2020 Acura RDX Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2020 model year · 4,400+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,400+ owner reports, the 2020 Acura RDX has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is True Touchpad Interface Infotainment Reboots and Lag with 1,600 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

1,600 owners

On the 2019-2023 Acura RDX 2.0L K20C6 Turbo I4, the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system in the third-gen RDX suffers from random reboots, input lag, and touchpad calibration drift. The system frequently loses its cursor position, making menu navigation frustrating and occasionally dangerous when the driver attempts adjustments while driving.

Common Symptoms

Touchpad cursor drifts or jumps
Screen goes black and reboots
Audio cuts out for 30+ seconds
CarPlay disconnects randomly
System extremely slow after cold start

How to Fix

Update to the latest infotainment firmware which improves touchpad responsiveness and reduces reboot frequency. Recalibrate the touchpad through the system settings menu. If reboots persist, the infotainment control unit may require replacement under Acura warranty extension.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,600+ owners who fixed this issue

TipDisable the touchpad haptic feedback in settings — it reduces input lag noticeably. Also, the 2022+ firmware update is a significant improvement; insist on the latest version at the dealer.

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1,600+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,600 reportsLast reported by owners Dec 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

1,450 owners

On the 2019-2025 Acura RDX, the third-generation RDX with the 2.0L turbocharged engine consumes oil at a rate of 1 quart every 3,000-5,000 miles, which Acura considers within normal range but owners find excessive. The direct injection system and turbo oil scavenging contribute to oil consumption that is significantly higher than the previous naturally aspirated model.

Common Symptoms

Oil level drops between changes
Low oil warning light at 5,000-mile intervals
No visible external oil leaks
Faint blue haze from exhaust on hard acceleration
Oil change required before maintenance minder reaches 15%

How to Fix

Monitor oil level monthly with the dipstick and top off as needed between changes. Use only 0W-20 full synthetic oil meeting Honda HTO-06 specification. If consumption exceeds 1 quart per 2,000 miles, request an oil consumption test at the dealer. Acura may replace piston rings under warranty if consumption is documented as excessive.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,450+ owners who fixed this issue

TipKeep a quart of 0W-20 in the cargo area. Check the dipstick every 1,000 miles and document each top-off with date and mileage. This paper trail is essential if you need to file a warranty claim for excessive consumption.

Typical repair cost:$50 - $3,000

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1,450+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,450 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

1,350 owners

On the 2019-2025 Acura RDX 2.0L K20C6 Turbo I4, the 10-speed automatic in the third-gen RDX exhibits harsh shifts during 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts, particularly when the transmission is cold. Owners also report a noticeable hesitation when accelerating from a complete stop, with a 1-2 second delay before the transmission engages that feels like the vehicle is going to stall.

Common Symptoms

Harsh 1-2 upshift when cold
Hesitation accelerating from stop
Jerky low-speed maneuvers in parking lots
Transmission clunk when shifting to Reverse
Rough downshift during deceleration

How to Fix

Update the TCM calibration to the latest Acura software revision, which improves cold-shift quality and reduces the hesitation from stop. Perform a transmission fluid change with Honda Type 3.0 fluid. Allow the adaptive learning to recalibrate for 500 miles after the update.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,350+ owners who fixed this issue

TipLet the RDX warm up for 30-60 seconds before driving in winter. The 10-speed is noticeably smoother once the ATF reaches operating temperature. The 2023+ calibration also significantly improved the stop-start hesitation.

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1,350+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,350 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura RDX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,400+ owner reports, the 2020-2020 Acura RDX has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: True Touchpad Interface Infotainment Reboots and Lag, Turbo Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, Transmission Harsh Shifting and Hesitation from Stop. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Acura RDX reliable?

The 2020-2020 Acura RDX has 3 known issues documented across 4,400+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura RDX problems?

Repair costs for known Acura RDX issues range from $50 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2019-2023 Acura RDX True Touchpad Interface Infotainment Reboots and Lag?

The True Touchpad Interface infotainment system in the third-gen RDX suffers from random reboots, input lag, and touchpad calibration drift. The system frequently loses its cursor position, making menu navigation frustrating and occasionally dangerous when the driver attempts adj… Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2025 Acura RDX Turbo Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?

The third-generation RDX with the 2.0L turbocharged engine consumes oil at a rate of 1 quart every 3,000-5,000 miles, which Acura considers within normal range but owners find excessive. The direct injection system and turbo oil scavenging contribute to oil consumption that is si… Repairs typically run $50-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2025 Acura RDX Transmission Harsh Shifting and Hesitation from Stop?

The 10-speed automatic in the third-gen RDX exhibits harsh shifts during 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts, particularly when the transmission is cold. Owners also report a noticeable hesitation when accelerating from a complete stop, with a 1-2 second delay before the transmission engages th… Severity: medium.

2020 Acura RDX Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2019-2023 Acura RDX: True Touchpad Interface Infotainment Reboots and Lag#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2019-2025 Acura RDX: Turbo Engine Excessive Oil Consumption#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2019-2025 Acura RDX: Transmission Harsh Shifting and Hesitation from Stop#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Acura Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura RDX problems?

Is the Acura RDX reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Acura RDX problems?

What is the 2019-2023 Acura RDX True Touchpad Interface Infotainment Reboots and Lag?

What is the 2019-2025 Acura RDX Turbo Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?

What is the 2019-2025 Acura RDX Transmission Harsh Shifting and Hesitation from Stop?