Consumer Reports has published first year reliability data for the RDX. The good news is; for all the major categories, engine, drivetrain, etc, it received the highest scores. There were some minor problems reported with paint and body integrity (typically squeaks, rattles). The audio system took a bigger hit, probably from the early TSB when all the units were replaced for power failure. The overall reliability score was above average.

The BMW X3 is back on the recommended list for 2008, as it has achieved average reliability again (barely).

The Mazda CX7 took hits in numerous areas (some engine and chassis), and is well below average.

The LR2 performed...ah, well -- like the overpriced, Mom's upscale mall rover brand historically does -- all fashion statement and multiple problems.

 

XLR8R, would you happen to have a link to the TSB of the Audio power failure?

 

I've had the rdx for some time and surfed these forums often. No one has ever mentioned anything regarding audio power failure.

 

This is the first I've heard of it too and I sell these things!

 

There were a batch of audio units that had a soldering problem. The solder would loosen itself and the audio unit would experience various problems before finally failing completely. not sure if there was an actual TSB issued.

 

From Acura ServiceNews:

Audio Unit Doesn’t Work, No
Sound From the Speakers
NOTE: This article applies to ’07 RDXs.
If the audio unit display works fine, but there’s no
sound from the speakers, order a reman audio
unit. If the vehicle hasn’t been sold yet, order a
new replacement audio unit. This lead-free solder
problem has already been fixed in production so
future vehicles won’t be affected.

 

^wow if the car has been sold we get a re manufactured unit, but if the car is still on the lot it receives a new one.

Thats not right. I understand the unit we have no is technically used, but we did not ask for this soldering problems. I wanta new unit :P

Mine still makes that pop sound if i start the car up in sub zero temps.

 

This is what I was referring to. At the time many early 07s were affected, and it generated a lot of attention. I think this, and a run of bad speakers, is what caused the low audio scores on CR. But it was not a TSB...my mistake.

 

i had 2 bad mid range speakers replaced within the first month or two, cant remember

 

Good to know. I have debating to get either the RDX or CX-7. On paper, they are very similar vehicles (price the exception). I had a Mazda 3 before and hated the cheap plastics and road noise. The CX-7 is similar in construction. The major thing going for it is that they are currently a steal.

What are the major complaints with squeaks and rattles? Simple fix?

 

I have had no problems with mine. The "Problems and Fixes" page has a few references to paint issues, dash rattles and squeaky driver seats.

Consumer Reports weights engine and drivetrain problems more heavily. Check the CX-7 Engine and Trans forums. They read like a Problems page: CX-7 Engine and Trans

The CX-7 presently has thirty five TSBs: CX-7 Service Bulletins

If, after doing your research, you are still willing to "steal" a CX-7, then you should know this:

My records indicate you may have WON the foreign lottery in Dikbuttistan! You will need to send me a small payment (Visa/MC OK!) for processing fees, so I can send out your winnings!

 

For what it's worth, I knew about the audio issue early on from reading here. The problem hasn't shown itself in my RDX - and I have a very early one (~750). My feeling is that I still have a bit of warranty left....I'll worry about it if/when it fails.

Mike

 

Good info, thanks for posting.

 

Me too. Mine are on order right now.

 

I had to have my entire head unit replaced after about 7 months of driving. I do usually crank the volume up (love that els sysytem) but it was under warranty any way, nothing a quick visit to the dealer couldn't fix.

 

I debated them both hard since the CX-7 was cheaper. The little things led me to the RDX. It's quicker for one, comes with more options i.e. bluetooth, memory seats, auxilary input for Ipod, dual zone, TPMS (not on Canadian cx-7'S).

I also found the CX-7 engine rough, the road noise higher and it just didn't look as good with the odd factory wheels.

 

the extra money is well worth it and well spent. without really getting into it, the couple thousand ur going to spend on the Acura, itll be worth every cent, after owning a cx-7 first then moving into the acura.

the cx-7 is a budget truck, with awful reliability and in part most likely a worse-off resale. I would sacrafice the performance and get a juiced out CRV before the mazda product.

 

My head unit was also replaced because CD's had extremely low volume. They were barely audible at 40 (full) volume. All other radio modes were fine, but they replaced with a new (remanufactured, I guess) unit.

 

does any1 have this problem? mine has this slight clicking sound, like a some plastic panel is loose or something.....on the passenger side.