2019 RDX Issues and Rattles
 

Build quality is not great. Had similar issues with my wife's C300 the first year they started building them in the US. Rattles, body panels misaligned, etc. Newer Rdx builds will improve but that doesn't help the ones who purchased early.

I have the same rattles from the dash. It's like there is something loose in the driver's side a-pillar or dash near the windshield. Very annoying.

No rattles with mine, except a light knocking sound at the back after the car went over a bump, but this is not consistent and I am not too worry about it.

The only rattle I've noticed is in the driver's side a-pillar also. It's only on bumpy roads, but the dealer is replacing the cover and clips. They duplicated it, they think it's a broken clip. Part arrived this morning, just have to get in to have it replaced.

Other than that, I find the interior very solid over bumpy roads.

Mine does this, too. I started a thread about it two months ago, but nobody replied.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-...e-cold-973596/

Not only can I feel the vibration and the resulting rattles, but I can hear it - it sounds like someone with a car full of 15" blasting subwoofers is beside me.

It's so annoying and embarrassing that I've resorted to backing into my garage every evening so I don't have to subject myself to the vibration the next morning when I head to work and would normally back out of the garage.

Basically, whenever the engine is "cold" (regardless of ambient temperature - it doesn't matter if it's Summer or Winter) and I shift to reverse and stop, the entire vehicle vibrates. It doesn't do it after the engine warms up, in any other gear, or while moving. The engine appears to idle way too fast while in gear. I better have my foot firmly on brake pedal or the car will take off! My 2018 Accord had essentially the same engine and transmission and it never did anything like this. The shifts were a bit rough between 1-2-3 like the RDX, but not nearly as harsh as the 2-3 shift in the RDX.

I don't have any major rattles or the tailgate groan (yet), but I do have a laundry list of fit-and-finish and infotainment issues and the brake pedal squeaks when I push it. I've been a huge Honda fanboy for over a decade now - I've bought nine of them during that time. This is my first Acura and oh what a disappointment it's been. It's bad enough that I'm now looking outside of the Honda/Acura brands for my next vehicle.

The main reason I haven't taken it in for this yet is because the nearest Acura dealer is a 2-hour trip for me. Next time, I think I'll stay with a brand with a local dealership. The engine and transmission in a $16K 2016 Ford Fiesta that I inherited a couple of months ago is smoother and quieter than this RDX which costs three times as much. That's a problem.

I also bought mine in June and it has had a vibration/noise from day one that originates from the upper right rear cargo area. Sometimes, I can feel it in the driver's seat, but most of the time it is a noise/vibration that gets strongest at 78 mph. I even put my wife in the back one day cruising the interstate to see if she could pinpoint the location but no success. Took it to the dealer once and they said (of course) they could not detect the problem

Would appreciate any feedback and insight. Has anyone else had this issue?

Yikes.

I am from the opposite camp, my RDX is solid as a tank. Absolutely no squeaks, rattles, buzzing etc.

MarineOne - what trim package do you have and where are you located?

Advance/FWD. D/FW area.

Re: 2019 Advance Squeaks
 

I have the same issue on my 2019 RDX Advance purchased in July. Rattles everywhere - dash, headliner, and rear hatch and all are quite irritating and persistent! 3 trips to dealer no improvement. Very, very disappointed in Acura. My Honda's and Mazda's do not have these issues. Noise is heard mostly driving from 15 - 40 mph. Above that road noise drowns it out.

I have the rattling noise coming from the heads-up display "area" on the dash,
meaning the sunken down / recessed hole on the dash where the windshield
display originates from. It's quite noticeable over small or large bumps, and
louder when it's cold outside. I noticed that it goes away 90% if I warm the
dash by blowing hot air onto the windshield (defogger setting). I think the
rattling might be coming from the clear plastic piece covering the display,
but because of its location, it's hard to test my theory -- trying to drive
and push down on the plastic piece at the same time -- to see if that
plastic piece needs to be secured better. As with many other posts,
and other issues that I have, I am somewhat disappointed with this car.

I had the same problem. I thought it was the HUD, but it wasn't. I took a 1/2" x 1/2" x 1" piece of foam rubber and jammed it just to the right of where the wood trim ends just to the left of the HUD and the dash. I jammed the foam rubber in far enough so that it can hardly be seen. The noise disappeared. This is worth trying.

Clunking Sound from Sunroof
 

We have a loud clunking sound coming from the sunroof. It seems to be coming from the left side and we tend to hear it on left turns. Anyone else have a similar issue?
Thanks!

