MODEL
Acura Rdx
NHTSA safety across every Acura Rdx model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Acura Rdx we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 91 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 82. 20 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Acura RDX is a compact luxury SUV that has served as the entry point into Acura's lineup since its redesign for 2019. Aimed at buyers who want premium refinement, a sporty driving character, and genuine safety credentials without stepping up to a full-size luxury truck, the RDX competes in one of the most fiercely contested segments in the American market.
The Acura RDX earns a respectable safety profile across the 2019 to 2025 model years we cover at MotorCaliber, with its best NHTSA Safety Index reaching 90 out of 100 on the 2025 model, a score that lands in the Exceptional band. Crash-test geometry tells a nuanced story: the RDX posts a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact testing, which is the result most likely to matter in real-world intersection collisions, while frontal and rollover protection each come in at a solid 4 out of 5. That rollover figure is worth noting for buyers who prioritize that specific risk, though a 4-star result is by no means alarming for a compact SUV with a reasonably low center of gravity. On the recall front, 20 recalls across six model years is a number shoppers should take seriously. It sits above what we consider a low-concern threshold, and buyers of any model year between 2019 and 2024 should verify their VIN is clear on NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Owner complaints total 955 across covered years, with 14 alleged crashes, 2 alleged fires, and 12 reported injuries in those unverified filings. No deaths are reported. Those complaint figures are moderate for the segment. The bottom line: the RDX is a genuinely capable safety performer at its best, but the recall volume warrants due diligence from every shopper.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Acura RDX as one of the more driver-focused entries in the compact luxury SUV segment, praising its engaging handling and upscale interior. Most find the technology suite competitive, though some note the infotainment interface has a learning curve. Overall, professional opinion tends to be positive, positioning the RDX as a strong all-around choice in its class.
- The 2025 RDX achieves a 90 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, landing in the Exceptional band, making it the strongest safety performer in the covered model year range.
- Side-impact crash protection is rated 5 out of 5 stars, the highest possible score, while frontal and rollover ratings each come in at 4 out of 5, so buyers with specific rollover concerns should weigh that result.
- Twenty recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years, which is an above-average volume. Any prospective buyer, new or used, should check their specific VIN at NHTSA.gov to confirm all recall remedies have been completed.
- Owner complaints across covered years include 14 alleged crashes and 12 reported injuries in unverified filings. While these are allegations and not confirmed incidents, shoppers should review the complaint database for patterns relevant to the specific model year they are considering.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Acura Rdx with 5 recalls.