MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Acura Rdx

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Acura Rdx

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
102Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE ACURA RDX

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.

VERDICT

The 2021 Acura Rdx earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15144

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record15.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000

Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers

Reported 2026-05-21

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000

Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

Reported 2024-02-01

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT21V939000

Risk: 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BBY, NBW, and OBX.

Reported 2021-12-02

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

102 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

2reported crash
0reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 28Engine 18Service Brakes 14Air Bags 11Structure 10Power Train 9

Other Rdx years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15144), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Acura Rdx 2021. Class rank 40 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure