NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Acura RLX Safety Ratings
The 2020 Acura RLX scores 99 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Acura RLX achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 99/100, positioning it in the Exceptional safety band. The consistent inclusion of crash-avoidance technology as standard further strengthens the model's safety profile.
The 2020 Acura RLX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 99/100 sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Acura RLX ranks 1 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 99 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Acura RLX?
The 2020 Acura RLX represents the highest Safety Index this model has posted in the data on record, reaching 99/100 compared to the 2019 model's 97/100, a two-point gain that pushed it deeper into the Exceptional band. The improvement is reflected in the defect record sub-score of 19/20, which is the one component holding the index just short of a perfect 100. Crash protection contributes a full 70/70, consistent with the five-star sweep across all NHTSA NCAP categories, including a 10 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result. The avoidance tech sub-score of 10/10 reflects that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this model year, not optional add-ons. The single recall, tied to a fuel pump campaign affecting a wide Honda and Acura model range, is the only defect-record blemish. With only two unverified consumer complaints on file, the complaint volume for this model year is notably low.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Acura RLX perform in crash tests?
Every tested category of the 2020 Acura RLX received the highest possible star rating from NHTSA: overall, frontal, side, and rollover. The rollover risk is rated at 10 percent, with a No Tip result in the dynamic tip test. No rated category falls below the top rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14144
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Acura RLX have any recalls?
The 2020 Acura RLX carries one recall campaign, covering the fuel system gasoline delivery fuel pump. This campaign was issued by American Honda Motor Co. and spans a broad range of Honda and Acura models across multiple years. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Reported 2023-12-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Acura RLX?
NHTSA has received two owner complaints for the 2020 Acura RLX. These are unverified consumer allegations, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The two alleged problem areas are Steering and Vehicle Speed Control, each cited once.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Acura RLX?
Shoppers considering this 6-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm whether the fuel pump recall remedy has been completed. An open recall on a used vehicle transfers with ownership, so verification before purchase is a straightforward and important step.
- The 2020 model year gained two Safety Index points over the 2019 RLX, moving from 97/100 to 99/100, the highest recorded Index for this model in the available data.
- NHTSA awarded the 2020 Acura RLX five stars in all four crash-test categories, with a rollover risk of 10 percent and a No Tip result on the dynamic tip test.
- One recall is on record for this model year, involving the gasoline fuel delivery pump, issued by American Honda Motor Co. across a wide range of Honda and Acura vehicles.
- Only two unverified consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, alleging issues with Steering and Vehicle Speed Control, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Acura RLX places
The 2020 Acura RLX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Acura RLX safety questions
Was the 2020 Acura RLX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Acura RLX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 99 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 2020 Acura RLX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Acura RLX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura RLX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Acura RLX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Acura RLX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Acura RLX. 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 RLX years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Audi A4 Allroad | 97/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14144), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura RLX 2020.
- 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 1 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.