Consumer Reports removes RDX from “Recommended” list
#2
Instructor
Yes, our RDX have issues with infotainment, quality & fit control and so on but nothing is serious from a mechanical or safety perspective. Yes, it annoys me to waste my time at the dealer in the waiting room or even using a loaner car. Any new technology go thru this cycle and will get better overtime. I still pick Honda/Acura over any European brand any day.
#3
I take CR and Car & Driver, JD Power ratings with a grain of salt. Long term reliability is what stands out for me and some of the vehicles on the list of “recommended” does not deserve to be there.
Yes, our RDX have issues with infotainment, quality & fit control and so on but nothing is serious from a mechanical or safety perspective. Yes, it annoys me to waste my time at the dealer in the waiting room or even using a loaner car. Any new technology go thru this cycle and will get better overtime. I still pick Honda/Acura over any European brand any day.
Last edited by PWMDMD; 02-22-2019 at 08:17 AM.
#4
We seem to only cite CR recommendation when it's good for us.
Whether you trust it or not, it is a general indicator based on owner surveys. Tesla pointed out that while their customers have encounter quality issues, their owner satification is high.
This seems to be the case of 2019 RDX here at the forum too. The tolerance for problems is high here but folks can't seem to be objective on reliability.
I won't tolerate a jerky shift if I am dropping 50k on a car.l. I have had that on my old Nissan and sure enough it translated into transmission replacement within 30k miles.
Again, if you are leasing, you probably won't care about reliability in the long run.
Whether you trust it or not, it is a general indicator based on owner surveys. Tesla pointed out that while their customers have encounter quality issues, their owner satification is high.
This seems to be the case of 2019 RDX here at the forum too. The tolerance for problems is high here but folks can't seem to be objective on reliability.
I won't tolerate a jerky shift if I am dropping 50k on a car.l. I have had that on my old Nissan and sure enough it translated into transmission replacement within 30k miles.
Again, if you are leasing, you probably won't care about reliability in the long run.
Last edited by acuraada; 02-22-2019 at 08:39 AM.
#5
Let's not forget we are still talking about two but related issues - engineering issues (10-speed auto, suspension noise and infotainment) and assembly issues (misaligned body panels, trim pieces, rattles and squeaks). The assembly issues are pretty unforgivable because the problem is right there for them to see during manufacturing and their QC system either addresses them or says hey it's not perfect and it's good enough - that just comes down to systems in place and manufacturing philosophy/tolerances. The engineering issues can be more complex and those can take time. I think it's when you put these two issues together the perception of Acura's reliability plummets.
They want to charge more and I agree you get more the money compared to a Honda but if they want to be taken seriously in this market they have to be better engineered and built than a Civic that cost less than half as much.
They want to charge more and I agree you get more the money compared to a Honda but if they want to be taken seriously in this market they have to be better engineered and built than a Civic that cost less than half as much.
Last edited by PWMDMD; 02-22-2019 at 08:47 AM.
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Fifteenkey (02-22-2019)
#6
I think CR was too enamored with the all new RDX at first; then reality set in. I watched their latest issue of car reports on YouTube and it seems they are trying to improve their ratings to reflect real world experiences. However, they still rely on consumer responses to their limited number of surveys, which seem slanted toward the negatives. The RDX is a great road machine, but let’s face it, their new infotainment system is junk. Just my 2 ˘.
#7
BTW . I just read Feb issue of CR. Acura ranked dead last in owners satification. 30 out of 30.
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#9
Just to put things in context, not only is Acura ranked last in owner satisfaction, RDX is also ranked low in owner satisfaction, beating out only QX50.
Porsche Macan
Audi Q5
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X4
Lincoln MKC
Cadilac XTS
Lexus NX
Buick Envision
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX50
Porsche Macan
Audi Q5
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X4
Lincoln MKC
Cadilac XTS
Lexus NX
Buick Envision
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX50
#10
Just to put things in context, not only is Acura ranked last in owner satisfaction, RDX is also ranked low in owner satisfaction, beating out only QX50.
