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Acura · Compact SUV · 2013–2018 Custom Search

Acura RDX TB3

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Acura RDX TB3 is available with one engine variant at 152 hp.

2.4L I4 · Petrol· 211 PS
2013 2018

Honda K24 — one of the most reliable four-cylinders ever built. VTC rattle on cold start is normal at higher mileage. Chain-driven, no belt. 400,000 km examples documented.

  • ! VTC Actuator Cold-Start Rattle from 160,000 km

    Variable timing control actuator produces metallic rattle for 1-3 seconds on cold start due to oil pressure loss during shutdown.

    Symptoms: Brief metallic rattle on cold start, disappears when oil pressure builds
    300–800 $
    Ad VTC actuator K24 TSX14310-RAA-A01

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!VCM oil consumption clogs pre-cat

High oil consumption from VCM clogs front catalytic converter. Check engine and power loss up to engine damage.

Symptoms: Check engine, power loss, black exhaust smoke, oil drops fast
from 120,000 km
Ad catalytic converter RDX V6pre-cat RDX TB3
 High
●Headlight Reflector: Coating Delamination

Internal reflector coating delaminates from projector lamp heat. Light pattern becomes diffuse and range drops significantly.

Symptoms: Headlights appear hazy despite new bulbs, uneven beam pattern, poor nighttime visibility
from 80,000 km
Ad headlight assembly Acura RDX TB3projector lens RDX 2013-2018
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
973 complaints · 2013–2018
  1. 01 Lighting
    575 ⚠ 6
  2. 02 Airbags
    114 ⚠ 8
  3. 03 Electrical
    54
  4. 04 Powertrain
    50 ⚠ 2
  5. 05 Other
    44 ⚠ 4

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Lighting (575 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (114 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (54 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 7 weaknesses have been documented for the Acura RDX TB3 (2013–2018) — 1 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes, Gearbox, Other. Considered reliable: K24 (2.4L I4).

What to watch out for with the Acura RDX? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Acura RDX TB3 have? +
The Acura RDX TB3 has 1 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Acura RDX TB3? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: K24 (2.4L I4). The most reliable engine is the K24 (2.4L I4) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the K24 (2.4L I4).
Which Acura RDX TB3 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Acura RDX TB3. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 1 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Acura RDX TB3 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Acura RDX TB3 — rated: "Decent". {description} 208 hp K24 NA instead of turbo. Honda-typical unkillable, but the turbo predecessor had more character. Headlight reflector and brake pads are known issues.
Is the Acura RDX TB3 worth buying used? +
The Acura RDX TB3 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Acura RDX TB3? +
The Acura RDX TB3 is available with engine variants from 152 to 211 hp. Petrol: K24 (2.4L I4).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee