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Would like to hear from long-term Sport Hybrid owners
I just read on the RLX Facebook group (yes, there is one) about an engine failure in an 80k mile 2018 Sport Hybrid. I’ve heard of engine failures in the PAWS cars typically at 110-130k miles, but never in a hybrid. I figure it’s a one-off.
The post got me thinking, though. The original Sport Hybrids are now nine years old, and the hybrid warranty on those cars (8 yr) is about done. Some of the original owners are still around, and we have some very long-term, though not original, owners here.
Haven’t seen many, if any, issues with the Sport Hybrid in particular. I recall @George Knighton , who had a few minor issues prior to his car being totalled at around 120k miles IIRC, but nothing big, and @RLX-Sport Hybrid , who traded out at a bit over 100k miles, with no major issues.
So with that in mind, I’d love the long-termers to chime in. Any issues? Hybrid system still working well? Engine problems with good maintenance? @hondamore ?
Of course, I’m a long-termer, but only in terms of seniority on the forum. I love my 2020…360 cameras and auto-high beams for lyfe! Also…looking at used 2017 NC1 NSXs, which have fallen into the $120’s, and thinking about old hybrid parts replacement in future…a secondary reason to ask…
Bob; Not sure I can help. I've got a 2017 model I bought in 2019. It's got a tad over 31K miles on it. The only problem I've had was a battery replacement in 2022. This car is the finest all around car I've ever owned. Big four door sedan, blindingly quick, decent handling, great road trip car, and fairly decent gas mileage for what it is.
My 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid is still performing perfectly, although I must add that I only have 26000km (around 16,000 miles) on the car. I have replaced the 12v battery twice - once because the car sat on the dealer lot for a long time which weakened the battery and a second time when the start of the Covid pandemic lead to the car sitting in our garage for a long period of time. I have since smartened up and purchased a battery charger that keeps my 12V battery healthy and happy.
Thanks to free oil changes that were thrown in as part of the purchase negotiations (I get one roughly ever 12 months even though the maintenance minder has never called for service), I have spent a total of ZERO dollars on service. The service manager was nice enough to throw in a free cabin air filter at my last oil change, so I didn't even have to pay for that.
My fuel economy in city driving is pretty consistent at 30-32 mpg during the summer and 28 -29 mpg in our long, cold winters. I'm an old retired guy who is never in a hurry to get anywhere, so I would describe my driving style as pretty sedate, although the paddle shifters and all that power allow me to relive my youth from time to time.
I will echo mrrobato's assertion that my RLX Sport Hybrid is the finest all around car that I have ever owned and I can't wait to see what Acura has in store for me when I'm due to trade my baby in a couple of years from now.
I only have 25,000 miles on my CPO 18 RLX Sport Hybrid I purchased with 7200 miles back in Dec/2019. I'm planning to keep both my RLX hybrid and MDX hybrid for +/- 10 years and +120,000 miles for each. I would also be curious on potential issues or preventive maintenance I can do for the next few years for 5-8 more years of trouble-free driving.
Thanks, Hondamore. I bet your car is in “as new” condition, and it must be nice to have driven the car for ten years for the price of fuel and insurance.
OTOH, I’ve already got over 27k miles on mine (purchased at 8200 miles), and I had my second oil change under my ownership, and a TMU fluid change. No mechanical problems to speak of and, more importantly for me, no immediate desire to give up my big Honda sedan. No major issues, either.
Thanks for the other responses, too, even they are helpful.
My 2015 SH has 89,000km (55,000km) - I’ve owned it 7 years at 12,000km) and it has been reliable with only a few issues - most under warranty. My windshield was replaced due to a rock hitting it (insurer paid - not the car’s fault). My rotors warped early on and were replaced under warranty. My front camera stopped working and needed to be replaced under warranty. And last month, the radiator started leaking and needed to be replaced on my dime.
Everything else on the car works as it should but I will say it just doesn’t feel as “tight” as it used to (albeit it is now 7 going on 8 years old). I find it lugs and jerks a bit more now and when it switches from EV to ICE, the feeling is just more pronounced and loose. Still quiet as a mouse and no creaks or squeaks. The leather looks and even smells new.
At first I thought it was really quick but after getting my Camaro ZL1 a few years ago, the SH doesn’t thrill me like it used to. All that said, I still enjoy the car and whenever I think about replacing it, I talk myself out of it. Will probably get a Lexus next as nothing Acura is currently doing intrigues me.
So far for my CPO 18 RLX purchased Dec 2019 with under 8000 miles. Switched to Mobil 1 oil and use Sam's or Costco 91 octane.
2023: 311 miles so far
24,758 miles: 1st alignment at Firestone, adjustments needed
24,673 miles: rotation/balance Discount Tires, 1st brake flush (Acura: $140), 1st 7DCT service (Acura: $240), oil change at 50% oil life (Mobil 1)
2022:5,473 miles
24,180 miles: new key fob batteries, cabin air filter (Home: Bosch Hepa 6029C), Bosch ICON 26A & 19A, and engine air filter (Home: OEM)
2021: 4,441 miles
18,589 miles: new OEM 12v battery under warranty after U0104-00 and U1100 errors in navi screen, oil change at 12 months and 60% life (Mobil 1)
16,578 miles: cabin air filter (Bosch Hepa 6029C, home) and engine air filter (OEM @ home)
2020: 5,490 miles
14,600 miles: B16 service w/ TMU service (Acura: $150), engine oil change (Mobil 1)
14,240 miles: rotation/balance Discount Tires, engine air filter (OEM @ home)
12,599 miles: TSB #20-040 7DCT TSB service
2019: 1,284 miles
- pinch flat on passenger/front tire with OEM rims, replaced with aftermarket rims
Misc:
- rear glass sunshade we never used came off tracks and $1500 charged to the CPO warranty ($1380 parts, $117 labor)
My 19 MDX Adv Sport Hybrid with +41,000 miles pretty much is following the same maintenance requirements and TSB updates.
I had my 2018 for just over 18 months now, and no issues... what I would recommend is looking into this specific engine and all the models that Acura used the engine in. If you are concerned about engine failure specifically, you may be able to look up more details if there were any other model owners that can comment on engine issues, longevity, etc.
When I bought this car myself I was looking at the long term vehicle to pay off and keep for as long as it makes sense, but cars are cars, they will fail at some point, so my recommendation would be, get some warranty if you can if you end up getting RLX SH
my cpo ‘18 is pushing 44k and the only complaint I have is when I’m trying to overtake on the highway from a nice cruising pace there seems to be a lag & then, like a stretched rubber band, it launches. I prefer a more linear controlled feel.
The gas mileage isn’t so great, my best is 25mpg. I think it’s just the Jersey roads. Once I get cruising & see that blue arrow for the rear wheels on the HUD, almost as soon as I start to get into the rhythm, the traffic changes (stop sign, red light, go uphill, traffic, etc.) & it’s back to gasoline.
my cpo ‘18 is pushing 44k and the only complaint I have is when I’m trying to overtake on the highway from a nice cruising pace there seems to be a lag & then, like a stretched rubber band, it launches. I prefer a more linear controlled feel.
The gas mileage isn’t so great, my best is 25mpg. I think it’s just the Jersey roads. Once I get cruising & see that blue arrow for the rear wheels on the HUD, almost as soon as I start to get into the rhythm, the traffic changes (stop sign, red light, go uphill, traffic, etc.) & it’s back to gasoline.
Have you tried changing resistance of the brake-pedal to High (vs low)?
That seems to increase battery usage while actively driving in city, but from how I understood it eats a little bit of your 12V battery which instead of 4-5 years, it may last like 3 years - not sure I understand why or how, but I read it here on forums
my cpo ‘18 is pushing 44k and the only complaint I have is when I’m trying to overtake on the highway from a nice cruising pace there seems to be a lag & then, like a stretched rubber band, it launches. I prefer a more linear controlled feel.
The gas mileage isn’t so great, my best is 25mpg. I think it’s just the Jersey roads. Once I get cruising & see that blue arrow for the rear wheels on the HUD, almost as soon as I start to get into the rhythm, the traffic changes (stop sign, red light, go uphill, traffic, etc.) & it’s back to gasoline.
Hit Sport for passing, mine does the same sometimes. Also, I get about 27 avg mpg. When my 15 year old drives, he gets 32! It’s surely my aggressive style that’s the difference.
Hit Sport for passing, mine does the same sometimes. Also, I get about 27 avg mpg. When my 15 year old drives, he gets 32! It’s surely my aggressive style that’s the difference.
I’ve pointed this out before, too! My 16-year-old routinely hits upper 20s in city driving, while with my heavy foot I’m in the low 20s. I am torque-addicted LOL. I did adjust the reactive force pedal and my fuel economy is marginally better in city driving. Even better improvement on the highway. It’s all about driving less assertively in this car.
