Hello all, I'm new to your forum and I'm thinking of becoming an RDX owner, and have a few of quick questions;

1. With respect to the VCM/rumble/vibration issue I've seen discussed, has anyone with a 2014 model experienced this issue? Do we have any idea on what the percentage of vehicles have this? Do you consider it a "show stopper"? I realize that in forums, it's usually only the bad things that get brought up

2. I haven't tried to find a technical write up on the VCM, but when it shuts down cylinders, is it always the same ones, and is there any concern for excessive wear on the cylinders that remain active

3. I'm coming from a 2010 Golf TDI, and while I love the mileage and low end torque etc, now that I'm retired I find myself wanting something with a bit softer ride and easier for me to get in and out of. As many of you know the VWs seem to have gremlin squeaks and rattles that have a mind of their own and I'm curious how the quality of the cabin materials are and how prevalent rattle may be in the RDX.

All for now, thanks for input.

Mike

 

I also came to the RDX from a 2010 Golf TDI...zero regrets.
What needs to be stated re: the VCM posts is that simply many of us have never experienced what the posters describe, period. The RDX has been as advertised: smooth, powerful, economical, and ergonomic.
With regard to the cabin and rattles, this is my third Acura SUV/CUV, and have never had a single squeak. My take is that Acura's are built cabin tight.
Hope this helps...

 

I read this issue was resolved, bad shocks. We have a 2014 and I don't think I have heard this sound being discussed.

 

Me neither.

 

I have a 2013.

1. No issues with VCM. This engine has been out in other Honda's for a +4 years already and I don't think there is a firestorm of engine related issues coming up.

2. See above.

3. No rattles or issues so far. About the shock it seems to only come up when it's cold so I probably won't know if this will be an issue until winter. That said the warranty should take care of it. Car is quieter than my old 2000 S4 (sold) and my current 06 Mazda3. Again probably won't know about squeaks and rattles until later on in the car's life. I cross shopped a CX5 an that was about as loud as the Mazda3. SantaFe was very spacious but drove like crap.

Overall I'm happy with the car. Some niggling items here an there (navi related and lack of passenger height adj) but other wise it is great. CX5 has a vibrating side mirror and hood issues and it seems Hyundai has it's fair share of problems as well.

 

Here's Honda's explanation of VCM:

world.honda.com/automobile-technology/VCM/

 

I have a 2014 RDX and here are my comments

1. You notice a small vibration when going from high speeds to lower speeds. I dont notice it unless im feeling for it. It kind of feels like you're shifting down to the lower gears when you're going 30 MPH. Im my opinion, this isnt a big deal
2. no idea.

3. The cabin materials are pretty nice. (Leather side panels etc)
The ride is QUIET and smooth. A lot of the outside noise is cancelled out and it isnt bumpy at all.

Gas mileage isnt GREAT, but then again i came from a corolla.

 

One other thing - The RDX is my third vehicle with VCM. My first Pilot (1st month production 2009) was fine until just after 60K when the engine reported cylinder misfires on the VCM managed cylinders. After an ECM update and a couple of spark plugs, I was told it was fixed. Several months later, it happened again. The dealer picked up the cost of the new plugs and labor for that one. I believe that they updated the ECM again. At just over 105K and after negotiating the purchase of my RDX, it happened again.

I have a pretty good rapport (if that's really possible) with one of the service advisers at the dealership. He told me that they've been told by Honda that they've made changes to the engine design to correct the root cause of the problem and that I shouldn't see the problem with the 2012, but only time will really tell. Unfortunately, he couldn't comment on the Acura VCM engines.

I'm presuming that Honda feels that they've worked out most of the serious issues with VCM and now feels comfortable using them in the Acura line.

 

One thing to keep in mind regarding the VCM is that the quality of your gasoline affects the smoothness of the engine.

Many of us have experimented with 87 or base grade octane and found that while the engine is less smooth and makes a bit less power, it is acceptable loss for us.

This said, I have not noticed a vibration or similar with the VCM on that would concern me.

 

Thanks to all for the feedback! I'm looking at a mid Sept purchase. I feel much better about everything

 

mdfree....Let me add what others have stated. The RDX is a great vehicle and the rumble is a very subtle issue and a little bit more noticeable (for me anyway) when its really cold. The same can be said about the rear suspension noise in my 2013. You will not regret the RDX if you do go with it....I took it on a recent trip this past weekend and was averaging 7.2L/100km which is about 32.5 mpg!! Quite impressive for an AWD CUV if you ask me

 

Mike welcome to the forum and as a 2013 owner w/ 11,500 miles now, I'll try to answer this as best I can.

1) Doesn't apply to me as I own a 2013 RDX w/ FWD.

2) Not a tech answer here but the VCM/rumble is a non-starter for me as I have not noticed this w/ my vehicle & FWIW I alternate between 89octane & premium.

3) Zero cabin rattles/squeaks are any other interior build noises. FWIW I just returned from a 3785 mile trip to WY, UT & CO, w/ NO complaints & I will be back out in CO again in mid-September. I came within a hair of dropping the hammer on a 2nd CRV but am very glad I upgraded to the RDX as it reminds me *somewhat* of my Touraeg before the CRV & the almost dozen BMW's owned prior to the T2 over the years.

HTH, as always YMMV applies & feel free to PM me w/ any additional questions or thoughts.

 

Thanks again to everyone for all the feedback! Much appreciated.