Suspension Rattle Anyone? - RLX
#81
^^ the way you describe it, it appears it could be something very similar to what RDX and ILX owners are experiencing....
#82
Three Wheelin'
Yes, when I had an ILX it only happened going over manhole covers that were less than level with the road resulting in a quick short drop as you went over it. To my mind the shock just wasn't reacting properly to that short quick drop.
#86
Three Wheelin'
yea, it definitely is more prominent in person.
knowing what it sounds like now, I can filter out a lot of the background / ambient noise to better isolate just the rattle sound. I should be able to have something within the next few days.
knowing what it sounds like now, I can filter out a lot of the background / ambient noise to better isolate just the rattle sound. I should be able to have something within the next few days.
#87
Instructor
My strong suspicion, given the limited number of complaints about this on acurazine, is that this is not the result of a design defect, but rather a batch of bad parts and /or improper assembly. Otherwise, every car would exhibit the same defect. In this case, it seems to me we would be hearing from most owners about this problem.
I find it hard to believe that anyone who drives an Acura and may have owned an RL or another luxury sedan could drive one of these for a day or a week and not notice the problem and be incensed about it. Again, this suggests to me the population of bad vehicles and parts is fairly limited.
This doesn't mean the problem we are experiencing is not severe, but only that there may not be that many cars that have the same issue. It's analogous to the possible side effects of medication. Sometimes, a small percentage of people experience a particular side effect, but the effect is severe. Other times, a high percentage of people experience a different side effect, but the effect itself is mild. We may be in the first group.
By the way, Acura is definitely aware of the defect and has observed it in cars at their California HQ, as well as at dealerships, and most likely, in Japan, as well. Supplying them with recordings is not necessary unless you are merely trying to document yr own case.
I find it hard to believe that anyone who drives an Acura and may have owned an RL or another luxury sedan could drive one of these for a day or a week and not notice the problem and be incensed about it. Again, this suggests to me the population of bad vehicles and parts is fairly limited.
This doesn't mean the problem we are experiencing is not severe, but only that there may not be that many cars that have the same issue. It's analogous to the possible side effects of medication. Sometimes, a small percentage of people experience a particular side effect, but the effect is severe. Other times, a high percentage of people experience a different side effect, but the effect itself is mild. We may be in the first group.
By the way, Acura is definitely aware of the defect and has observed it in cars at their California HQ, as well as at dealerships, and most likely, in Japan, as well. Supplying them with recordings is not necessary unless you are merely trying to document yr own case.
#88
^^ The problem is that the symptom is only observed (for RDX and ILX owners) when the weather is colder. Come May-Oct, my RDX is flawless but come Nov, it sounds like a horse buggy! I think they only tested their vehicles in the warmer climate, or they don't care about Canadians and Americans that live too close to our border.....
My proposal to Acura....Pay for the relocation of all Acura owners down south....problem solved and reputation regained.
My proposal to Acura....Pay for the relocation of all Acura owners down south....problem solved and reputation regained.
#89
Instructor
design defect
My strong suspicion, given the limited number of complaints about this on acurazine, is that this is not the result of a design defect, but rather a batch of bad parts and /or improper assembly. Otherwise, every car would exhibit the same defect. In this case, it seems to me we would be hearing from most owners about this problem.
I find it hard to believe that anyone who drives an Acura and may have owned an RL or another luxury sedan could drive one of these for a day or a week and not notice the problem and be incensed about it. Again, this suggests to me the population of bad vehicles and parts is fairly limited.
This doesn't mean the problem we are experiencing is not severe, but only that there may not be that many cars that have the same issue. It's analogous to the possible side effects of medication. Sometimes, a small percentage of people experience a particular side effect, but the effect is severe. Other times, a high percentage of people experience a different side effect, but the effect itself is mild. We may be in the first group.