My RLX Sport Hybrid has the four top honors of having the most hp/tq with 70-300 hp more than previous models, best overall performance, requires the least amount of gas, and the highest mpg average of any vehicle I've owned (+15 vehicle since 1985).
The wifey seems to average 1-3 mpg higher when she drives a tank of gas compared to me on average. It might be also most places she needs to go are on side streets closer to home and I'm usually jumping on the hwy for places I need to go around the city?
Nothing interesting to report here. I finally hit 10K miles (purchased in 10/2020 with 4300 miles) on my 2020 RLX-SH. Just did 2nd oil change and 1st TMU service. She's running like a champ, no lag at all on the freeway. I just love putting my foot down. This thing just launches insanely fast. Passing on freeway is a non-issue for me. I probably drive the least of all the people here. I fear my RLX will rot sitting in the garage more than anything else.
We also have 2017 MDX-SH with about 35K miles now. No mechanical issues to report either but did have to replace rear tailgate switch recently due to it being unresponsive in cold weather. Our extended warranty covered that repair 100% without any deductible.
Wife has an '18 RLX Hybrid - was a CPO we got in March 2019 with 1200 miles. We've had it for nearly 4 years at this point but only have 16,300 miles on it. It's had 3 oil changes so far after we've had it, and the TMU service earlier this year. Only issues we've had was a B-pillar trim piece pop loose which they replaced, and the battery dying last summer, which was also replaced under warranty. We did get a non-repairable event to one of her tires, so we upgraded to Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+ which were an outstanding upgrade. We run dedicated snow tires in the winter.
Her average MPG is 32 overall. It's been a great car for her!
Have you tried changing resistance of the brake-pedal to High (vs low)?
That seems to increase battery usage while actively driving in city, but from how I understood it eats a little bit of your 12V battery which instead of 4-5 years, it may last like 3 years - not sure I understand why or how, but I read it here on forums
yup. wrote about this before & another member suggested that. That was what raised the mpg! I was getting like 22mpg. And I only drive aggressively on the highway. Around town I try to stay in that sweet spot of 32mph but like I said, it’s hard to maintain that with the roads I drive. I get into that blue arrow zone and as quickly as I got in, I have to switch back to gasoline mode because of the changing road condition. In my area we rarely have long stretches of road where you can coast on the electric batteries.
I have a 2014 that just rolled over 80k that I have had since 4k (bought in June 2016 as a cpo) aside from the one weird issue that I created a thread on here about, I have had no issues. Just regular maintenance, fluid swaps and one set of tires. That being said, the last time in for service, the tech suggested it was time for the timing belt service so I am on the fence as to whether to have it done or trade the RLX in on something newer and more tech forward. The issue with that is I have only one suitable replacement (which is the S6) and it has to be 2021 or newer. For some reason those are almost as hard to find as the RLX hybrid when spec’d the way I want it, add in the astronomical used prices still hovering around on the S6 plus the current interest rates and it is a tough cal.. I started looking for the S6 in earnest about a year ago and missed on a few that sold too quick but through it all the RLX has ben bulletproof which gives me pause.
Perhaps Acura will launch a worthy successor to the RLX and make my choice for me but until then I guess it is still time to keep driving it like I stole it….
My 2020 RLX hybrid is at 73k miles. Zero issues. Car purchased by me new July 2020. I do have the Acura 6 year 120k bumper to bumper extended warranty. My plan is to keep this car until the warranty is near expired. I do have an order in for my last stick shift V8 gas car as a 2nd daily driver car in addition to the RLX. So the RLX will soon be driven a little bit less.
I wonder if the engine failure was a one off? Or perhaps poor care? I know some Honda engines have developed oil consumption issues but really never hear of early engine failure. I do know my 2006 RL is still on the road with over 300k miles and very little done to it.
I have a strong suspicion my RLX likes Exxon premium. Even now in winter I am getting 30 mpg highway. If I put Costco, Sheetz, or Wawa premium in the mpgs drop to mid 20’s. Strange but I buy a lot of gas and these results are consistent.
I have a strong suspicion my RLX likes Exxon premium. Even now in winter I am getting 30 mpg highway. If I put Costco, Sheetz, or Wawa premium in the mpgs drop to mid 20’s. Strange but I buy a lot of gas and these results are consistent.
Funnily enough I primarily fuel up at costco & wawa. Ill have to give Exxon a go.
