New to the forum, considering buying a 2013 RDX Base FWD w/ Technology (102,000 miles) for my daughter as a daily driver for school. I come from a family that has had a 1991 Acura Legend (V6), 1992 Honda Accord (I4), 2002 Honda Accord (V6), and 2010 Honda Odyssey (V6 w/ VCM). All of these were bought new. The first three were bulletproof, literally no mechanical problems other than routine maintenance, the last one (2010 Ody) was a complete lemon in my opinion--burned way too much oil, fouled plugs all the time, went through tires like nobody's business, had a partial engine rebuild (paid 80/20 by Honda, at least), and even after rebuild continued to burn more oil than I would want to see on a modern engine. After that experience I swore I'd never own another Honda V6. Well, here we are. My sense is that the 2013 (and later) V6 with VCM doesn't have the same problems as the 2010s did, but I'm a little gun shy about it. For those that have the 2013 or similar vintage RDX, what's been your observation? I'm not keen on installing aftermarket items to delete the VCM to avoid engine problems like we had with the Ody, even if that's a solution, so if there is a history of similar problems with the 2013 RDX, I'll walk and find something different. If not, any other common serious problems?

Thanks in advance.

 

My wife drives a 2016 RDX Advance model and we have had 0 problems so far ~76K. Just maintenance - tires, brakes, filters and fluids. The 2013 you are looking at is @ 102K, so just be aware that it will soon be due for Timing Belt replacement if that hasn't already been done. Depending on how and where you have this done you are looking at $800-$1200 and you should consider doing the water pump and belt tensioners while you are paying for the labor. Also 2013 was the first year of the body style so not sure if there were any other 1st model year issues that were fixed by 2016?? As you seem to be aware the 3.5L V6 is pretty much bullet proof and have not hear any issues with VCM or needing to replace O rings like on the Oddys.

 

I bought a 2014 FWD w/TECH 2 1/2 years ago, with 66K miles and now have 88K on it. I love the car and wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Had a wheel bearing go bad; and some problem with the moonroof not closing (which is a known issue and there's a service bulletin... not a big deal if it occurs). No oil burn issues. Tires on it when I bought it were purchased with 47K miles, and still in good shape 40K later. Just make sure it's been serviced regularly if possible, and as noted above, that 7 yr/105,000 mile major service is due if not already done. Oh, and I've gone back and forth on the S VCM controller; have used it but not currently installed. It works fine, reduces mpg by about 1 mpg for me, does make it a little smoother in certain driving conditions, but I hardly notice the difference. Not sold that it's really needed on this generation but of course depends on who you ask...

 

I've got a 2013 with around 103k miles on it and it feels like a brand new car. Highly recommend it!

 

We've owned a 2014 since new. It now has 116,000 miles, and it's bone stock with no VCM muzzling device. Never added oil between changes, and no engine issues. A seat belt retractor broke (fixed under warranty) and the rear wiper motor failed. Other than that, it's been very reliable. The electronics feel prehistoric by current standards, and like any Honda you need to keep up with periodic maintenance, which includes changing the trans fluid, transfer case fluid, and differential fluid on the AWD models. I'd buy it again, and we plan to keep it in some capacity for a long time.

 

2013 RDX bought with 90,000 miles, now 175,000 miles, replace the timing belt at 110k, replace the rear sway bar bushings at 140k, replace the A/C compressor at 172k and that is all. The car is extremely reliable.

 

That's right, if the engine is worn out due to poor maintenance and consume oil, it needs to be replaced or supplied by an VCM muzzler, if the engine works well, then it does not need any VCM muzzler.