By the way, Acura is definitely aware of the defect and has observed it in cars at their California HQ, as well as at dealerships, and most likely, in Japan, as well. Supplying them with recordings is not necessary unless you are merely trying to document yr own case.
I find it hard to believe that anyone who drives an Acura and may have owned an RL or another luxury sedan could drive one of these for a day or a week and not notice the problem and be incensed about it. Again, this suggests to me the population of bad vehicles and parts is fairly limited.
This doesn't mean the problem we are experiencing is not severe, but only that there may not be that many cars that have the same issue. It's analogous to the possible side effects of medication. Sometimes, a small percentage of people experience a particular side effect, but the effect is severe. Other times, a high percentage of people experience a different side effect, but the effect itself is mild. We may be in the first group.
By the way, Acura is definitely aware of the defect and has observed it in cars at their California HQ, as well as at dealerships, and most likely, in Japan, as well. Supplying them with recordings is not necessary unless you are merely trying to document yr own case.
Last edited by mgalbr22; 04-06-2014 at 08:53 AM. Reason: spelling
#90
Acura really must address this issue because its really starting to annoy many owners. While I know this is not affecting all owners, its bad for them to develop a problem that is not limited to a single model and then not being to solve the issue....yet apply the same parts/feature on upcoming models (TLX). Then again, its not my business so what do I care
#91
Burning Brakes
I am pretty sure the 4th gen TL has it too. Plenty of people have been complaining of thumping and clunking coming from the rear struts. My car is dead quiet in the summer, but as soon as it gets cold, the rear clunks.
#92
^^^ Hummm...that's interesting. I have never heard it being as much of an issue as it is with the RDX and the ILX. I have driven my TL in cold conditions (similar to my RDX) and never heard anything near as what the RDX does.....but maybe I got lucky?
Have you ever test driven the RDX in cold weather? Does it compare to what your TL does?
Have you ever test driven the RDX in cold weather? Does it compare to what your TL does?
#93
Burning Brakes
^^^ Hummm...that's interesting. I have never heard it being as much of an issue as it is with the RDX and the ILX. I have driven my TL in cold conditions (similar to my RDX) and never heard anything near as what the RDX does.....but maybe I got lucky?
Have you ever test driven the RDX in cold weather? Does it compare to what your TL does?
Have you ever test driven the RDX in cold weather? Does it compare to what your TL does?
#94
Instructor
Temperature dependent?
^^^ Hummm...that's interesting. I have never heard it being as much of an issue as it is with the RDX and the ILX. I have driven my TL in cold conditions (similar to my RDX) and never heard anything near as what the RDX does.....but maybe I got lucky?
Have you ever test driven the RDX in cold weather? Does it compare to what your TL does?
Have you ever test driven the RDX in cold weather? Does it compare to what your TL does?
Acura informed me yesterday that engineering in Japan is working on the problem, but does not have a solution, nor is there a forecast of the timing for one. This is the same thing they told me three weeks ago.
#95
The problem I am experiencing is not temperature dependent. Happens in warm and cold weather.
Acura informed me yesterday that engineering in Japan is working on the problem, but does not have a solution, nor is there a forecast of the timing for one. This is the same thing they told me three weeks ago.
Acura informed me yesterday that engineering in Japan is working on the problem, but does not have a solution, nor is there a forecast of the timing for one. This is the same thing they told me three weeks ago.
I did notice the hood seems very loose around the shock ball mount that mount to the underside of the hood when open. Seems like that could contribute to the rattle but the noise I hear is much more solid than the rattle you would think you would hear from the hood shocks.
#96
Instructor
Filed
Sent an email to Acura n.a. The response was a standard response with no indication that the root cause of the problem has been identified, nor the permanent corrective action. The dealer responded to my email asking me to bring it in tomorrow, drive it with the tech and leave the car. I asked whether they have any indication of a technical service bulletin or possible recall from Acura. He said they have heard nothing.
