What 75 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Acura RDX

Vehicle Information: 2018 Acura RDX AWDAffected System: Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Torque ConverterAssociated Code/Bulletin: DTC P0741 / Acura TSB B23-029Complaint Description:The vehicle is experiencing a documented manufacturer defect covered under Acura Warranty Extension TSB B23-029, where the internal torque converter lock-up piston cracks, causing hydraulic fluid pressure to bleed down. A professional diagnostic scan confirmed active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741 alongside a flashing transmission "D" indicator on the dashboard.This mechanical component failure creates a severe, immediate safety hazard. Because the cracked piston allows the torque converter clutch to continuously slip under load, operating the vehicle at sustained highway speeds generates extreme internal friction and excessive hydraulic heat. This thermal buildup presents a high risk of sudden, catastrophic transmission failure, fluid vaporization, or powertrain lock-up while operating on public roadways.The manufacturer is actively exacerbating this safety hazard. Because there is no Acura dealership within a 90-mile radius, Acura Corporate Client Relations (Case #164446080) and the nearest authorized Acura dealership service manager have explicitly instructed me to drive the malfunctioning vehicle over 90 miles on the highway to reach their facility for service. The manufacturer is refusing to provide safe flatbed transport for this all-wheel-drive vehicle, forcing the consumer to choose between incurring massive private towing expenses or operating a vehicle with a known transmission overheating hazard on high-speed interstate systems. I am requesting an investigation into the unsafe logistical barriers the manufacturer is enforcing to avoid safely honoring this powertrain defect campaign.

NHTSA ODI 11746842

I had minor accident on [XXX] in my 2018 Acura RDX. The front crash sensor was damaged, so the car cannot be returned to me without a new one because the air bags and other safety equipment will not deploy in front crash. The repair shop ordered the part (no. 77930-TX4-A11) from Acura on 5/28, along with other parts needed. Acura's delivery date for this part has changed from 6/24, to 7/2, to 7/11, and 7/18. However, my Acura dealer indicates they've had this part on order since April, and Acura has provided no estimated delivery date. I filed a claim directly with Acura a week ago (case no. XXXX), demanding that they provide me with a comparable vehicle until they can provide this part, and no one has even returned my calls. American Honda is in violation of federal law, which requires companies that sell automobiles in the US to provide parts for them for 10 years from the date of manufacture, and to compensate consumers for failure to do so. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11601506

The vehicles adaptive cruise control is unreliable. Guidance system goes haywire and cannot stay on track to destination. Carplay becomes inoperable. Have had Tameron Eastern Shore Honda who sold car to me check problem on multiple occasions and they cannot find problem.

NHTSA ODI 11515283

Automatic emergency braking would not release…this occurred in the rain…it caused the vehicle to hydroplane, spin out, and hit a barricade.

NHTSA ODI 11422538