Acura RDX 2020

We experienced loss of power in heavy interstate traffic. We had been driving in the rain for some time on I-10 in Florida. We were in the right lane behind a vehicle that was traveling much slower than other vehicles. There was a gap in vehicles in the left lane so I signaled and pressed the gas pedal significantly so I could quickly get up to a matching speed for the left-lane vehicles. At this point the engine stumbled a couple of times and the Check Engine light began flashing. No matter how hard I pressed the gas pedal, my vehicle would not accelerate. Cars behind us had to brake quickly to avoid hitting us from behind. I turned on my emergency flashers and made my way to the right-side breakdown lane. After stopping, I turned our vehicle off and restarted the engine. No warning lights were lit and I was able to resume our drive. This is a known issue with our vehicle and other Acura/Honda vehicles. There is an existing Acura Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), 20-053, that addresses this issue. This TSB was applied to my vehicle in March of 2021. Apparently, the TSB has not resolved the issue. This is a serious safety issue. At the very least, the car behind us could have hit us and this could have caused a multi-vehicle accident. If a semi had been behind us and couldn't stop quickly, we could have been killed. In online discussions there are a number of people that have experienced this issue. This is not an isolated incident and should be investigated.

I am reporting recurring water intrusion into my 2020 Acura RDX following significant rainfall. The first water intrusion resulted from heavy rainfall in April 2026. I did not discover the water inside the vehicle until May 1, 2026, when I found water accumulated on the driver-side floor. I filed an insurance claim after discovering the damage. Following the May 1 discovery, Gunn Acura, where I purchased the vehicle, inspected it. The dealership found the panoramic sunroof drainage system had a kinked/clogged drain line that was not properly allowing water to drain. The dealership also identified corrosion affecting wiring harness components and recommended repairs including replacement of the moonroof drain tube, carpet removal/cleaning, and replacement of affected wiring harnesses. Following another heavy rainfall on June 15, 2026, water again entered the vehicle. The water intrusion has resulted in electrical concerns, including warning messages and electrical abnormalities. Water entering the cabin can reach wiring, electrical connectors, control modules and other critical electrical components, creating a potential safety risk. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. I have dealership documentation of the kinked/clogged drain and recommended repairs, as well as insurance documentation related to the water intrusion. I am reporting this because a failure of the panoramic sunroof drainage system has resulted in repeated cabin water intrusion and potential damage to critical electrical components. I believe this may represent a recurring safety-related defect rather than ordinary water leakage.

Last week I was driving the 2020 Acura RDX on the Massachusetts Turnpike during very wet weather. Three hours into a planned four hour drive, while accelerating up a hill, the car power cut out. Engine was running, but no oomph. Check engine light, and other lights, flashing on dashboard. Car kept slowing, and there was no place to pull over at that point on the pike (mile 68). Finally, car made it to crest of hill (at that point going 15 miles an hour in the right hand lane and still slowing), and a pull out spot appeared. Pulled over, but a very harrowing experience. Had the car towed to the closest Acura dealer (this was clearly an issue that would be covered by warranty...). They checked out car, and said that they had seen the same problem before, and that fix was to replace the "intercooler kit", which required a part that was on a long back order. Researching other threads, I find that this has happened to others... and that a "fix" can be to turn off the car, and restart after a few minutes. Car seems to drive fine again... In any case, I later moved the car to the dealer where we bought it, and they had the part in stock. Apparently, when it is very wet and a driver accelerates hard, the old part lets some water enter the turbo charger, at which point the car goes into "limp" mode. Apparently, Acura has an outstanding service bulletin on this issue. The reason for my filing... I think that this a recall issue. I love the car, and am glad that it is fixed (at least, I hope it is!), but this is a very bad problem and should not happen. Any questions, please let me know. But I would encourage Acura to do a formal recall...