My 2020 RLX hybrid is at 73k miles. Zero issues. Car purchased by me new July 2020. I do have the Acura 6 year 120k bumper to bumper extended warranty. My plan is to keep this car until the warranty is near expired. I do have an order in for my last stick shift V8 gas car as a 2nd daily driver car in addition to the RLX. So the RLX will soon be driven a little bit less.
You drive a LOT! When spring comes, I'll be cycling through my fun cars and the RLX Sport Hybrid will get a break. Good to know your SH is holding up nicely.
I wonder if the engine failure was a one off? Or perhaps poor care? I know some Honda engines have developed oil consumption issues but really never hear of early engine failure. I do know my 2006 RL is still on the road with over 300k miles and very little done to it.
I suspect it's a one-off, rare event as well. The owner on FB stated that he was changing oil at 50% life and had no issues until this failure. We are awaiting his report back.
I have a strong suspicion my RLX likes Exxon premium. Even now in winter I am getting 30 mpg highway. If I put Costco, Sheetz, or Wawa premium in the mpgs drop to mid 20’s. Strange but I buy a lot of gas and these results are consistent.
No Exxon where I live, unfortunately, and worse, whatever they put in the Midwest's winter blend ruins winter fuel economy for not ony my SH, but for alll my cars.
No Exxon where I live, unfortunately, and worse, whatever they put in the Midwest's winter blend ruins winter fuel economy for not ony my SH, but for alll my cars.
Thanks for all the rlx SH reviews here. I just jumped back into car shopping mode and been an ‘14 MDX SHAWD owner loving the torque vectoring on throttle. now that I am looking for a sedan sized car, I accidentally discovered the rlx SH as an option.
With the traditional SHAWD, I don’t like the feeling of the mdx while coasting on a bend at speed. My understanding is the rlx SH continues to have torque vectoring from the rear motors even while coasting as the inner wheel can actually go into regen to help rotate the car. Would love to hear how the car handles.
secondly, I haven’t had any exp with hybrids and wonder what types of service and maintenance I need to look into doing and watch out for.
secondly, I haven’t had any exp with hybrids and wonder what types of service and maintenance I need to look into doing and watch out for.
Having both an 19 MDX Sport Hybrid and 18 RLX Sport Hybrid the only differences for me so far are:
- changing the 7DCT DW-1 every 30,000 miles or 4 years max. The DW-1 gets a pretty good workout in city driving lubricating the dual wet clutches, EV-to-ICE transitions, and lubricating the gears inside the DCT. It is just a gravity drain and fill of around 4 qts (about $205 the last time at my Acura dealership) NAKE SURE the Acura tech or local mechanic knows you have a Sport Hybrid and you use DW-1. Other trans fluids may not work and could damage the 7DCT ($5,000 to fix or $15,000 to replace)
- TMU (Twin Motor Unit) uses DW-1 also. I change the TMU fluid at the same time as the 7DCT fluid. Some members noticed the Acura tech listed regular gear oil that is used for the mechanical sh-awd system on 3.5L MDX or 2.0L RDX Acura's vehicles. Anything other than DW-1 could damage the TMU (I think $7500 to replace).
- The Sport Hybrid system has a secondary cooling system for the DC inverter. It uses the same coolant as the engine and "I think" it is on the same replacement schedule as the regular engine coolant.
- None of the other EV specific components like the battery pack or DC inverter have a service interval other than the coolant for the DC inverter.
- your brakes might last longer because of regen braking for the Sport hybrid
- your engine air filter might last longer since you will go in/out of EV mode in mostly city driving
87k miles 2020 RLX Advance. Zero issues since day one. Zero oil consumption. My Acura Extended warranty goes to 120k miles so another year or so for bumper to bumper coverage. I have 2 other cars now so hoping to keep this RLX another 5 years or forever if it remains easy care. A perfect car in many ways.
- TMU (Twin Motor Unit) uses DW-1 also. I change the TMU fluid at the same time as the 7DCT fluid. Some members noticed the Acura tech listed regular gear oil that is used for the mechanical sh-awd system on 3.5L MDX or 2.0L RDX Acura's vehicles. Anything other than DW-1 could damage the TMU (I think $7500 to replace).
- The Sport Hybrid system has a secondary cooling system for the DC inverter. It uses the same coolant as the engine and "I think" it is on the same replacement schedule as the regular engine coolant
Two things. First, the TMU actually needs fluid replacement at 15,000 to replace the break in fluid, and then every 30,000 after that.
