MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2026 Acura RDX

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2026 Acura RDX Safety Ratings

The 2026 Acura RDX scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
0Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2026 Acura RDX establishes an exceptional safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100. This model year has no recalls on record and has not generated any owner complaints. Its strong performance in NHTSA crash testing further reinforces its position, making it a compelling option for SUV buyers prioritizing safety.

The 2026 Acura RDX holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Acura RDX ranks 39 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2026 Acura RDX safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index91 / 100 (Exceptional)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk15%
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints0 (unverified allegations)
Class rank39 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Acura RDX?

The 2026 Acura RDX moves the NHTSA Safety Index one point forward to 91/100 from the 2025 model year's 90/100, both within the Exceptional band. That incremental gain is meaningful because it reflects a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10 and a perfect defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20 combined with a crash-protection score of 61 out of 70. The crash-protection sub-score is the one component with any remaining headroom, driven by the 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover ratings rather than a weakness in side protection, which achieved the full 5 stars. The zero-recall and zero-complaint standing at this stage of the model year is notable: it means the defect-record sub-score enters service at its ceiling, with no active safety campaigns diluting the overall Index. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment, which is what secured the full avoidance-tech credit. For a current-model-year vehicle, this combination of test performance, clean regulatory record, and full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology is what the Exceptional band is designed to recognize.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Acura RDX perform in crash tests?

The 2026 Acura RDX achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection was a standout, earning a full 5 stars in crash testing. Frontal impact and rollover protection each received 4 out of 5 stars. The RDX presents a 15 percent rollover risk, with NHTSA's dynamic tip testing showing no tip.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20904

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record20/20
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Acura RDX have any recalls?

The 2026 Acura RDX has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check periodically, as campaigns can be added after a vehicle enters service.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Acura RDX at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Acura RDX?

NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Acura RDX. No crash, fire, injury, or death allegations have been filed. There are no top components to flag. Any future submissions would represent unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.

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

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Acura RDX?

The 2026 RDX, as a current model year vehicle, presently shows no open recalls on file. This absence of existing recall campaigns underscores the importance of a proactive VIN-check routine for prospective owners. Recall actions can be initiated at any time throughout a vehicle's operational lifespan. Therefore, the most critical safety measure a consumer can take is to verify the recall status directly via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool prior to purchase, and to perform periodic checks thereafter.

  • The 2026 RDX achieves a perfect defect-record sub-score of 20 out of 20, reflecting zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file for this specific model year.
  • NHTSA side-impact testing awarded the 2026 RDX a full 5 out of 5 stars, the highest single-category result in this year's crash-test profile.
  • The one-point Safety Index gain over the 2025 model year (90 to 91) is supported by a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard.
  • The 2026 RDX's rollover risk is rated at 15 percent by NHTSA, and the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result, both figures specific to this model year's tested configuration.

RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Acura RDX places

FAQ2026 Acura RDX safety questions

Was the 2026 Acura RDX crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Acura RDX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2026 Acura RDX crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Acura RDX have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Acura RDX as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Acura RDX?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Acura RDX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other RDX years

Rivals in SUV (2026)

Safest SUV rivals, 2026 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2026 Lexus GX 550100/100not rated0
2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV100/100not rated0
2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV100/100not rated0
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV100/100not rated0
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross100/100not rated0
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid99/100not rated1
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20904), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura RDX 2026.
  • 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 39 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
  • 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.