The vehicle’s keyless access/security and body control system malfunctioned. An authorized Acura dealer previously diagnosed water intrusion from blocked panoramic sunroof drains, including water reaching the Body Control Module (BCM) Multiplex Control Unit. The dealer reported that this was causing false security alarm activation and battery drainage and recommended BCM replacement. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request.The condition has since escalated. The security alarm repeatedly activated without cause and became difficult or impossible to silence. The dashboard displayed, “Keyless Access System Problem\. See Your Dealer.” During the latest episode, the engine spontaneously started without an authorized remote start command, and attempts to stop the engine were unsuccessful. The 12-volt battery was therefore disconnected to disable the vehicle and will remain disconnected until the vehicle is taken to the Acura dealership for diagnosis. This created a safety risk because the vehicle demonstrated unintended engine operation and loss of normal control over engine shutdown, creating potential risks of unintended operation, exhaust carbon monoxide exposure if this occurred in an enclosed area, and battery depletion. The dealer has confirmed the water intrusion and BCM security system malfunction. However, the unauthorized engine start and failure to shut down event occurred after that diagnosis and has not yet been evaluated by the dealer. Before the unauthorized start, symptoms included repeated false alarms, battery drainage, documented water intrusion, and the Keyless Access System warning. The warning was photographed at approximately 81,416 miles during the same period of escalating electrical security problems.

• The Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus network / FAKRA coaxial service cable connectors failed. This failure directly controls the primary infotainment assembly and the central safety display screen. The vehicle and its active components are currently intact, fully operational (with the defect present), and available for inspection upon request. • The hardware defect causes sudden, unpredictable total blackouts of the central display screen while driving. This completely disables the safety rearview/backup camera and mutes vital audible driver-assist safety alerts. Additionally, the defect causes extremely loud, jarring, and distracting popping and crackling noises through the audio speakers while moving, creating an immediate driver distraction and safety hazard on public roads. • Yes. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Acura dealership service center, where the active symptoms (crackling audio and system instability) were documented. Furthermore, the issue perfectly matches the diagnostic criteria of Acura's official technical service campaign (TSB 23-025). • The vehicle has been inspected at an authorized Acura dealership service department to initiate a corporate claim. However, because the vehicle is just 345 miles past an arbitrary 100,000-mile warranty extension threshold, Acura Corporate has refused to perform the physical repair, meaning the defective factory components are still currently installed in the vehicle. • There were no traditional dashboard warning lights or error codes prior to the failure. The primary symptoms are loud audio popping, crackling noises, frozen screen menus, and sudden display blackouts. These symptoms began appearing intermittently and escalated in frequency as the vehicle approached its current mileage of 100,345 miles.

My RDX experienced a water-intrusion failure involving the panoramic sunroof drainage system and associated electrical components. An authorized Acura dealer diagnosed the right-front sunroof drain as backed up/overflowing, allowing water to reach the Body Control Module (BCM/Multiplex Control Unit). The dealer attributed abnormal security-alarm activation and battery drain to the water-damaged BCM and indicated that the BCM required replacement. The dealer also identified a blocked right-rear sunroof drain that allowed water to reach the tuner, causing radio/stereo malfunction and requiring tuner replacement. The water intrusion reached critical electrical components and caused unpredictable electrical behavior, including unexplained security-alarm activations, exterior lights remaining illuminated, complete battery discharge, loss of keyless access, and ultimately a no-start condition that rendered the vehicle inoperable. After the battery was depleted, I had to use the manual key to enter the vehicle. This created a risk of being stranded and raised concerns about the reliability of the vehicle’s electrical systems. There were no known dashboard warning lamps or conventional warning messages before the failure. AcuraLink recorded unexplained security-alarm activations on August 16, 2026, at 10:27 PM EDT and again on August 19, 2026, at 10:51 AM EDT. During the overnight incident, the alarm activated and the exterior lights remained on until the recently replaced battery was completely discharged. The car also experienced radio/stereo problems traced by the dealer to water reaching the tuner, and water was present in the passenger-footwell area. My car was inspected and the problem confirmed by an authorized Acura dealership. The car is available for inspection and available upon request.

Back up camera does not work as intended in the dark. On changing gear selector to reverse, the back up image is almost completely black with a slight reflection of the reverse lights on the black top. Once a proximity sensor is triggered (e.g. Pedestrian walks up close to the car), then the camera switches into dark mode, and the image is appropriately illuminated for adequate visualization of surroundings. In attached pictures it is noted that a proximity sensor has to be triggered by a person walking close to the car, before which they are not visible. The side and front camera are fine as seen in the scout view as well on the screen, the rear one is the only that requires a sensor to go off to trigger the dark mode. The camera works fine in bright areas. From a garage, for example, surrounded by close objects, which invariably trigger a proximity sensor, the back up camera works fine. From a driveway, for example, where the car is switched on without any object to trigger a proximity sensor, the back up rear camera will not work until a proximity sensor is triggered. Seems to be a random occurrence, as some owners of similar trim levels have been having the same issue, while others have no issues, and camera works as it should. The dealer reports that the camera system is working within spec. Given that the rear windows are all tinted, this poses an unacceptable, and easily avoidable hazard for backing up onto a street with pedestrian traffic in the dark. Attached files: IMG_7298 before someone approaches. Screen is too dark. IMG_7299 as someone approaches - you can see the sensor starts going off, but screen is still dark. IMG_7300 the sensor continues to go off, but now the camera is better illuminated. IMG_7302 and IMG_7303 after pedestrian has moved away, the camera stays better illuminated, and on par with other back up camera systems.

From the day I took delivery of my 2020 RDX advance in August, I've been completely crazy about it. Now, however, I'm feeling sad and disillusioned, but more importantly, I don't feel 100% safe driving it. Recently, after spending a few weeks in Georgia, we were driving back home to northern virginia on I-85N in north carolina. It was and had been raining steadily the entire trip. There was moderate/heavy traffic moving at speeds between 60-75/80 MPH. Somewhere just south of charlotte, the car suddenly started slowing down, even though I was pressing the accelerator! It was barely moving in the middle of traffic. The check engine light was blinking and the engine was rattling and sputtering. I immediately turned on the hazards and started crossing the two far right lanes to get over to the narrow shoulder. Terrifying. Fortunately, we were only about a 1/4 mile from an exit. We slowly made it on the shoulder to one of gas stations there. After checking the support section in the app and calling a tech at my home dealership, I shut the car off and let it sit for about 15 minutes. It started and we were able to finish the trip without further incident. We made it home safely, but the remaining six hours of the trip were mentally excruciating. We drove as slowly as safely possible in the right lane. I couldn't get it out of my head that it could happen again at any moment. And, I can't say it hasn't crossed my mind that I won't be able to get over that extended feeling of uncertainty while driving it. At least, not for now. I took it to the dealer on 11/25/19. They said they could not duplicate the issue, and that there were neither error nor fault codes stored. I had been hoping they would give me some explanation and reassurance that everything is fine. I wanted to feel 100% that the car is still safe to drive, but I'm not feeling that now.

My back window on my 2020 Acura RDX shattered while it was parked at school. When I opened my passenger door to put my backpack in, I heard some cracking. I walked around the front of my car and when I opened my driver's side door, I heard and saw the back window glass falling inside and outside of my car. I viewed the cameras at school and could tell the glass had cracked earlier, but believe the hole in the glass occurred from a combination of the pressure change opening my door and the vibration from shutting the door. One of my fellow teachers who came out while I was looking at the damage searched online and discovered it is a known problem for my year and model car. I called the service department at my local Acura dealership and immediately drove there. The service tech told me that he believed it would be covered since it is a known issue although my car is out of warranty. Acura posted a Service Bulletin (22-014) on October 28, 2022 that includes the VIN of my car in the affected vehicles. The bulletin states that the rear glass can shatter or break with no external impact due to incorrect specification of the rear defroster grid. The service manager called me the next afternoon to tell me he spoke to an Acura rep and they would only cover half. I am responsible for paying almost $400 to repair my back window that Acura knows is a safety issue to break since there has not been an official recall. It is not safe to operate a vehicle with a broken back window, in addition to the issues of weather exposure and not being able to secure the vehicle from others being able to access it. This repair should be covered by Acura since they are clearly aware of this issue and my car was included in the affected vehicles, even though my car is not under warranty anymore. Windows breaking are a safety issue and should be covered by the manufacturer due to their negligence.