Porsche Macan
Audi Q5
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X4
Lincoln MKC
Cadilac XTS
Lexus NX
Buick Envision
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX50
Porsche Macan
Audi Q5
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X4
Lincoln MKC
Cadilac XTS
Lexus NX
Buick Envision
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX50
#11
Instructor
Just to put things in context, not only is Acura ranked last in owner satisfaction, RDX is also ranked low in owner satisfaction, beating out only QX50.
Porsche Macan
Audi Q5
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X4
Lincoln MKC
Cadilac XTS
Lexus NX
Buick Envision
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX50
Porsche Macan
Audi Q5
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X4
Lincoln MKC
Cadilac XTS
Lexus NX
Buick Envision
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX50
I love driving my RDX, and I like driving my GLC.
Also, each CUV on this list is pretty awesome. My 4 closest neighbor have the MKC, XT5, Q5 and X3 in their garages. I don't think any of us picked a bad car.
#12
I own both the GLC and RDX, both loaded with similar goodies. For the money, the RDX is killer IMO.
I love driving my RDX, and I like driving my GLC.
Also, each CUV on this list is pretty awesome. My 4 closest neighbor have the MKC, XT5, Q5 and X3 in their garages. I don't think any of us picked a bad car.
I love driving my RDX, and I like driving my GLC.
Also, each CUV on this list is pretty awesome. My 4 closest neighbor have the MKC, XT5, Q5 and X3 in their garages. I don't think any of us picked a bad car.
#13
Drifting
And there is always the value, or price of entry to each vehicle. Many on the list are way more expensive than the RDX similarly equipped.
A friend has a 2018 MKC, he is sorry he bought it. His mistake, yes. His trade in value is horrendous so he will grudgingly keep it another year or two. It's sad to be unhappy in a car.
A friend has a 2018 MKC, he is sorry he bought it. His mistake, yes. His trade in value is horrendous so he will grudgingly keep it another year or two. It's sad to be unhappy in a car.
#14
Drifting
Just to put things in context, not only is Acura ranked last in owner satisfaction, RDX is also ranked low in owner satisfaction, beating out only QX50.
Porsche Macan
Audi Q5
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X4
Lincoln MKC
Cadilac XTS
Lexus NX
Buick Envision
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX50
Porsche Macan
Audi Q5
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz GLC
BMW X4
Lincoln MKC
Cadilac XTS
Lexus NX
Buick Envision
Acura RDX
Infiniti QX50
#15
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
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Car and Driver ranks the RDX #16 - https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...x-16-a-977364/
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DaBlues5 (06-17-2020)
#17
#18
Drifting
Specific to 2019 RDX, which now has a reliability rating 2/5.
2016-2018 RDX have reliability rating 4/5 and retain "recommended" status as used cars.
But owner satisfaction is 4/5 for 2019 RDX vs 2/5 for most 2nd-gen RDX's except 2017 which is 3/5.
Soooo 2019 RDX is fun to drive, but the infotainment system is a POS?
2016-2018 RDX have reliability rating 4/5 and retain "recommended" status as used cars.
But owner satisfaction is 4/5 for 2019 RDX vs 2/5 for most 2nd-gen RDX's except 2017 which is 3/5.
Soooo 2019 RDX is fun to drive, but the infotainment system is a POS?
Last edited by Wander; 02-23-2019 at 01:22 AM.
#19
Specific to 2019 RDX, which now has a reliability rating 2/5.
2016-2018 RDX have reliability rating 4/5 and retain "recommended" status as used cars.
But owner satisfaction is 4/5 for 2019 RDX vs 2/5 for most 2nd-gen RDX's except 2017 which is 3/5.
Soooo 2019 RDX is fun to drive, but the infotainment system is a POS?
2016-2018 RDX have reliability rating 4/5 and retain "recommended" status as used cars.
But owner satisfaction is 4/5 for 2019 RDX vs 2/5 for most 2nd-gen RDX's except 2017 which is 3/5.
Soooo 2019 RDX is fun to drive, but the infotainment system is a POS?
#20
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Just odd that infotainment system complaints = unreliable.
