Is the Acura RDX made in Japan?

Yes, the Acura RDX is manufactured in Japan. The Acura RDX is a luxury compact crossover SUV produced by Honda's luxury division, Acura, and the current model is assembled at Honda's Sayama Plant in Sayama, Saitama, Japan.

Acura RDX Production Location

The Acura RDX is one of Acura's best-selling models in the United States. The current third-generation RDX, which was introduced in 2018, is produced exclusively at Honda's Sayama Plant in Japan. This manufacturing facility is located in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture, which is about 30 miles northwest of Tokyo.

Prior to the third generation, the first and second-generation Acura RDX models were also manufactured in Japan at the Sayama Plant. The decision to keep production of the RDX in Japan, even as Acura has expanded manufacturing to North America for some of its other models, reflects the importance of the RDX to Acura's global lineup and the company's commitment to quality control at the Sayama facility.

Reasons for Japanese Production

• Established Manufacturing Expertise: The Sayama Plant has been producing Acura and Honda vehicles for decades, giving the facility deep expertise in the automaker's production processes and quality standards.


• Proximity to R&D: Acura's research and development operations are also based in Japan, allowing for close collaboration between the design and engineering teams and the production facility.


• Quality Control: Japan's reputation for manufacturing excellence and attention to detail is a key factor in Acura's decision to keep RDX production in the country.


• Export Logistics: With the Sayama Plant's location near major Japanese ports, it is well-positioned to efficiently export the RDX to global markets, including the United States.

While Acura has expanded production of some of its other models to North America in recent years, the company has maintained its commitment to manufacturing the Acura RDX in Japan to leverage the country's manufacturing expertise and quality control processes.

Which Acura is made in Japan?

While the majority of Acura's production happens in North America, Acura's roots are deeply tied to Japan, where Honda was founded. The Japanese production facilities are responsible for creating select high-performance models, including the Acura NSX.

What year of Acura RDX to stay away from?

The 2019 Acura RDX is the model year most frequently cited to avoid due to a high number of owner complaints, especially concerning engine stalling/power loss and infotainment system issues. Other model years to approach with caution are the 2015 and 2018 due to transmission problems, and the 2014 for various electrical and transmission issues. Some owners also reported shattering rear glass on 2019-2022 models, though this seems to be random.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the potential problems with the Acura RDX: 52sHey, ask your dadYouTube · May 24, 2025
Years to avoid

• 2019: This model year had the most complaints and was the first year of a new generation, resulting in significant teething issues. 
  • Engine stalling: A major problem reported was the engine stalling at highway speeds or entering "limp mode". 
  • Infotainment system: The infotainment system was prone to freezing and laggy performance. 
  • Other issues: Some owners reported issues with squealing brakes, sunroof leaks, and shattering rear glass. 
• 2015: This model year continued to have problems from previous years and is associated with transmission issues. 
  • Transmission problems: Issues include rough shifting, slipping, and other gear-related failures. 
  • Infotainment system: The infotainment system was also problematic, with freezes and lag. 
  • Electrical and other issues: Owners reported persistent headlight dimming and electrical system glitches. 
• 2018: This model year had some recalls and reported issues, particularly with the transmission. 
  • Transmission problems: Similar to the 2015, issues with rough shifting and slipping were reported. 
  • Engine problems: There were reports of potential engine issues, though they may be less common. 
• 2014: Some owners reported transmission issues and other electrical problems with this model year. 
  • Transmission problems: Rough shifting was a common complaint. 
  • Electrical problems: Issues with malfunctioning dashboard lights and sensors were reported. 
  • Other issues: Sunroof leaks were also an issue in this model year. 

Other considerations

• 2020-2022: While generally more reliable than the 2019, some owners of these models reported issues with the engine's intercooler, which could cause power loss or stalling. This was often covered by a service bulletin and warranty. Shattering rear glass was also randomly reported in this range of years. 
• Takata airbags: Many Acura RDX models, particularly older ones, were subject to a massive recall for faulty Takata airbags. Be sure to check if a specific vehicle's recall has been addressed. 

Where are Acura RDX manufactured?

East Liberty, Ohio
The Acura RDX is predominantly manufactured at Honda's plant in East Liberty, Ohio. This state-of-the-art facility has been the primary home of Acura RDX production for many years.

What is the lawsuit against the Acura RDX?

There are several lawsuits against the Acura RDX, with the most prominent being related to the infotainment system for 2019-2020 models, which resulted in a class-action settlement. Other active lawsuits and investigations concern a potential defect causing rear windshields to spontaneously shatter in 2019-2023 models and alleged transmission problems in various Acura models, including the RDX. There have also been claims and investigations regarding unintended deceleration and stalling issues in some 2019-2020 models.
 
Infotainment System (2019-2020 models)

• Lawsuit: A class-action lawsuit alleged that the infotainment systems in 2019-2020 RDX vehicles were defective, frequently freezing, crashing, or failing to connect devices. 
• Settlement: A nationwide settlement was reached, providing benefits such as a warranty extension, a dealership assistance program, and compensation for inconvenience and out-of-pocket expenses for affected owners. 

Shattering Rear Windshields (2019-2023 models) 

• Lawsuit/Investigation: A class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that the rear windshields on 2019-2023 models can spontaneously shatter or break without impact, potentially due to the rear defroster. 
• Safety concerns: The lawsuit states this poses a safety risk, as it can startle drivers and cause them to swerve. 
• Current status: This lawsuit is ongoing, with investigations into the issue and potential class-action status. 

Transmission and Deceleration Problems (2019-2020 models)

• Lawsuit/Investigation: Lawsuits have been filed alleging a dangerous defect where vehicles may decelerate unexpectedly or stall when the driver presses the gas pedal.
• Symptoms: Drivers have reported jerking, hesitation, stalling, and abrupt shutdowns.
• Allegation: It is alleged that Honda failed to disclose these defects and the associated safety risks. 

How to take action

• If you own or lease an affected vehicle, contact the law firms handling these cases to see if you qualify for any ongoing settlements or to join a class-action lawsuit.
• For specific details about each case, visit the websites linked in the search results.