Own a Acura RLX in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Acura RLX for model years 2014 to 2020. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help RLX owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 119 owner complaints on file for the RLX and 7 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are steering (59), suspension (23), electrical system (15).
Most-Reported Acura RLX Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the RLX (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 59 | 49% | |
| Suspension | 23 | 19% | |
| Electrical System | 15 | 12% | |
| Engine | 13 | 10% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 13 | 10% | |
| Wheels | 7 | 5% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 6 | 5% | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 4% |
Steering
59 of the 119 complaints (49%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Suspension
23 of the 119 complaints (19%) mention the suspension. Suspension wear shows up as clunks, pulling and uneven tires. We inspect shocks, struts, bushings and joints and align the car after repairs. See our suspension & alignment page.
Electrical System
15 of the 119 complaints (12%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Acura RLX Complaints by Model Year
The RLX model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2015, 2018. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 85 | |
| 2015 | 11 | |
| 2016 | 8 | |
| 2017 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 9 | |
| 2020 | 3 |
Acura RLX Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the RLX, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Acura.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your RLX? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Acura RLX Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the RLX in these model years, most often involving fuel system, gasoline, forward collision avoidance, seat belts. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2023 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 23V858000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight,...
- 2020 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 20V314000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles.
- 2019 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 19V298000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
- 2015 recall, Forward Collision Avoidance (campaign 15V301000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles.
- 2014 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 14V639000): American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013.
- 2014 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 14V792000): American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the RLX, 2 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 1 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Acura RLX Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Acura will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a RLX that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for RLX owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Acura RLX, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Acura RLX Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Acura RLX repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Acura RLX FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Acura RLX?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Acura RLX are steering (59), suspension (23), electrical system (15). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which RLX model years have the most complaints?
The RLX model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2015, 2018. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Acura RLX?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Acura RLX. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Acura RLX have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the Acura RLX across model years 2014 to 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Acura RLX in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Acura vehicles including the RLX, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Acura RLX?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Acura RLX in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Acura Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.