acura parts, owners can help keep their RDX's maintenance costs in the typical range or even lower.

Is insurance higher on an Acura?

Acuras are generally considered more expensive to insure than average, but not as expensive as other luxury brands. The cost is driven up because, as luxury vehicles, they are more expensive to repair and replace. However, Acuras are often priced competitively within the luxury segment, so insurance costs may not be drastically higher than the national average depending on the model and your individual profile. 
Factors affecting Acura insurance costs

• Luxury status: Higher repair and replacement costs for luxury vehicles lead to higher insurance premiums. 
• Model and year: Insurance costs vary significantly by model and year. Newer and more expensive models will cost more to insure than older ones. 
• Individual factors: Your personal driving history, age, gender, location, and credit history also significantly impact your rates. 
• Coverage levels: The type of coverage you choose (e.g., minimum vs. full coverage) will directly affect the price. 

How to get the best rate

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rate. What one company offers can be very different from another. 
• Consider all factors: Remember that your personal details play a huge role, so you'll need to get a personalized quote for an accurate price. 
• Look for discounts: Inquire about potential discounts, such as for multi-vehicle policies, which can lead to significant savings. 

Is the Acura RDX a reliable car?

Yes, the Acura RDX is generally considered a reliable car, with high ratings from sources like RepairPal and J.D. Power. It has a reputation for solid build quality, a dependable engine, and low average annual repair costs. However, some specific model years have been associated with certain issues, such as infotainment problems or problems with safety sensors in older models, so it is wise to check for model-specific concerns and recall history. 
Why the Acura RDX is reliable

• High ratings: The RDX receives high reliability ratings from various automotive sources. 
• Low repair costs: It has lower-than-average annual repair costs compared to other vehicles in its class. 
• Durable powertrain: The engine and overall build quality are consistently praised for being robust. 
• Longevity: With proper maintenance, owners can expect the vehicle to last for many years. 

Potential issues to be aware of

• Older models: Some earlier generations had issues with the infotainment system and sensor-related malfunctions. 
• Specific model years: Some 2020 and 2021 models had a service bulletin for an intercooler issue, and brake squealing was reported in some vehicles. Check the service history for any fixes. 
• Sunroof: Some owners have reported issues like noise and functionality problems with the panoramic sunroof. 

Are Acura RDX expensive to fix?

The annual maintenance cost of an Acura RDX is $497. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

What year of Acura RDX to stay away from?

The Acura RDX years to avoid are generally the 2015, 2019, and 2021 models due to significant issues. The 2019 is often cited as the worst, especially the first model year of the third generation, with problems like engine stalling and power loss. Other years with notable problems include the 2013, 2014, and 2018. 
This video discusses common problems with the Acura RDX, including potential engine, transmission, and electrical issues: 59sHey, ask your dadYouTube · May 24, 2025
Years to be cautious about

• 2013-2015: These years can have transmission issues like rough shifting and slipping, and some models may have engine oil leaks. 
• 2015: In addition to transmission problems, this model year had issues with airbags and the soy-based wiring insulation attracted animals. 
• 2018: Reported transmission problems and potential engine issues like head gasket or timing chain problems have been noted. 
• 2019: This is widely considered the least reliable model year, particularly because it was the first year of a new generation. Owners have reported engine stalling, power loss, and issues with the rear glass shattering. 
• 2021: This year experienced issues with the transmission, brakes, and engine stalling due to a potential intercooler design flaw that could let moisture into the engine. 

What to do if buying used

• Thoroughly inspect any used model for the specific issues mentioned above. 
• If considering one of these years, have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection. 
• Check for service records and recall history. 

This video demonstrates how to inspect an Acura RDX for potential issues, including engine oil leaks and suspension problems: 58sBCauto_YouTube · Aug 21, 2024