Second, does anyone know about the DC inverter fluid maintenance requirement "for sure"?
Good thread. Good info. I have a 2016 RLX-SH, original owner. 61K miles. Just completed 60,000 mile service. I’ve had no problems and only one repair (under AcuraCare warranty). My steering column started making a scratching noise when extending and retracting during startup and shutdown. I noticed it but was not too concerned, thought it was just plastic parts rubbing however our excellent service advisor at Acura dealer in Scottsdale AZ said it was an issue with steering gearbox so steering column was replaced under AcuraCare 7/100 extended warranty. This was about 5 years, after the 4/50 warranty expired, and would have cost $1200. This was the first and only time we’ve used the AcuraCare plan that we paid $1600 for, so I’m still a little under water on price but way ahead on peace of mind.
Service highlights, nothing special. All dealer service. I changed the oil and filter at 1000 miles (like I always do) and after this have been changing the oil and filter every 6,000 miles, so about 40% on service minder. I replaced the 12V 24F battery twice in first 4 years (summer of ‘19 and summer of ‘20; both under warranty) but the fourth 12V battery is still going strong at 3 years. Just had a good battery test with >700 cold cranking amps (CCA). I was thinking of proactively swapping battery after this terribly hot Arizona summer cools down but will wait till next year. I also replaced the timing belt at 50K - this was early on mileage but at 6 years - better safe than sorry. It was expensive, $1400. Other than that I’ve found the service to be fairly priced. I just paid about $1000 for 60K service that included oil, filter, transmission fluid filter and flush, brake fluid flush, rear differential (I believe also known as twin motor unit TMU), and 4-wheel alignment (because recent new tires). I’m pleasantly surprised that I have not had to replace brakes yet They still have >7mm on the pads so “green” on the inspection report card.
I replaced the tires twice, at 30K and 58K miles. Currently running Michelin Pilot 4S because the Pilot 3 A/S wore down too fast, with only 28,000 miles.
Overall this has been a great car, super reliable, sporty and fun to drive, safe, and very comfortable. 28+ MPG in real-word combined driving. Great daily driver. I would buy it again in a second. My only complaint is that I really miss Apple CarPlay, so I need to look into the GROM aftermarket unit. We also have a 2014 RDX-Tech FWD that’s had a similar reliable service history (I’m convinced it will go a quarter million miles); and a new 2023 MDX-S that we traded in our 2010 MDX-Tech AWD on. The MDX is really nice, Acura learned from some of the mistakes on the early 3G RLX interior. But when I’m driving the MDX-S I find it a little underpowered and miss the instant torque that our RLX-SH has. Picture below is recent. Almost 7 years in my RLX-SH still looks and drives like new.
Last edited by Scott in AZ; 08-27-2023 at 06:34 AM.
My 2020 RLX hybrid is at 73k miles. Zero issues…. I do have an order in for my last stick shift V8 gas car as a 2nd daily driver car in addition to the RLX.
73K on your RLX-SH, great. Manual V8, also great. American heavy metal forever, right? In the back of my mind I sometimes think a Corvette eRay with drivetrain similar to our RLX-SH might be my next car. I’ll be waiting for a good deal on a 2-year old 2025 hybrid ‘Vette, so I’ve still got another 3-4 years in my RLX-SH. We’ve had good luck with GM, my hobby auto is 2001 GMC Yukon with 171K one-owner miles with some upgrades that still drives fantastic. It’s a little ironic that the one thing about my RLX that I’d change is no AppleCarPlay, like I have on my 22 year-old truck. I really need to look into the Grom CarPlay module.
Last edited by Scott in AZ; 08-27-2023 at 10:16 AM.
My 2016 RLX Sports Hybrid still brings on smiles every time I drive it. It is technically 8 years old and has 57K miles. I’m not doing the sales work these days, so fewer miles. I am planning to keep this lovely vehicle another two years and, in the meantime,we plan to take some cross country trips in the RLX. Our next car will be a PHEV, at least I hope we can buy a PHEV in 2026. If our goal driven uncle says no, then I’ll be buying a low mileage used 530e.
Sure wish Honda/Acura would change their strategy and bring out PHEVs. I love my 2021 Ridgeline and would dearly love to have a 2026 PHEV Ridgeline in the garage, too.
01-22-2023, 09:16 AM
Also…looking at used 2017 NC1 NSXs, which have fallen into the $120’s, and thinking about old hybrid parts replacement in future…a secondary reason to ask…
