2018 Acura Rlx
The Verdict
The 2018 Acura Rlx has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (5 complaints) and electrical (1 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 99/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Acura Rlx, consider the 2020 model year which has 66% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2020 has 66% fewer complaints
View the 2020 Acura Rlx dashboard →
Klunk Score: Smooth Ride
This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Complaints
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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