Did you notice why the Odyssey isn't recommended anymore? Infotainment screen lockup. Yeah, makes the car very unreliable (and they do make comments that the fastest growing area of complaints is infotainment and electronics.
And wow, Toyota isn't doing well too, whereas in JD Power, it's really good. Who do we believe?
Did you notice why the Odyssey isn't recommended anymore? Infotainment screen lockup. Yeah, makes the car very unreliable (and they do make comments that the fastest growing area of complaints is infotainment and electronics.
And wow, Toyota isn't doing well too, whereas in JD Power, it's really good. Who do we believe?
#21
Just odd that infotainment system complaints = unreliable.
Did you notice why the Odyssey isn't recommended anymore? Infotainment screen lockup. Yeah, makes the car very unreliable (and they do make comments that the fastest growing area of complaints is infotainment and electronics.
And wow, Toyota isn't doing well too, whereas in JD Power, it's really good. Who do we believe?
Did you notice why the Odyssey isn't recommended anymore? Infotainment screen lockup. Yeah, makes the car very unreliable (and they do make comments that the fastest growing area of complaints is infotainment and electronics.
And wow, Toyota isn't doing well too, whereas in JD Power, it's really good. Who do we believe?
#22
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Infotainment issues can be very frustrating for those who are not used to newer tech. My wife is 100% not interested it all the tech in cars these days. She test drove the RDX and felt there was just too much going on with all the buttons on the wheel, screens and touchpad. She has a 2013 Highlander and is completely satisfied with it. She just wants to listen to a couple FM stations and occasionally bluetooth. I couldn't imagine my mom being able to figure it all out.
I'm sure these are the types of people who give bad reviews due to infotainment/tech issues. It may not necessary mean it's not reliable.
I'm sure these are the types of people who give bad reviews due to infotainment/tech issues. It may not necessary mean it's not reliable.
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DaBlues5 (06-17-2020)
#23
Suzuka Master
Infotainment issues can be very frustrating for those who are not used to newer tech. My wife is 100% not interested it all the tech in cars these days. She test drove the RDX and felt there was just too much going on with all the buttons on the wheel, screens and touchpad. She has a 2013 Highlander and is completely satisfied with it. She just wants to listen to a couple FM stations and occasionally bluetooth. I couldn't imagine my mom being able to figure it all out.
I'm sure these are the types of people who give bad reviews due to infotainment/tech issues. It may not necessary mean it's not reliable.
I'm sure these are the types of people who give bad reviews due to infotainment/tech issues. It may not necessary mean it's not reliable.
#24
Burning Brakes
She also finds excuse after excuse to not drive the RDX - not a problem for me personally but I'm thinking about a situation where we're out somewhere and for whatever reason I'm not able to drive. Getting familiar with a new vehicle can be stressful enough without having to do it while under stress for a different reason at the same time.
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DaBlues5 (06-17-2020)
#25
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Haha I'm sure my parents would be the same, that they would hate the infotainment system. They have trouble using an Android phone after all, and would often be asking me for help. They will say the phone is not working when it's working perfectly fine.
Not saying smartphones don't have issue, in fact, the cimpleco opposite. But it's sort of how they work in a sense that once in a while, you do have to reboot the phone. With the infotainment system being an android device, it probably is the same. It will take time for people to understand and for the bugs to be ironed out. That's sort of the price one has to pay to get updates.
Not saying smartphones don't have issue, in fact, the cimpleco opposite. But it's sort of how they work in a sense that once in a while, you do have to reboot the phone. With the infotainment system being an android device, it probably is the same. It will take time for people to understand and for the bugs to be ironed out. That's sort of the price one has to pay to get updates.
#26
Specific to 2019 RDX, which now has a reliability rating 2/5.
2016-2018 RDX have reliability rating 4/5 and retain "recommended" status as used cars.
But owner satisfaction is 4/5 for 2019 RDX vs 2/5 for most 2nd-gen RDX's except 2017 which is 3/5.
Soooo 2019 RDX is fun to drive, but the infotainment system is a POS?
2016-2018 RDX have reliability rating 4/5 and retain "recommended" status as used cars.
