There are 5 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2017 Acura RDXin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
ENGINEN BRAKE DON
The engine upper magnesium intake manifold is spider cracked around several mating half bolts causing an engine emission warning light to illuminate for bank #2 lean code. I believe the part number for the upper intake manifold is P/N 17160-5G0-A00. 2017 Acura RDX with 84,000 miles. The Acura mechanic knew what the issue was right away stating that it’s known problem with the magnesium intake manifold, but Acura doesn’t have a recall.
If the vehicle goes over 65 mph the transmission light starts blinking on the dashboard.
Premature defective hydraulic timing belt tensioner similarly to the 2018 and 2019 RDX under recall. The seal in the tensioner prematurely aged causing hydraulic leakage making it unable to maintain timing belt tension. If the tensioner fail at highway speed causing the timing belt to skip leading to out of timing and major engine malfunction.
I REQUESTED FREE DIAGNOSTIC FROM ACURA AND THEY DENIED DUE TO INVOLVEMENT OF ACCIDENT ON 2/27/2018(REAR-END). BUT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN THE BODY SHOP CERTIFIED BY ACURA AND I MADE CLAIM AGAIN TO GEICO INSURANCE COMPANY TO FIGURE OUT. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE HAVE THE FUEL CONSUMPTION DROPPED FROM 25 MILES/GALLON TO 20 MILES/GALLON AND SMELL GASOLINE WHEN TURN ON THE ENGINE. ACURA CASE# IS 09121073 AND MR. AMARY TALKED ME ABOUT THEIR WAY TO DEAL WITH CUSTOMER. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE IS LEASED AND WE HAVE STILL 2 YEARS TERM LEFT ON IT. ACURA IS TRYING TO IGNORE A POTENTIAL HAZARD AND SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE HELP US OUT...THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME READING THIS.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026