2021 Acura Rdx: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Acura Rdx: 3 recalls, 115 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V939000 · 2021 · 279 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura rdx and 2022 cr-v hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft May have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.
Why it matters: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, or cause the vehicle to roll away when parked if the parking brake is not applied. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V064000 · 2024 · 750,114 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 pilot, accord, civic sedan, hr-v, odyssey, 2020 civic coupe, fit, 2021-2022 civic hatchback, 2021 civic type r, insight, 2020-2021 cr-v, cr-v hybrid, passport, ridgeline, accord hybrid, 2020 Acura mdx, 2022 Acura mdx, 2020-2022 Acura rdx, and 2020-2021 Acura tlx vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor May crack and short circuit, failing to…
Why it matters: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall.
Airbags Vehicle recall #26V332000 · 2026 · 98,892 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura tlx, 2019-2024 rdx, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 mdx, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda ridgeline, 2017-2022 pilot, 2019-2021 passport, 2018-2026 odyssey, 2019-2022 insight, 2019-2021 hr-v, 2018-2020 fit, 2020-2022 cr-v hybrid, 2017-2022 cr-v, 2017-2018, 2021 civic type r, 2017-2021 civic hatchback, 2016-2020 civic coupe, 2016-2022 civic, 2017-2022 accord…
Why it matters: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (31): the most common themes are noise or vibration (7), leaks (2).
- Engine (23): the most common themes are warning light on (11), stalls / loses power (7).
- Brakes (15): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (2), noise or vibration (2).
The 2021 Acura Rdx has 115 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 20 Rdx model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 108). Complaints peaked in 2025 (27 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 22,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (348 complaints, 5 recalls), 2022 (31 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Acura Rdx.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2021 Acura Rdx have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Acura Rdx. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Acura Rdx problems?
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (31), engine (23), brakes (15).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Acura Rdx get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S10)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Acura Rdx repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.