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I hope everyone is doing well. I was wondering if someone could help me out with some issues I’ve been experiencing with my 2021 Acura RDX Technology Package FWD with 48K miles.
Story: Let’s say I’m driving around town or even on the highway. I hear a noise which I believe may be coming from the speakers. It sounds like rocks are hitting your windshield. Another way to describe the noise is that you could be in park listening to the radio, and you hear some weird popping/crackling noise from the speakers. From the research I’ve done, it appears to be a common problem with the RDX that they have issues with something called FAKRA connectors. I believe there is a TSB for this issue. TSB number 23-025.
1. I’m confused about how to tell if you do or don’t qualify for this repair. I checked the NHTSA website based on my VIN and don’t have any recalls. The TSB document says to “Check iN for VIN eligibility”. But I don’t really know what that means. Could any users on here help me figure out if I would be eligible for this repair on my Acura? Can only a dealership determine if my vehicle qualifies for a TSB through their computer system?
2. I’m curious to know that the document says it’s covered for 8 years or 100K miles, whichever comes first. While I’m under the mileage and year limit currently. If my VIN is determined to be ineligible. Would a goodwill warranty or something kick in? I’ve never had this TSB repair done before, and this problem started recently. However, I’ve been seeing a bunch of threads complaining about this issue now, and I’m wondering what would be the best way to go about getting this covered under warranty, if possible? Also, do you guys think I would get charged for anything? Am I required to pay a diagnostic fee?
I hope to hear from you guys soon, and I greatly appreciate any feedback in advance.
I would make an appointment and tell dealer that you are hearing cracking noises from audio. Mention symptoms as described in TSB. I would hope that by now, with it being common issue, they will immediately schedule you for TSB repair without trying to duplicate the issue or waste your time. But sadly, there are not very good dealers around and they might pretend that they never heard of this issue and that problem can not be replicated. If this happens, you can show them TSB print out, but even that might not help. You will then need to try different dealer.
Ive dealt with something similar for lower control arms noise; even with TSB and obvious noise that can be replicated, the dealership acted like they never heard of this issue and that everything looks good. I know it can be very frustrating when you have horrible dealer.
I'm hoping the dealership won't cause any problems. But at the same time, the crackling noise comes and goes, so I can have someone record the noise coming from the car, which would show the exact noise described in the TSB, but duplicating the noise in the dealership might be a tough one, since the noise comes and goes.
Do you by chance know if all VIN's qualify for the TSB I posted? Did you end up having to pay a diagnostic fee at the dealership, or did showing the TSB document cover all expenses?
I'm hoping the dealership won't cause any problems. But at the same time, the crackling noise comes and goes, so I can have someone record the noise coming from the car, which would show the exact noise described in the TSB, but duplicating the noise in the dealership might be a tough one, since the noise comes and goes.
Do you by chance know if all VIN's qualify for the TSB I posted? Did you end up having to pay a diagnostic fee at the dealership, or did showing the TSB document cover all expenses?
mine was done when car was still under warranty, so not sure if they might hit you with diagnostic fees.
Ah, okay, no worries, thank you for letting me know. I'm currently at 48K miles, so I should be covered under the 8-year or 100K-mile extension for the FAKRA connectors. I'll have to see what the dealership says in terms of getting this. covered.
I just had mine done (just under 100k, thankfully). I just contacted my service advisor and described what it was doing, and that it would usually happen when I hit bumps in the road. He scheduled me and reserved a loaner, no questions.
That being said, I also have a very good relationship with my dealership (I worked there for 11+ years) so they normally trust anything I tell them.
Haven't had any issues since it was done, but it's only been about a month.
Ah, okay, that's good to note. I recall the name of the service advisor I normally work with, but I'm hoping everything will be covered. Unfortunately, the dealership's service department was busy when I called, and I left a voicemail, but I haven't heard back from anyone yet. I'm hoping my VIN is included in the TSB and that I hopefully won't have to pay a diagnostic fee, but I am still waiting to hear back from the dealership. Hopefully someone calls me back from the voicemail I left.
Well, unfortunately, no updates. The dealership didn't respond to my voicemail I left on Thursday or Friday, so I'm going to try to call again and see what happens. Really hoping that I don't have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses, and this is all covered. Any other tips to get the TSB covered? Is it better to go through a service manager, or would a service advisor be more lenient on not paying any out-of-pocket expenses and getting everything covered under the TSB extension?
Dont call them, make an appointment, mention extended warranty and that you have same symptoms.
They might tell you that if its not covered by warranty you might have to pay diagnostic fee, you will have to agree with it, or they might refuse to look at it.
