Hello all,

First thread since joining here, so I apologize in advance if I violate any unspoken rules/etiquette etc. I will learn.


I just got myself a new '16 RDX AWD Advance, and was pretty hyped about it until I noticed an issue with the brakes:

The pedal is stiff before starting the ignition. Once the engine is started up, the pedal goes back to normal. This happens in the morning when I'm going to work and in the afternoon when I get off from work--in other words, after the car has been sitting with the engine off for an extended period of time (10+ hours). That indicated a possible vacuum leak to me.

I did some digging online, and it seems other car makes/models occasionally have this issue as well. A common culprit seems to be a bad check valve. Many instances of this issue seemed to develop after accumulating at least 10k miles or so. Well, mine is brand new, so you can imagine my disappointment/concern.

I asked the service guys while my car was in the shop to get the accessories installed--all of them claimed that this was normal. Now, the '15 RDX AWD Tech also in our family has *never* had this issue before. Additionally, the dealer's '15 TLX loaner that I drove around for three weeks never exhibited that issue either.

Upon being presented with that information, their response was something like "well, the '16 was completely redesigned from the '15, so that doesn't tell us anything". Couldn't even get them to take me or the issue seriously.


In any case, I was wondering if anyone here has had the same issue with their '16. Is this even an issue? If so, how concerned should I be? Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome.

Not normal. Write a letter (a real letter) to Acura using the address in the back of your owner's manual. Explain the issue and ask that the Acura regional rep take a look at the issue.

 

I agree it's not normal. Every modern car I've owned retains the pedal feel even after sitting a week or longer. I became more aware of this since my son's 2008 Mini that I bought used last year does lose the vacuum overnight that makes the pedal stiff before you start it. Given the car's age and the fact that it springs back to life after starting it I'm not sweating it too much. But for a new car? It's a sign something's off. I agree with having someone else look at it, and compare every new '16 on the lot - I'm betting the others that have sat for several days still have their non-still pedal...

andy