Is the 2013 Acura RDX reliable?

The 2013 Acura RDX has 179 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: LIGHTING problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Acura RDX?

Top problems: LIGHTING (89 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (35 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (10 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Acura RDX?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Contact any Acura dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Acura RDX?

The 2013 Acura RDX gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2013 Acura RDX often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Acura RDX: low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Acura RDX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Acura RDX is approximately $1,871/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Acura RDX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Acura RDX has 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 97. The most common issue is lighting problems (50% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 acura rdx. the contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate properly. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was unable to be duplicated. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 22,000.. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 5 crash reports 4 injuries

179

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

LIGHTING

89 complaints

50%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
• EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE DANGEROUSLY DIM. IT APPEARS THAT THE PROJECTORS ARE BLOCKING THE LIGHT.
• BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO DIM TO SAFELY DRIVE AT NIGHT. I WAS PULLED OVER BY A STATE TROOPER FOR NOT HAVING MY LIGHTS ON WHEN THEY WERE ACTUALLY ON. ACURA HAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 2014 ILX. THE 2013 RDX SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Acura RDX

Based on 50 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 33K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 34K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 48K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

High-mileage issuemedian 102K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE06/03/2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Acura RDX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Acura RDX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,871

Full coverage / month

$156

Liability only / year

$732

vs US avg

+12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk0.90x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1871

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Acura RDX Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Uses Maintenance Minder — actual intervals adjust based on driving conditions. Values shown are typical.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Acura New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / 50K mi

Includes 3 years complimentary maintenance for 2025+

These are the terms for a new Acura. If you're buying a used 2013 RDX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Acura dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 179 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
LIGHTING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA RDX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PART MAY NOT BECOME AVAILABLE FOR LONGER THAN SIX MONTHS TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: THE BRAND NEW CAR WAS ON FIRE BY ITSELF ON OCTOBER 30, 2012. IT WAS AFTER THE HURRICANE SANDY. MY FAMILY WOKE UP BECAUSE OF SMELLING GAS FROM DOWNSTAIRS WHICH WAS THE ATTACHED GARAGE TO THE KITCHEN. WHEN MY HUSBAND OPENED THE KITCHEN DOOR TO THE GARAGE, HE COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING BUT SMOKES. WE CA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY NEW 2013 RDX CAUGHT ON FIRE AT MY GARAGE IN THE DAY AFTER HURRICANE SANDY. ACURA AND AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY(PROGRESSIVE) INSISTS THAT THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE BY FLOODING. HOWEVER, CAR BATTERY AND ENGINE ARE FINE. ONLY FRONT SEAT, DASHBOARD, AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM WERE BURNED AND THE FIRE DAMAGED MY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Acura dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)