I'll try and see if the dealership that's near me has an online appointment system. Normally I would have to call to make an appointment. I'm new to this forum page but someone also someone sent me a private message saying to email a Customer Relations Manager and that may help. I'll keep this thread updated when I have another updated.
Well, as a small update. I have an appointment tomorrow, so hopefully it goes well. I'm hoping my VIN is covered under the warranty extension. Planning to bring a printout of the TSB extension. Will give another update after my dealership visit.
My 2021 with 34K is getting the new pano-roof frame and bolts installed this week. The service tech heard the roof popping when taking a test drive after a 4wd alignment and transmission fluid change. My local Acura dealer has been top notch, never an issue with any work they have preformed. Will let you all know the outcome when I get her back.
BTW - the alignment was off enough to get it done after installing the new Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 Plus. Track super straight on the road. The Conti's are a night and day improvement over the OEM Goodyear RSA's.
Last edited by Texasrdx21; May 11, 2026 at 03:53 PM.
I hope you’re all doing well. I wanted to post an update on this thread with some good news and some bad news.
Good news: I checked in with my service advisor and explained the symptoms I was having. I also brought a printed copy of the TSB with me, and he knew exactly what I was talking about. My VIN was included, there was no diagnostic fee, and everything was covered. So far, the crackling/popping noise has not returned. It took me roughly 40 minutes to drive home from the Acura dealership, and I did not hear the noise once. Hopefully, it stays that way and does not come back.
Bad news: I dropped my car off early in the morning to have the work done. Later, when I called to check the status, I was told the vehicle was ready for pickup. When I arrived at the dealership, I met with the same service advisor. He handed me my key and told me the TSB covered everything and that I should be good to go. Before leaving, I did a visual inspection of the car, and I was not happy with the condition of the rear area, especially around the rear right side of the vehicle. There was a large black spot/stain left on one of the rear interior trim pieces. I went back inside and spoke with the same service advisor. He came back out with me to view the black spot I was referring to, and he was kind enough, respectful, and tried to clean the area with a rag. He did his best, but the dark black spot seems to be stuck on the trim and is now difficult to remove.
Another thing I noticed was that the rear trunk seal area, which I highlighted in yellow in the photo, was hanging loose and wasn’t secured in place. I’m not sure why that area was touched during the repair. There was also some type of black glue or adhesive stuck around it. When I opened the trunk, that piece was loose, so the service advisor pushed the rear trunk seal back into place. Since then, it has not come loose again. At first, I was a little worried about water possibly getting into the car, but since the seal is now back in place and feels secure, I’m not as concerned about that anymore. What bothers me more is the sticky residue left behind, along with the black stain on the rear interior trim.
What I found interesting is that the service advisor said there should not be any glue or black adhesive near the rear trunk seal, so I’m not really sure how it ended up there. Has anyone else dealt with something similar after having the FAKRA connectors replaced? I’m glad the crackling noise seems to be fixed, but I’m not happy with how my car was left after the repair. I wish I had taken some before photos of the interior and exterior when dropping my car for service, and then had the proof to compare both photos to show my car was not dropped off like this, and something happened while working on my car. Something isn't adding up to me, but I'm not sure what can be done now.
Does anyone have suggestions on what I should do next? I’m mainly looking for advice on whether there are any safe products or cleaning methods to remove the sticky residue and black grime without damaging the trim. Haven’t had much luck using the Meguires stuff I have.
UPDATE: Just got my 2021 Acura RDX Aspec SHawd w/34k miles back from the dealership (Melbourne Acura - FL), who replaced the pano sunroof frame and bolts. They did an impeccable job, as you cannot even tell they removed the headliner (not a spot on it). Service advisor and mgr told me the tech has done a few and very thorough+competent. No more popping when driving into the raised driveway. Super happy!
Best and most reliable vehicle I have owned in a long time. Besides regular maintenance and consumables (Tires @ 34k due to hardness and battery @ 53 months) - I have done nothing but keep her in tip-top-shape.
*always test in an inconspicuous area if possible*
That said, you might try Goo Gone or similar on the plastic trim part. For the fabric, maybe rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer? Dish soap or vinegar may also be effective, and perhaps less risky than rubbing alcohol.
I wanted to bump this thread and see if anyone has any additional recommendations for post 13?
Best,
DONSRK
Soapy warm water mixture and a micro fiber towel. May have to go over it a few times, then maybe an interior trim cleaner. Surprised Acura returned your vehicle that way.
Mine just has some silicon spray where they fitted the external sunroof seal for the sunroof frame into the roof opening on the outside. They tried to clean most of it off, but I got the rest off.
Ah okay. Thank you for the soapy water recommendation. I'm planning to do a car wash this week. I'm still a bit disappointed in the way my car was returned, but hopefully, through some interior cleaning products. The black spot and sticky residue go away.
