Hello All. New to the RDX community. I found my way here when researching Lemon Law statutes for my state of residence. After reading here about some of the problems, decided to join and ask away.

The short version of my question is: Do these issues create a case for Lemon Law? Failing that, should I contact Acura and ask for relief? Or do I simply chalk this up to bad luck and get out of the RDX as soon as reasonable?

Bought a 2020 RDX Advanced last (mid-) November. Immediately after taking delivery (less than 50 miles on ODO), the vehicle sat in the garage for over a week (due to weather) while waiting for (3M) film protection to be applied. The first time that the vehicle was driven out, noticed some sort of (small, not pool) fluid stain on the garage floor. Monitored for 2 - 3 days (more fluid stains), until convinced something was amiss. (I mean, this can't be happening, right, with a brand new Acura?!?) Took in to the dealer for investigation. Waited, and after a couple of hours the service manager takes me aside and explains that yes, there is a transmission leak (they determined from the factory) and Oh By The Way, the right CV Boot is broken. Stunned, I barely heard him say that he was confident that they could have the vehicle fixed and operational again in a week to 10 days. However, after a few phone calls between me, the dealer and Acura, within a week they found another Red 2020 Advanced, swapped cars and paperwork, and I was on my way.

Fast forward to early January, at about 4000 miles, and I start getting the dreaded brake squeal / grinding noises. First visit to the dealer resulted in "could not reproduce customer issue." Second visit included test drive with specialist and leaving the vehicle with them overnight. Got a call the next day that they were able to reproduce the problem, and they proceeded to replace rotors and pads (per a TSB, from what I understand). However, during their test drive to verify the fix, they discovered a problem with the (upper, lower?) control arm(s). They ordered the parts and about a week later, completed the service.

So here I am, wondering What's Next with the 2020 RDX? And am I going to start getting the brake issues again after a few thousand miles? Something else? I just don't feel good about this vehicle. I know that the dealer (and Acura) has been very good about the issues, troubleshooting, on top of service, loaners and everything covered under warranty, all that. On the one hand, it has amazing technology and all things considered, great fit and finish, and driving experience. On the other hand, so far, it reminds me of an 80s era GM car (not really, but you get my gist).

 

I wouldn't constitute this as a lemon, just bad luck. Sorry for what you're going through. Based on my 1.5 years in this forum, I haven't seen anyone else with the transmission leak or broken CV boot (which is a good thing!). The TSB fix for the breaks does seem to help. I've put on about 5k miles since getting mine serviced. Hope that you don't have anymore issues, but make sure to document everything if you do.

 

I’m impressed that your dealer swapped out a new car for you after your first issue. I know having issues is frustrating, and lemon laws vary by state, but generally they only apply if an issue that affects safety or ability to drive the car isn’t fixed after 3 tries by the manufacturer. Your dealer seems responsive, and I don’t think squeaky brakes on your new car are something that would be covered under lemon laws. My brakes squeak once or twice if it’s cold and the car has been sitting outside. I’m waiting to see if the tsb fully fixes the problem before I take it in. So far it seems hit or miss. I’ve had to take my 2019 in for a few issues, but at 25k miles and 19 months, I still love this car.

 

Thank you. I am encouraged to know that the brake fix on your RDX seems to have done the trick.

 

Understood.

Yes, I was pleasantly surprised by the quick and decisive action by the dealer (and regional Acura rep.).

Re. the squeaky brakes, oddly enough, the first time that I heard them was backing out of my garage. I thought that maybe related to a cold start or wet (we've had a LOT of rain here) but that did not seem to be the (only) case. The first time that I took the vehicle in for service, one of the tech's mentioned something about a new coating on the rotors, something to do with performance (German-like is what he said). I don't know if he was blowing smoke or what but I do know that my wife's 2017 A4 never uttered a squeak.

 

There is an FNC coating on the rotors, that's not BS. And it's relatively new to Acura, so they seem to be working out the kinks with compatible brake pads. But FWIW mine mostly worked themselves out after a few thousand miles. They don't squeak or grind any more than the rotors on my other cars after rain or slop, maybe less.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/glob...ticle11408699/

OTOH I have a squeak/scrunch from the front end that's probably the front lower control arms, and I'm doing my best to ignore it until the upcoming service interval.