The Acura RLX Years To Avoid
We've rounded up three Acura RLX years to avoid based on common problems and reported issues. See which ones we mean so you can make an informed used car shopping choice.
When it comes to luxury sedans, the Acura RLX may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind. Debuting in 2014 as a replacement for the Acura RL, the RLX has struggled to gain a foothold in a highly competitive market dominated by European and Japanese manufacturers.
Despite its niche status, the RLX boasts unique features, impressive handling, and upmarket tech that set it apart from its competitors and make it appealing to many buyers. However, not all model years of the RLX are created equal, and potential buyers should be aware of the years to avoid when considering this midsize luxury sedan.
In this post, we rounded up the Acura RLX years to avoid due to various reliability issues and customer complaints. Let’s get to it.
GET THE SAME INSIDER INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Built using the same technology that dealerships use, we’ll show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long it’s been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby.
Which Acura RLX Years to Avoid?
First, let’s touch on the vehicle’s reliability. While the RLX, Acura’s luxury sedan, lacks sufficient reliability data for a specific assessment, the brand’s overall reliability rating suggests it is likely to be a dependable choice.
According to RepairPal, Acura has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, which secures it an impressive second place among 32 car brands. This rating, derived from data across 345 unique models, showcases Acura’s commitment to crafting dependable vehicles.
However, this reliability comes at a slightly higher cost, with an average annual repair expense of $501, positioning Acura above the mean in ownership costs. Yet, Acura owners can take comfort in that their visits to repair shops are infrequent, averaging just 0.4 times per year.
With that out of the way, below are the worst Acura RLX years to avoid:
2014 Acura RLX
The 2014 RLX is easily the least reliable year for the luxury sedan, no thanks to potential teething issues and a host of reliability woes that frustrated many owners. Below are the most common complaints about this RLX model year.
DO ACURAS HOLD THEIR VALUE?
If you’re interested in an Acura for your life, it’s helpful to consider its lifespan. Do Acuras hold their value?
Steering Troubles
The 2014 Acura RLX has been experiencing significant steering issues that have raised concerns among owners. Many have reported instances of the car’s rear end unexpectedly fishtailing or swerving, even when driving on straight roads.
This sudden loss of control often occurs without prior warning signs, making it difficult for drivers to anticipate and react. The problem appears to be related to the RLX’s Precision All-Wheel Steering (P-AWS) system, with the rear wheel actuators seemingly at fault.
Owners have encountered these issues at various speeds and road conditions, indicating that the problem is not limited to a specific driving scenario. As more complaints surfaced, it became increasingly apparent that this was a widespread issue that affected the 2014 RLX model.
Suspension Problems
Many owners were concerned about the 2014 Acura RLX’s suspension, which was reportedly making unsettling noises and causing handling issues. Drivers described hearing persistent moaning or rubbing sounds coming from the rear suspension, mainly when steering at low speeds.
Even more worrisome were accounts of the RLX’s rear end suddenly sliding out or swaying uncontrollably, causing drivers to struggle to maintain control of the vehicle.
In extreme cases, the rear tires have detached from the car due to fracturing suspension components. These incidents, once again, appear to be linked to the RLX’s P-AWS system, with faulty rear toe actuators and suspension bolts being identified as potential causes.
Brake Issues
While the 2014 Acura RLX’s steering and suspension issues took center stage, the vehicle’s braking system also faced its share of problems. Owners reported instances where the brake assist warning light would suddenly illuminate on the dashboard, often in conjunction with other concerning alerts like the power steering and lane departure warnings.
These brake-related issues coincided with the RLX’s notorious rear-end fishtailing incidents, suggesting a potential link between the vehicle’s P-AWS system and braking performance.
The sudden appearance of these warning lights and the unnerving sensation of the car’s rear end losing control left drivers feeling uneasy about the reliability and safety of their RLX’s braking capabilities.
HOW LONG DO ACURAS LAST?
If you’re considering an Acura, you might wonder - how long do Acuras last? What should you be ready for with a car?
2015 Acura RLX
The 2015 RLX has significantly fewer complaints than the debut model, making it the more reliable choice for used car buyers. However, this RLX has several issues that are worth knowing when considering this model.
Steering Woes
The 2015 Acura RLX seemed to inherit some of the steering troubles that plagued its 2014 predecessor. Owners reported instances where the steering wheel would suddenly jerk out of their hands during turns, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly change lanes or fishtail.
These unsettling incidents often triggered a cascade of warning lights on the dashboard, leaving drivers struggling to regain control of their RLX. Once again, the root cause was linked to the problematic P-AWS system, which had been a source of concern in the previous model year. Despite numerous complaints and a service bulletin addressing the issue, Acura struggled to provide a definitive fix.
Tire Blowouts
The 2014 Acura RLX’s stock tires left many owners feeling deflated as they grappled with premature sidewall separation at alarmingly low mileage. With some tires deteriorating before even reaching the 13,000-mile mark, drivers found themselves facing a severe safety risk as the potential for high-speed blowouts loomed large. Replacing these faulty tires was no small expense, with costs ranging from $400 to a staggering $1,200, adding an unwelcome financial burden to an already frustrating situation.
2016 Acura RLX
This list of the Acura RLX years to avoid wraps up with the 2016 iteration. Like the previous year, 2016 had fewer complaints, and we argue it’s a fairly reliable option for buyers. However, some issues may make you want to take a pause.
Tire Sidewall Separation
While the 2014 Acura RLX faced criticism over its stock tires’ tendency to experience sidewall separation prematurely, the 2016 model carried this unfortunate problem forward. Owners of the 2016 RLX found themselves grappling with a similar issue, as the combination of the vehicle’s weight, suspension design, and 19-inch wheels proved to be a recipe for tire trouble. Some drivers reported multiple sidewall blowouts within a few thousand miles, often triggered by encounters with modest potholes or road blemishes.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