I bought Acura RDX 2019 SH-AWD. From the first day main display of navigation shows turns right and left correctly and correctly says it, but head-up display shows direction viceversa and wrongly, and it happens very frequently. I contacted to the dealership and showed them photos of that problem with the evidence of head-up display and main display. Dealers couldn't solve this problem and said that they are going to contact manufacturer. It is very dangerous because you can get in to the accident, especially if you are driving in unknown places. Does anybody had same issue? If anybody knows the answer to solve this issue please reply or email me directly sjakishev@gmail.com

clunking from the sunroof
 

I have this, loud enough to hear it when going over certain bumps with and without turning in slow speed.
From what I understand, to investigate this, you would need to remove the cargo area side panels to access the headliner. The Technician at a local dealership has not done this before, so I did not pressed him to do it.
After talking to Acura Client Relation about this, they told me to just work with the dealership and they will send a Field Technician to help them, if necessary. I am planning on doing this in a week or two.

Accessing the roof
 

Check out video on post #23 here https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-...nstall-977221/

HUD rattle
 

I tried arjaykay's foam fix, but it didn't work for me. However, I discovered the source of my rattle,
and I've kinda fixed it with foam -- but at a different location. I'll try to explain my problem and
my fix as best as I can:

My rattle is coming from the HUD clear plastic cover. This cover is a square-ish piece, with about
a quarter-inch gap between it and the dashboard "frame" around it. When I examine it and push
down on all four sides, it "appears" to be secure. But...if I press down in the center of the
piece -- meaning the balancing point / center of gravity of a square -- the clear plastic cover
will "flex" and the edge parallel to the windshield and closest to the windshield "pulls" away
from the underside attachment to the dash. When this edge flexes off its attachment, it makes
a "popping" noise. I suspect that because of this poor attachment, this clear plastic piece will
shake under certain conditions at this edge, hit a dashboard component, and make the rattle.

So my fix is to stick foam into the quarter-inch gap at this "loose" edge between the clear plastic
cover and the dashboard frame around it. I've tried this for a few days, and it seems to get rid
of 95% of the rattle. I still hear it with really big ugly bumps (unfortunately, quite common here
on NYC roads).

I don't now if it was designed this way, or if the glue failed. I probably won't take this back
to the dealer because it seems like alot of work to glue that piece back down and my fix
seems to work most of the time.

My RDX has less than 200miles. The sunroof started clunking/creaking when going over bumps. A bit disappointed.

I suspect the retractable window is not securing itself down, hence bounces a bit when I hit a bump. I want to get a large suction cup and attach it to the window. Then have the wife pull down on it as we go over bumps to prove to myself that the clunk sound is coming from the retractable window.

Same here... I thought my 2010 MDX was inanely smooth and solid, but (aside from the louder 4cyl engine), the RDX has been even better when it comes to rattles and noise.
I have none whatsoever, but it's only a month old. Perhaps it just hasn't shaken loose yet, or they fixed earlier quality control issues (if there were any).

The clunking sound on mine comes from above the cargo area. Some of the owners have the squeaky noise that comes from suspensions (mine stopped after the raining season a few weeks ago). I also have clicking sound coming from the rear passenger side interior light and was able to duplicated it by pounding lightly on the headliner around that area, dealer replaced the entire light and that fixed the issue. I also have clicking sound coming from the headrest on the front passenger seat when going through rough road surface, which I thought was coming from the ceiling speakers. For this, I just retracted the headrest back and that kind of took care of that.
For the clunking sound, I am just going to wait until the next (first) service visit to have the dealer look at it again.

I did a quick test with the sunroof slightly open. When open, the clunk sound disappears. When closed, it returns.

Also note that during left/right turns (body flex), the sunroof will squeak (rubber against rubber sound. I think Acura simply did not install a quality/good rubber seal for the roof. I had a similar problem with my 2011 Accord. The driver door would squeak when turning/bumps. They never did fix the problem, but I solved it myself by simply tightening the door (moved the door metal U bold tighter to the car). The door closed tighter and the sound was gone. So guessing my Acura has a similar issue with the sunroof not closing completely/securely.

It just occurred to me to suggest that you do a re-initialization of the sunroof. It's possible that it is stopping a fraction of an inch too soon when closing. Unfortunately, after searching a bit, I don't see that procedure for the '19 RDX. I did find the procedure for previous Honda products...but hesitate to post it here.

