NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Acura RDX Safety Ratings
The 2021 Acura RDX scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 102 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Acura RDX achieves a strong NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it in our Strong band. This assessment is bolstered by standard crash-avoidance technology across all trims. However, potential buyers should note the three active recall campaigns and confirm these have been addressed.
The 2021 Acura RDX received a five-out-of-five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, sourced from NHTSA crash test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Acura RDX ranks 40 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 102 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 40 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Acura RDX?
The 2021 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the RDX in MotorCaliber's safety scoring. The Safety Index climbed five points to 87/100 from the 2020 model year's 82/100, both sitting within the Strong band but with the 2021 version reaching the upper tier of that range. The improvement is reflected in a near-complete defect record sub-score of 15.75 out of 20, combined with a perfect avoidance technology score of 10 out of 10, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment. Crash protection contributed 61 out of a possible 70 points, consistent with the NHTSA five-star overall result. The three recalls active against this year are a meaningful consideration: two of them involve the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, a safety-critical system that governs whether and how forcefully the air bag fires for that seat. The driveshaft recall is a separate mechanical concern. The complaint volume of 102 reports, with alleged brake and air bag concerns among the top categories, deserves attention during a used-market purchase inspection, even though those reports remain unverified allegations.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Acura RDX perform in crash tests?
Side protection for the 2021 Acura RDX garnered a perfect five out of five stars from NHTSA. The vehicle's overall rating is five stars. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated at four out of five stars. The rollover risk is measured at 17 percent, and dynamic tip testing resulted in a favorable No Tip outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15144
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Acura RDX have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2021 Acura RDX. Two separate campaigns target the front passenger occupant classification sensor within the air bag system, potentially affecting how the air bag deploys for that seating position. A third campaign addresses a driveshaft component in the front driveline. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but all three campaigns warrant VIN-level verification.
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 were mailed July 7, 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 (VINs) involve
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. 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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Acura RDX?
NHTSA has logged 102 unverified consumer complaints for the 2021 RDX. Alleged problem areas include Unknown or Other issues (28 reports), Engine (18), Service Brakes (14), Air Bags (11), Structure (10), and Power Train (9). Two alleged crashes and one alleged injury appear in the complaint record. These are unverified allegations, not established facts.
102 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Acura RDX?
The 2021 Acura RDX is subject to three separate recall campaigns, a factor that should prompt any prospective owner to verify recall completion via NHTSA's VIN check tool. Two of these campaigns specifically address air bag sensor issues, critical components for occupant protection. Ensuring all outstanding recall remedies have been performed by an authorized dealer is a prudent step; any open recalls should be resolved as part of the vehicle's purchase agreement.
- The Safety Index rose five points year-over-year, from 82/100 in 2020 to 87/100 in 2021, the largest single-year gain in recent RDX history captured in this dataset.
- Two of the three recalls affecting this specific model year target the front passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, a system directly tied to air bag deployment force and timing for that seat position.
- The driveshaft recall is specific to 2021 RDX units, not shared across the broader RDX generation, making VIN-level confirmation especially important for used buyers.
- Unverified complaints place Service Brakes third among reported problem areas with 14 alleged reports, and Air Bags fourth with 11, categories that overlap directly with active recall subject matter and merit a pre-purchase inspection focus.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Acura RDX places
The 2021 Acura RDX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Acura RDX safety questions
Was the 2021 Acura RDX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Acura RDX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Acura RDX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Acura RDX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Acura RDX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Acura RDX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Acura RDX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 102 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Acura RDX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RDX years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15144), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura RDX 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 40 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.