The rattle is not subtle and does not require any effort to hear. Reminds me of riding in an old Plymouth yellow cab with 200k miles in D.C.back in the 80s.
The rattle is not subtle and does not require any effort to hear. Reminds me of riding in an old Plymouth yellow cab with 200k miles in D.C.back in the 80s.
Last edited by mgalbr22; 06-15-2014 at 06:59 AM. Reason: Spelling
#97
Instructor
Defect
Ohio law requires arbitration prior to filing a lemon suit. At the arbitration hearing today, Acura announced that every 2014 RLX has a defect in the struts, springs, dampers (unclear exactly where, what the nature of the defect is and what the corrective action is-whether design, material assembly or what). This contradicts what some owners have been told.
#99
Senior Moderator
Ohio law requires arbitration prior to filing a lemon suit. At the arbitration hearing today, Acura announced that every 2014 RLX has a defect in the struts, springs, dampers (unclear exactly where, what the nature of the defect is and what the corrective action is-whether design, material assembly or what). This contradicts what some owners have been told.
The plot thickens......
#101
Cajun Gumbo Man
And more the reason I stand firm that the best RL built was the 04 ytd......ask any long term Acura mechanic...... I read TOO many complaints here.....not to mention those with their heads up their XXXX or too big of chip on the shoulder to admit it.....QA is gone down the tube in ALLAbama.....
#102
#103
Now the question is, can anyone get a copy of the arbitration hearing or is this a he said/she said.
What was the outcome from arbitration? If this was really said then I see big problems for Acura and certainly someone will run with a class action suit.
I asked the dealer if the troubles in the front-end are a safety issue? Answer..NO. I asked if they know what the problem is ? NO. Trying not to be a smart-ass I said then how do you know it is not a safety issue?
What was the outcome from arbitration? If this was really said then I see big problems for Acura and certainly someone will run with a class action suit.
I asked the dealer if the troubles in the front-end are a safety issue? Answer..NO. I asked if they know what the problem is ? NO. Trying not to be a smart-ass I said then how do you know it is not a safety issue?
#104
6G TLX-S
Just like the hellish 2G TL/CL tranny problem, Honda didn't and wouldn't release any single detail about the badly designed tranny, until the very last moment in the NHTSA hearing that forced Honda to spit out the whole truth.
Therefore, don't expect anyone (including Acura dealers) outside of the Honda headquarter to have any idea of what's going on with the RLX suspensions, until the NHTSA proceeding starts.
Therefore, don't expect anyone (including Acura dealers) outside of the Honda headquarter to have any idea of what's going on with the RLX suspensions, until the NHTSA proceeding starts.
#105
Instructor
no specific description was provided as to the root cause of the defect, nor the permanent corrective action, only that the clunking noise and vibration are emanating from the strut area, including springs, dampers, etc. so, whatever the presumed fix may be, it is unclear whether it involves a design and/or material change and, if so, which components are affected and how that change(s) addresses the underlying root cause of the defect.
#106
Instructor
Now the question is, can anyone get a copy of the arbitration hearing or is this a he said/she said.
What was the outcome from arbitration? If this was really said then I see big problems for Acura and certainly someone will run with a class action suit.
I asked the dealer if the troubles in the front-end are a safety issue? Answer..NO. I asked if they know what the problem is ? NO. Trying not to be a smart-ass I said then how do you know it is not a safety issue?
What was the outcome from arbitration? If this was really said then I see big problems for Acura and certainly someone will run with a class action suit.
I asked the dealer if the troubles in the front-end are a safety issue? Answer..NO. I asked if they know what the problem is ? NO. Trying not to be a smart-ass I said then how do you know it is not a safety issue?
i raised the point that any defect in a structural component or safety system, e.g. brakes, steering, etc. for which you do not know the root cause of the defect, may present a safety concern. you can't know with certainty there is no safety concern until you know all of the potential failure modes and the root cause(s). acura responded without explanation that there is no safety concern, and they are 100% confidant thereof.
the arbitrator will issue his decision within a week.
#107
Instructor
What the what? They announce a defect in the suspension in an arbitration hearing and don't say what it is? The plot thickens. If that is the case, then why was the car released with such a defect? With all the miles test cars are driven and the obviousness of these noises to many people, one would have thought this would have come out during testing of the PAWS RLX.
The plot thickens......
The plot thickens......
#108
Safety Car
What the Deuce
I have not really paid much attention to this or the rod thread as I have been waiting on the hybrid. However, today I started shopping seriously (yes, I have finally given up hope on the hybrid) and am getting awfully close to pulling the trigger thanks to the ridiculous incentives. I may have to wait to see how all this plays out now ...
Is this something that all RLXs suffer from?
Thanks!
Is this something that all RLXs suffer from?
Thanks!
#109
Instructor
I have not really paid much attention to this or the rod thread as I have been waiting on the hybrid. However, today I started shopping seriously (yes, I have finally given up hope on the hybrid) and am getting awfully close to pulling the trigger thanks to the ridiculous incentives. I may have to wait to see how all this plays out now ...
Is this something that all RLXs suffer from?
Thanks!
Is this something that all RLXs suffer from?
Thanks!
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TSX69 (07-03-2014)
#110
Today I found this info regarding RLX suspension issue:
NEWS: Honda is recalling certain 2014 Acura RLX vehicles; SUSPENSION
Report Receipt Date: DEC 16, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V622000
Component(s): SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,387
JANUARY 2014 -- American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, through November 5, 2013. The bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the sub-frame of the vehicle may have loosened during transport to dealerships. Loose rear lower control arm bolts may reduce steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension lower control arm bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early January 2014. Honda's number for this recall is JD0. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
The link is http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/1_honda_recalls.htm
NEWS: Honda is recalling certain 2014 Acura RLX vehicles; SUSPENSION
Report Receipt Date: DEC 16, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V622000
Component(s): SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,387
JANUARY 2014 -- American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, through November 5, 2013. The bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the sub-frame of the vehicle may have loosened during transport to dealerships. Loose rear lower control arm bolts may reduce steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension lower control arm bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early January 2014. Honda's number for this recall is JD0. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
The link is http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/1_honda_recalls.htm
#111
6G TLX-S
^^^^^
That was the "suspension bolts recall" campaign for the RLX, and all affected RLX owners should have received this recall notice.
Replacing/tightening all the related bolts is suppose to fix the issue.
That was the "suspension bolts recall" campaign for the RLX, and all affected RLX owners should have received this recall notice.
Replacing/tightening all the related bolts is suppose to fix the issue.
#112
Safety Car
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: The Woodlands, TX
Age: 66
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video
My service manager just showed me a video distributed by Acura of the suspected noise issue. Acura believes the issue is within the strut assemply and the spring damper. His thought was the entire assembly would be replaced once a fix is engineered. And, as we have been told, Acura is well aware of the issue.
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#113
Safety Car
So Far So Good
Had my RLX for ~ 3 weeks now & thanks to this thread, I have been listening carefully for a rattle. None so far thank goodness. Hopefully it stays that way & Acura finds a solution for those of you with the issue.
#114
Instructor
Video
My service manager just showed me a video distributed by Acura of the suspected noise issue. Acura believes the issue is within the strut assemply and the spring damper. His thought was the entire assembly would be replaced once a fix is engineered. And, as we have been told, Acura is well aware of the issue.
Did the video and/or the service mgr address these more important points?
#115
Instructor
Lemon
Acura has known for at least 8 mos where the problem is. The question is whether they have determined the root cause of the problem-not generally the location-as well as the permanent corrective action.
Did the video and/or the service mgr address these more important points?
Did the video and/or the service mgr address these more important points?
#116
Owner of 2014 RLX with same issue. Very disappointed. Every minute driving this car produces regret. My rattle is exactly identified by this thread.