Perhaps someone else can provide it so you can at least try it.

Here is the link to the TSB to reset the moonroof. http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/B18-044.PDF

Thanks! I don't know if this will help @dweilbacher, but it is worth a try in my opinion.

My RDX was rattle-free until about two months ago. I'm getting rattles from both front a-frames (I think) that are getting worse. I have 6,700 miles on the car. But...these are the least of my worries.

I had the same issue... First they told me it was the headliner so they replaced the headliner. Then they told me it was the frame for the sunroof that was the issue so they replaced the frame. I was good for about 4 months, then the sunroof started making creaking noises when the car would shift. Took it back to the dealership the other day and they informed me that the frame for the sunroof became loose and that they had to tighten everything up... We will see how long that lasts.

Anyone else is experiencing this? On top of the loud vibration while in reverse, I am receiving a knocking sound from my rear struts when I reverse out of my driveway.

In case you don't already know, for rough idle with cold engine, you can check out TSB-18-062 and 18-063 here https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...letins-970256/

For the clunking noise, mine is coming from above the headliner at the cargo area, so that is most likely different from yours.

Thanks for sending me the link. I was not aware of the technical bulletins.

My rattle in the HUD area seems to be fixed now (at least for 3 days) when I brought my RDX back to the dealer to fix acurazine forum problem "weird-crackling-noise-976312".
The service dept was able to reproduce my rattle, and to fix it, they put foam tape around some HUD contact area when my dash was disassembled -- per the service rep and my invoice.

Faint Knocking Noise
 

I purchased my 2019 RDX SH-AWD about a month ago and so far, absolutely love it. Smooth ride over all with no rattles or shakes as many have pointed out. The only things that have stood out that I've noticed is when driving over bumps at higher speeds on the freeway, I sometimes hear a very faint sort of knocking sound that seems to come from under the front of the vehicle. Not exactly sure where it's coming from and it doesn't happen all the time, but it's something I've noticed, even though I don't think my wife has. Only other thing is when shifting into reverse right after turning the vehicle on, it's quite rough and loud, although this is intermittent as well.

Anyone else experiencing these similar issues? I'm considering taking it to the dealer to check these out but they're not too bad of problems compared to some of the others I've read on the forum.

It's coming from your wife. :tongue:

That’s what they did to fix my under dash rattle.

Fro the "rough idle when engine is cold", see TSB 18-063 at the link below. Mine is mild and my VIN is outside of the affected vehicle range, so the dealer could not do anything, meaning that they are not able to apply the TSB on my RDX.
https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...letins-970256/

Mine was made in Sept. 2018 and I took her home in October. I noticed a clonking sound at the cargo area when going over bumps at slow speed toward the end of last year, squeaky suspension in March and rear hatch groaning noise (happened more often when left under the sun at 70+ degrees for a few hours). For now (about 5,000 mi), the clonking noise does not happen that often, the suspension squeaky noise is gone, but I still have the rear hatch groaning on a hot day. My plan is to report all these to the dealer when my first maintenance is due.

I have a battle rattle from my roof too

But every bump in the road or angle or even taking a fun corner the moon roof rattles really bad.

I took it in once at 3k miles. The dealership said it was the wind visor and they said they adjusted it, not sure how. Well it was good for the 90% the way home and then it started acting up again. The car has 4k miles.
After I came home that day I looked at the visor myself and added some tape to the plastic things that rest on the wind visor and slide up as you open/close the thing. This got rid of some of the noise, I tried some thicker felt padded furniture stick on things that I cut in half so they werent so thick. It helps alot, but doesnt solve the issue. It seems like the rattle from the front of the roof goes away with these pads, but noise from the middle or driver rear still is there. It sounds like its coming from two places in the roof.

Before I go back to the dealership, has anyone had similar issues and had any fix your dealer did?


When the roof is open things are OK no rattle.
When the roof is TITLED up to vent, things are OK no rattle.

From my own testing after, I feel its the stupid wind visor but only 75% sure. Because even with felt tape it still does it. So I am still puzzled if the sound is coming from the middle/rear of the roof glass

I mean it seems like the only next step is to let them tear into the headliner and prob create more rattles. Glad its a lease! lol

i have the exact same problem. the dealer tried to fix by stuffing foam down the dash (right??) that did nothing.

Waiting to take the car back for warranty work to address this and the rattle from tailgate area.