But owner satisfaction is 4/5 for 2019 RDX vs 2/5 for most 2nd-gen RDX's except 2017 which is 3/5.
Soooo 2019 RDX is fun to drive, but the infotainment system is a POS?
Attached is CR on owner satisfaction. Acura ranked pretty low
#28
Drifting
That's the previous generation RDX.
BTW, I never got around to doing the CR survey. So don't blame me!
BTW, I never got around to doing the CR survey. So don't blame me!
Last edited by Wander; 02-23-2019 at 11:38 PM.
#29
Drifting
But in case we feel like RDX is being unfairly vilified by CR, here's their take on the Lexus NX. This made me laugh.
OTOH they gave it an overall score of 79 vs 67 for RDX.
With a snout borrowed from a large-mouth bass and a body with more creases than a churro pastry, the NX is the most un-Lexus Lexus we've tested. From a brand that made its bones building vanilla-mobiles, the NX is a swing in the other direction.
Last edited by Wander; 02-23-2019 at 11:59 PM.
#30
Null and proud of it
@Majofo Have John Smith create a voice over of this in a British accent, please...
With a snout borrowed from a large-mouth bass and a body with more creases than a churro pastry, the NX is the most un-Lexus Lexus we've tested. From a brand that made its bones building vanilla-mobiles, the NX is a swing in the other direction.
#31
Same with build quality. Sure, misaligned taillights or panel gaps don't affect the functionality of the car, but it could be a symptom of a larger systemic problem during the assembly process that could one day manifest in issues with the powertrain.
Last edited by fiatlux; 02-24-2019 at 03:50 PM.
#33
The infotainment system crashes, brakes squeak, transmission is laggy, fuel in oil, panels don't align....but Consumer Reports and JD Powers don't know what they are talking about, we're just breaking the car in...lol
#34
I've been a reader of CR for years and still am, but I don't like that infotainment has been factored into "reliability." When I car shop, I want a car I can trust won't break down on a road trip. To be that's reliability. So while I can understand why people would be frustrated with confusing infotainment setups, I think that problem is rather secondary.
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securityguy (03-01-2019)
#35
Infotainment is expected to work as it should. If it doesn't, then the vehicle's reliability scores should definitely be dinged. It's a great way to put pressure on car manufacturers to get their act together and not release these buggy electronic nightmares upon consumers to beta test. That's, of course, in addition to owners pestering their dealers and Acura customer service.
#36
Infotainment is consider in car electronics and should be absolutely be considered as reliability scoring. In fact, anything that can break should be included. You may be thinking about weight of the scoring being a failed light bulb shouldn't be scored the same as transmission failures.
That I would agree but we don't have details how these surveys work. A proper one would have taken weights in consideration
That I would agree but we don't have details how these surveys work. A proper one would have taken weights in consideration
#37
Infotainment is consider in car electronics and should be absolutely be considered as reliability scoring. In fact, anything that can break should be included. You may be thinking about weight of the scoring being a failed light bulb shouldn't be scored the same as transmission failures.
That I would agree but we don't have details how these surveys work. A proper one would have taken weights in consideration
That I would agree but we don't have details how these surveys work. A proper one would have taken weights in consideration
#38
Infotainment is consider in car electronics and should be absolutely be considered as reliability scoring. In fact, anything that can break should be included. You may be thinking about weight of the scoring being a failed light bulb shouldn't be scored the same as transmission failures.
That I would agree but we don't have details how these surveys work. A proper one would have taken weights in consideration
That I would agree but we don't have details how these surveys work. A proper one would have taken weights in consideration
#39
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
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#40
From Consumer Reports:
"To check on the reliability history of a particular year's model, start with the Overall Reliability Verdict Score. This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by members in all trouble spots. Because problems with the engine major, engine cooling, transmission major, and drive system can be serious and expensive to repair, our calculations give extra weight to problems in those areas."
"To check on the reliability history of a particular year's model, start with the Overall Reliability Verdict Score. This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by members in all trouble spots. Because problems with the engine major, engine cooling, transmission major, and drive system can be serious and expensive to repair, our calculations give extra weight to problems in those areas."