My dealer reviewed the vehicle. They concur with the experience. I test drove another RLX (one of their loaners) and heard the same rattle. It is not unique to my car.
Dealer indicated there is a posting in their computer system indicating Acura is aware of the complaints and is working on it.
According to this thread, they have known about it for about a year. Losing faith in Acura as something should come from this. I wrote email to two people identified on page 1 of this thread. If I get a reply, I will post. I asked for update.
Has anyone filed any legal action or approached an Attorney General?
Has anyone traded their car in?
My dealer reviewed the vehicle. They concur with the experience. I test drove another RLX (one of their loaners) and heard the same rattle. It is not unique to my car.
Dealer indicated there is a posting in their computer system indicating Acura is aware of the complaints and is working on it.
According to this thread, they have known about it for about a year. Losing faith in Acura as something should come from this. I wrote email to two people identified on page 1 of this thread. If I get a reply, I will post. I asked for update.
Has anyone filed any legal action or approached an Attorney General?
Has anyone traded their car in?
#117
Three Wheelin'
what I'd like to know is if the new 2015 models (and the recently released 2014 Hybrid) all have the issue?
What's not clear is whether they have already resolved it on the production/assembly line and just haven't figured out how to handle it for existing vehicles already in the field, or if they haven't figured it out at all, period, and all new models being produced still have the same defect/issue.
This problem (along with the A/C moan/whine issue) is the single one thing that infuriates me most about this car. Driving it up in the burbs where I live is great. But as soon as I take her to the city for work every day, I literally dread driving my car anywhere downtown it's that bad. Even my wife has gotten to the point where she think it's ridiculous considering how much I pay for this car monthly. She constantly says how her ILX handles way better in the city - and it does.
What's not clear is whether they have already resolved it on the production/assembly line and just haven't figured out how to handle it for existing vehicles already in the field, or if they haven't figured it out at all, period, and all new models being produced still have the same defect/issue.
This problem (along with the A/C moan/whine issue) is the single one thing that infuriates me most about this car. Driving it up in the burbs where I live is great. But as soon as I take her to the city for work every day, I literally dread driving my car anywhere downtown it's that bad. Even my wife has gotten to the point where she think it's ridiculous considering how much I pay for this car monthly. She constantly says how her ILX handles way better in the city - and it does.
Last edited by holografique; 09-14-2014 at 10:34 PM.
#118
Safety Car
Guess I am Lucky
Thanks to this forum I have paid careful attention to see if my RLX suffers from the same symptoms as others but so far my suspension seems fine. I even drive with the music off to make sure I hear everything - only once was there an odd noise and that just turned out to be my sunglasses above.
The only problem I have read here that I am experiencing is that odd smell the AC makes when it 1st starts.
Fingers crossed that it continues to be trouble free - altho I do hope that they issue a recall to fix the suspension issue before I experience it.
The only problem I have read here that I am experiencing is that odd smell the AC makes when it 1st starts.
Fingers crossed that it continues to be trouble free - altho I do hope that they issue a recall to fix the suspension issue before I experience it.
#119
Safety Car
Join Date: Apr 2002
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My dealer Servuce Mgr confrims the district reps RLX had the same rattle issue, fix was applied (redisigned struts) and so far so good. No timeline on when repair will be released to genral owners. BTW, just traded my wifes '08 TSX 6MT Nav in for a 2015 TLX Advanced model and this car does ride much better than my RLX. You don't feel every road imperfection and it is a very quiet car.
#120
Instructor
Fix
My dealer Servuce Mgr confrims the district reps RLX had the same rattle issue, fix was applied (redisigned struts) and so far so good. No timeline on when repair will be released to genral owners. BTW, just traded my wifes '08 TSX 6MT Nav in for a 2015 TLX Advanced model and this car does ride much better than my RLX. You don't feel every road imperfection and it is a very quiet car.