Acura Vehicle Safety Profile

An in-depth analysis of owner-reported complaints, revealing key trends in vehicle system reliability and safety.

Summary of Critical Findings

Our analysis identified several high-risk issues across the Acura lineup that pose a significant safety risk to vehicle occupants.

Power Train & Electrical Failure

High volume of catastrophic transmission failures at highway speeds and reports of complete vehicle shutdowns while in motion.

Steering & Control Hazards

"Sticky steering" in Integra models and power steering failures in the RDX create immediate risks of losing vehicle control.

Braking & Structural Dangers

Unintended acceleration when braking in TL models and subframe corrosion leading to potential suspension failure.

Power Train Analysis

Widespread Automatic Transmission Failures

Affects: Multiple Models

High Volume Issue

Owners report sudden and total transmission failure, often at highway speeds. Symptoms include violent gear slippage and failure to shift, creating dangerous situations and near-miss collisions.

Owner-Reported Incidents:

  • "Transmission failed while driving 65 MPH." (ID: 912126)
  • "Transmission slipped and suddenly downshifted to second gear on the freeway." (ID: 890809)
  • "Failed to change gears, nearly caused rear-end crash." (ID: 856356)
  • "Shifts so hard the vehicle nearly stops in traffic." (ID: 1289929)

Electrical System Analysis

Critical Failures in ILX Models

Affects: Acura ILX

High Volume Issue

ILX models exhibit a high volume of electrical issues, including the vehicle shutting off completely while driving, engine start failures, faulty fuel gauges, and persistent battery drain.

Vehicle Shutdown & Ignition Failures

Affects: Multiple Models

Emerging Issue

A concerning number of complaints describe vehicles stalling on the freeway with a full electrical shutdown, often linked to the ignition switch. These failures pose a severe and immediate risk.

Steering System Analysis

'Sticky Steering' Phenomenon

Affects: Acura Integra

High Volume Issue

Drivers report the steering wheel feels "notchy" or "sticks" when making small corrections at highway speeds. This requires extra force, leading to overcorrection and unpredictable movement.

Owner-Reported Incidents:

  • "Steering wheel requires extra force to make an adjustment at highway speeds." (ID: 1862860)
  • "Steering feels 'notchy' or 'sticks' when making small adjustments." (ID: 1864577)

Power Steering Failures

Affects: Acura RDX

High Volume Issue

Reports describe the power steering system jamming or failing completely while driving, making the vehicle extremely difficult to control. Restarting the vehicle is sometimes the only temporary fix.

Service Brakes & Stability Control Analysis

Brake System Malfunctions

Affects: Acura TL

High Volume Issue

A high volume of severe complaints includes sudden, unintended acceleration when applying the brakes. Other reports describe a soft, "spongy" pedal feel or a brake pedal that becomes extremely hard in cold weather, drastically reducing stopping power.

Owner-Reported Incidents:

  • Sudden unintended acceleration when applying brakes. (IDs: 953116, 986194)
  • Soft, "spongy," and ineffective brake pedal. (ID: 1022737)
  • Brake pedal becomes hard to depress in cold weather. (ID: 1038081)