Not sure if it is 100% due to USA build, but quality is sh*t in this car

2020 RDX concerned potential buyer
 

Having been a 2005 Acura MDX owner I naturally figured that buying a new RDX would be an easy decision. But after reading all the posts and concerns regarding the infotainment system I am having second thoughts. The Acura salesperson said that they pushed through a new update back in December 2018 which fixed many of the problems re infotainment system. Are any of you guys still experiencing infotainment glitch issues? I’m new to the board so any inquiries would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

RE:infotainment. Mine is not bad at all (build Feb 2019), apple car play still off-and-on connectivity, but everything else works ok. NAV is not the best, better to use maps on iphone, if car play is working. Boot up time not bad, about one minute.

Thank you!

IMHO...i would wait on the RDX. i have owned 4 Acura's previously (still have our 2014 MDX) those were all WONDERFUL issue free vehicles. Loved them all.
The 3rd generation RDX has many issues I feel Acura has to sort out...especially at their price point. I Have the SH AWD Advance, and the stereo, seats, and HUD, AWD are great. But the engine, transmission, and rattling issues of the car I am most disappointed in. For nearly $50k , way over priced. Again, my opinion. I would give it another year if you can wait.

Dash Rattles 2019 RDX Advance
 

To those of you experiencing dash rattles on the driver's side... I took my vehicle to the dealer and met with the factory service rep...I had attempted to fix the rattles by jamming insulation foam from the a pillar to the edge of the hud cover. While it did help it did not completely address the rattles. The Acura factory rep had the technician disassemble the dash. Here is what he discovered:
1. Loose dashboard mounting bolts
2. The cover to the HUD rubbing against the windshield

They are in the process of putting everything back together and are going to quality control it this evening and again tomorrow morning... hopefully this will fix the issue. I will report back tomorrow.

Driver side dash rattles
 

Received my RDX back today dash rattle free. Here is the repair summary as reported to Acura:

There were loose Dash mounting bolts on the driver side. Additionally the dash frame was rubbing against the HUD display. EPT foam tape and wool felt were applied to both bridges on HUD unit and area of the dash frame where they meet. Additionally all dash mounting bolts were checked to make sure they were tight prior to reassembly.

This repair fixed the problem. It was an intensive repair that required complete disassembly of the dash and console removal, but was well worth leaving the vehicle overnight and getting a service loaner.

Same problems as others here with vibration and knocking noises.
 

I bought my base model 2019 RDX about 2 months ago. From the first day it made the noises this thread is about (see # 1 and 2). I finally have time to take it into service. I have about 200 miles on it. This is the summary that I'm going to give them. Obviously, the first two items are most important. I'm pretty unhappy with the rickety feel of this car. Never had an Acura before. Besides the noises, I really like the car. FYI, I know very little about cars. (Made this list so I don't forget anything when I take it in).




1. Noise: Front headliner. Vibration noise on rougher roads. You can re-create noise by bumping headliner with hand, (directly behind “sunglass" storage compartment).


2. Noise: Roof creaking (knocking) noise as car flexes on incline turns or harder turns.

Example: Turning into shopping plaza. Railroad tracks. Etc. (Not exactly sure where noise is coming from. Seems sunroof related.)



3. Noise from front side windows. Loud snap when you start to lower windows, as window separates from seal at top. As if the rubber seal is sticky.



4. Friction – driver’s side window

Sometimes window “drags” unsmoothly at the bottom as it lowers.



5. Noise – driver’s side armrest.

Armrest sometimes makes crinkly noise when elbow is resting on it.

Correction. I didn't buy it. I'm leasing it for 3 years.

Question: I leased it from an Acura dealership that's about 30 minutes away (1 hour away in heavy LA traffic). There is an Acura dealership just down the street from me, very convenient. But would I get better and more sympathetic "treatment" from the dealership I'm leasing it from? Is it worth the inconvenience to drive out there? My salesperson seems like a good guy.

Sales and service are two totally different and separate departments. Any Acura service dept. can and will do your warranty work.

Thanks for responding JB. Good to know that. Saves me a long drive in LA traffic.

My Solution to my 2019 RDX problems:
 

I traded that POS for a 2019 Ford Edge Titanium Platinum White. More room, same tech features, better gas mileage and Car and Driver crossover of the year two years in a row. Good to those having issues.

Wait, it takes 1 minute for the infotainment system to boot up? That sounds terrible to me.

Yup! It's absolutely ridiculous!