I am reporting recurring water intrusion into the driver-side passenger compartment of my 2020 Acura RDX following significant rainfall. This has occurred multiple times. The most recent incident occurred on August 28, 2026, following heavy rainfall. Water entered the vehicle and accumulated on the driver-side floor, leaving the interior floor in a puddle. I documented the water intrusion with photographs and video and submitted that documentation to my automobile insurance company as part of a claim. The vehicle was not being driven through standing water; the intrusion occurred after rainfall while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle has previously been inspected by North Park Lincoln of Dominion, where I purchased the vehicle. Despite the prior inspection, the vehicle has continued to experience water intrusion into the driver-side cabin following significant rainfall. The recurring water intrusion raises concern that the panoramic sunroof drainage system may not be adequately draining or preventing water from entering the passenger compartment. Water entering the cabin can reach wiring, electrical connectors, control modules, and other electrical components located within the vehicle and could potentially cause electrical malfunction or other unsafe conditions. The most recent water intrusion is documented, and the vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. Photographs and video documenting the August 28, 2026 incident were provided to my automobile insurance company. I am reporting this because the water intrusion has occurred repeatedly and I am concerned that this may represent a recurring safety-related defect with the 2020 Acura RDX panoramic sunroof drainage/water management system rather than an isolated incident. There were no warning lamps or messages specifically preceding the August 28, 2026 water intrusion. The primary symptom was substantial water accumulation on the driver-side floor following rainfall.

I am submitting this formal complaint to report a recurring safety issue with my vehicle, a 2020 Acura RDX. Specifically, the rear window glass has unexpectedly shattered on two separate occasions without any apparent cause or external interference. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear window glass is the component that failed, and it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The sudden shattering of the rear window glass posed a significant safety risk. Broken glass could have flown into my eyes or injured anyone near the vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Acura is aware of this issue as it has been reported by other owners of similar models. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The police have inspected the vehicle following the incidents. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. To provide more context: The first incident occurred during cold, snowy weather, which I initially suspected might be a contributing factor. However, the second incident took place during moderate weather conditions, eliminating extreme temperatures as a possible cause. Both times, the vehicle was stationary while I was inside my workplace, and surveillance footage confirmed that no individuals or external factors were near the vehicle. After researching this issue, I found that other Acura RDX owners, particularly models from 2019-2024, have experienced similar occurrences of rear window glass shattering without cause. Despite this, Acura has not issued a recall or provided guidance on resolving the issue. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a recurring and concerning design issue affecting the Acura RDX — specifically, a defect in the sunroof drainage system. Based on both personal experience and widespread consumer reports, it appears that the drainage channels are prone to clogging, which results in water accumulating and eventually leaking into the vehicle’s cabin and trunk areas. In my case, this defect has led to persistent water intrusion that has damaged the interior and raised serious concerns about mold and mildew development. Stagnant water inside a sealed vehicle can pose significant health and safety risks, especially for families and those who rely on their vehicles for daily transportation. Having the drains professionally cleared at the dealership costs approximately $300 per visit. I have been informed that this service will likely be required on a recurring basis, despite the fact that such maintenance is neither expected nor common for vehicle owners. This is especially troubling considering the cost exceeds routine maintenance like oil changes or tire rotations, and it addresses an issue resulting from design flaws — not misuse or neglect. I have contacted both the dealership and Honda/Acura customer service, only to be informed that there is no permanent solution. For a vehicle marketed as a premium product, this is a disappointing and financially unreasonable resolution. I respectfully urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate this issue as a possible design defect that compromises vehicle safety and structural integrity. Given the volume of similar complaints found in consumer forums and online reviews, it is evident that this is not an isolated incident, but rather a widespread and systemic concern that warrants further scrutiny and potential corrective action. I also have a video of water gushing inside my car which I cannot upload and it’s unacceptable. Respectfully, [XXX] INFORMATION R