NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Acura RDX Safety Ratings
The 2023 Acura RDX scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 19 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Acura RDX earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong band. Two active recalls require attention, but NHTSA crash-test results are competitive and crash-avoidance technology is fully standard. Shoppers who verify recall completion by VIN are looking at a well-scoring safety profile.
The 2023 Acura RDX received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Acura RDX ranks 41 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 | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 19 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 41 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Acura RDX?
The 2023 Acura RDX moved the NHTSA Safety Index two points upward to 89/100 from the 2022 model year score of 87/100, both sitting in the Strong band but the 2023 edition pushing closer to the top of that tier. The gain is visible in the index breakdown: crash protection contributed 61 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology reached a full 10 out of 10 reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record component delivered 18 of 20. That defect score, however, now carries the weight of two open recall campaigns. The air bag occupant classification recall is notably broad, spanning multiple Acura and Honda model lines across several model years, while the brake control module recall is more targeted to a 2023 model cluster. Neither recall undermines the crash-test performance, which peaked at a 5-star overall and a perfect side-impact score, but both represent unresolved safety actions that a prospective buyer must track. The 19 unverified complaints are modest for a vehicle of this age, and the absence of any reported crash or injury allegations in that complaint pool is a meaningful data point, though complaints remain unverified allegations and not established facts.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Acura RDX perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Acura RDX achieved a 5-out-of-5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes a perfect 5 stars for side impact protection. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each earned 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the RDX stands at 15 percent, with dynamic tip-test results indicating no tip during evaluation. All categories received a rating for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18491
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Acura RDX have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 RDX. The first targets the front-passenger occupant classification sensor within the air bag system, affecting a broad range of Honda and Acura models including this year. The second addresses a ball valve in the antilock and traction-control module, shared with the 2023 Civic, Acura Integra, and 2022 Accord. Neither campaign carried a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the available data, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN before purchase.
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE23V430000
Risk: Unintended vehicle movement or an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the VSA modulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are OEJ, XEK, AEY, XEX and OEW.
Reported 2023-06-15
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Acura RDX?
NHTSA records 19 unverified owner allegations for the 2023 RDX, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other and Engine, each cited 4 times, followed by Visibility and Wiper issues, Electrical System, Power Train, and Forward Collision Avoidance, each with 2 to 3 unverified reports.
19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Acura RDX?
Recalls for the 2023 RDX include the air bag occupant sensor and the brake control module. Shoppers considering a used model should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that these active campaigns have been remedied, and confirm any repairs with documentation from a franchised dealer.
- The 2023 RDX Safety Index of 89/100 represents a two-point improvement over the 2022 model year score of 87/100, driven by strong crash-test results and a perfect avoidance-technology score.
- Two NHTSA recall campaigns are active for this model year: one covering the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor and one covering the antilock and traction-control brake module ball valve.
- NHTSA's NCAP testing gave the 2023 RDX a perfect 5 stars in side-impact protection, with frontal and rollover each rated 4 out of 5 and a 15 percent rollover risk with a no-tip dynamic result.
- Nineteen unverified consumer complaints are on file with NHTSA, with the top alleged problem areas being Engine and Unknown or Other categories, and zero reported crashes, injuries, or deaths among those allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Acura RDX places
The 2023 Acura RDX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Acura RDX safety questions
Was the 2023 Acura RDX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Acura RDX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2023 Acura RDX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 15%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Acura RDX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Acura RDX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Acura RDX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 19 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Acura RDX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RDX years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18491), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura RDX 2023.
- 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 41 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.