MODEL
Acura Rlx
NHTSA safety across every Acura Rlx model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Acura Rlx we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 99 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 97. 4 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Acura RLX is a full-size luxury sedan aimed at buyers who want a refined, technology-forward alternative to German and Japanese flagship competitors. Positioned as Acura's top-tier four-door, it targets professional adults and experienced luxury shoppers who prioritize a composed, feature-rich driving experience without sacrificing safety credentials. The 2019 and 2020 model years represent the final chapter of this generation.
The Acura RLX earns some of the strongest federal safety scores we track at MotorCaliber. The 2020 model year achieves a near-perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 99 out of 100, landing firmly in our Exceptional band. That headline number is backed by a clean sweep of five-star ratings across all three NHTSA crash-test categories: frontal, side, and rollover. For a full-size sedan carrying real-world passengers, that kind of across-the-board performance is genuinely impressive and not something every luxury competitor can match. Across the 2019 and 2020 model years combined, NHTSA records just 4 recalls. That is a modest recall count for a two-year window on a technology-heavy luxury vehicle, though shoppers should always verify whether open recalls have been resolved on any specific used example. Owner complaints are remarkably sparse, with only 2 total complaints on file, and zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among them. Keep in mind these are unverified owner allegations, but the extremely low volume is still a reassuring signal. The bottom line: if federal crash-test performance and a quiet complaint record are your primary safety benchmarks, the 2019 and 2020 Acura RLX stands among the strongest performers in its segment. Shoppers cross-shopping full-size luxury sedans should take these numbers seriously.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Acura RLX as a polished, well-engineered luxury sedan that prioritizes comfort, technology integration, and a smooth driving character. Most acknowledge it as an underappreciated entry in the full-size luxury class, noting that it competes capably on refinement even if it carries lower brand cachet than some European rivals.
- The 2020 Acura RLX earns a 99 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, one of the highest scores we track across any segment.
- NHTSA crash testing shows perfect five-star ratings in all three categories for the best model year covered: frontal impact, side impact, and rollover resistance.
- Only 4 recalls are recorded across the 2019 and 2020 model years combined. Any used RLX shopper should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm all campaigns have been completed.
- Owner complaints on file total just 2 across both covered years, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. While these are unverified allegations, the extremely low complaint volume is a notable positive in the safety picture.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Acura Rlx with 3 recalls.