Model-year record
2018 Acura RLX
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
9
Reports to NHTSA, 2018
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
23
EPA estimate
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (33% of 9 reports), followed by electrical system (22%).
Share of all 9 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11741672, ODI 11624761, ODI 11643079.
Individual complaint reports(9)
Showing the 9 most recent reportsEngineJun 2026 · ODI 11741672Details +Close −
The first time I heard the engine noise was on [XXX]. I brought the vehicle to the Schaumburg Muller Acura dealership and dropped it off on May 20. On May 21, the dealership performed an initial inspection and informed me that they needed authorization to further disassemble the engine in order to determine the cause of the problem. I provided that authorization, and by May 22 the engine had been torn down to the point where the failure could be identified. On May 22, I spoke with my service advisor, Ken, who informed me that the connecting rod bearings were worn and that the engine would need to be replaced. I was sent photographs, a video, and an estimate for the repair totaling $12,943.83. While I was shocked by the cost, Ken advised me that the dealership would be contacting Acura to request goodwill assistance on my behalf. Because this occurred immediately before the Memorial Day weekend, several days passed before I received an update. On May 30, a different service advisor informed me that Acura had approved $8,000 in goodwill assistance. During that conversation, he asked me, “The original estimate was around $16,000, right?” I knew that was incorrect, as the estimate I had received was $12,943.83. Concerned by the discrepancy, I contacted Acura Customer Relations on June 1 and opened a case for review. Later that same day, I spoke with Ken and provided him with the case number. During that conversation, he informed me that the original estimate had been incorrect because certain parts and/or labor had allegedly been omitted. I was then told that the actual repair cost would be approximately $18,000 to $19,000 plus tax. While I can understand minor adjustments to an estimate, a difference of several hundred dollars or even $1,000 might be reasonable. However, an increase of approximately $6,000 from the original estimate is extremely concerning and raises serious questions about the accuracy of the repair assessment and cost estimate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Jun 2026
- Incident date
- May 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMay 2026 · ODI 11738529Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving her vehicle at an undisclosed speed, stated that the vehicle would not start up, and noticed every single waring light illuminated up on her dash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice, first time it was diagnosed to have a crank sensor failure, it was replaced. Two days after, the issues reoccurred, where it was diagnosed to be the engine starter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
- Reported
- May 2026
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMar 2026 · ODI 11722582Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the headlight failure message was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure started occurring in 2023. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that, because she was not the first owner, assistance was denied. The approximate failure mileage was 110,785.
- Reported
- Mar 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2025 · ODI 11643079Details +Close −
My engine malfunctioned by throwing a rod, causing the car to lose power and leak oil on the lower passenger side of the engine bay onto the floor below. I was driving to work on a busy highway at the time, and I had to pull over immediately to avoid collisions from other vehicles on the highway. The car immediately became undrivable. I had check engine lights visible on the dash after the incident and I could smell the oil that had leaked from the engine from inside the car. I had to call AAA to have them tow my car to the dealership for service. My engine had to be replaced. The engine had to be ordered, and it took them a little over 2 months to complete the necessary work to fix my vehicle. The problem was confirmed and addressed by the dealership once the vehicle arrived at the service location. The manufacturer inspected the damaged parts and offered a viable solution to repair the vehicle. The warning lamps were visible immediately after the incident occured. No warning lights were present prior to the failure.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Feb 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingFeb 2025 · ODI 11642306Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the oil change and tire rotation messages were displayed. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that an oil change and tire rotation were performed, and the contact was informed that the engine was knocking. The contact received a call notification from the dealer two days after the vehicle was repaired regarding the connecting rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the issue would be escalated to a higher department. The failure mileage was 92,000.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Feb 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemDec 2024 · ODI 11628568Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Reported
- Dec 2024
- Incident date
- Dec 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineNov 2024 · ODI 11624761Details +Close −
My vehicle has the same 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 that comes in the Acrua MDX which is currently on recall for connecting rod bearings on vehicles with 3.5-liter V6 engines can fail, leading to complete engine failure. my car has the excact same engin with the exact same problem. i have the full diagnosis and estimate from Acura ENGINE REPLACEMENT
- Reported
- Nov 2024
- Incident date
- Oct 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemSep 2024 · ODI 11614492Details +Close −
No incidents so far. However, it is causing a lot of anxiety knowing that the car could potentially stall or crash since I received the email notice on 12/18/2023. What is a reasonable wait time?
- Reported
- Sep 2024
- Incident date
- Dec 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainDec 2018 · ODI 11156440Details +Close −
****NOTE - ADD PRODUCT**** VEHICLE WITH 11,800 MILES, OWNED FOR 9 MONTHS. TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT, TRAVELED ~100 FEET AT 8 MPH. MOVEMENT WAS ON BATTERY POWER, ENGINE OFF. EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION TO 18 MPH OVER A PERIOD OF 3-4 SECONDS. VERIFIED WITH DASH CAMERA GPS SPEED MONITORING. APPLIED BRAKES, ACCELERATION CEASED AND VEHICLE SLOWED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, NO ERROR CODES OR MECHANICAL ISSUES FOUND.
- Reported
- Dec 2018
- Incident date
- Dec 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Fuel System · 23V858000Details +Close −
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time. In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners. Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
Crash-test ratings
2018 Acura RLX 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RLX | 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 20 | 29 | 23 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
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2018 Acura RLX: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Acura RLX?
Owners filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Acura RLX. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2018 Acura RLX?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (33% of complaints) and electrical system (22%).
How many recalls does the 2018 Acura RLX have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2018 Acura RLX, covering components such as fuel system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Acura RLX get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Acura RLX at 23 mpg combined.