Acura Rlx hybrid problems
The Acura RLX is a mid-size flagship luxury car manufactured by Honda and sold under their Acura division, released in 2013, succeeding the RL. The RLX was discontinued in 2020.
Background and development
The Acura Legend was a very successful vehicle to launch Acura as a separate division, and combined with sales of the Integra this resulted in Acura outselling longtime luxury marques BMW and Mercedes-Benz as well as Toyota's new luxury division Lexus. However, the successor RL sold below expectations due to relatively tight interior for its size, the lack of a V8 performance engine option and better handling rear-wheel drive experience, and/or relatively expensive compared to its rivals.
An October 2009 Car and Driver blog cited a dinner with Acura executives who acknowledged that the introduction of the new, larger, and in some guises, more powerful, fourth generation Acura TL made it difficult to market the then-current RL. In November 2009, an Autoweek article reported that new Honda CEO Takanobu Ito told Automotive News that Acura is going to change course. Speaking of the worldwide economy before the collapse of investment bank Lehman Brothers, Ito said through an interpreter, "Pre-Lehman, we did have the idea to produce more multicylinder engines... I see the future of Acura as a merger of BMW and Audi -- something between high performance and high technology." As a result of this midstream change, Acura will be in a "low-growth period of developing new products," Ito said. "We were thinking that we could come up with glamorous, gorgeous products that would sell. Now, our premium products will be expressed in advanced environmental technologies, rather than glamorous things attached to the product," he said.
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Acura Rlx hybrid model years
Common Acura Rlx hybrid problems
The Acura RLX Hybrid has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is a rough ride, particularly in earlier front-drive versions of the RLX. This can be mitigated by avoiding models with up-sized wheels and paying careful attention to tire pressure and condition. However, some owners have reported a more significant issue with the ride quality, which they attribute to the RLX's advanced features, such as its hybrid driveline and all-wheel steering system.
Another common problem with the Acura RLX Hybrid is sensor issues, which can cause warning lights or messages to appear on the dashboard. This can affect the car's safety systems, such as blind spot warning, and can be caused by faulty sensors or other electronic issues. In some cases, these problems can be difficult to diagnose and may require extensive repairs.
The RLX Hybrid's battery system has also been a source of frustration for some owners. Some have reported issues with the battery, including undercharging and brake warnings, which can leave the car in a "respirator" state, requiring frequent trips to the dealership for repairs. In some cases, the battery may need to be replaced entirely, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system in the RLX Hybrid, including problems with the local search and SMS functions. This can be particularly problematic for those who rely on their car's infotainment system for work, such as psychologists on call.
Despite these issues, many owners report that the RLX Hybrid is a comfortable and relaxing car to drive, with top levels of comfort, quietness, fuel efficiency, and luxury. However, it is important for potential buyers to be aware of these common problems and to have the car inspected by a qualified Acura technician before purchasing. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a qualified technician is one of the best defenses against potential headaches and can help ensure that the car is in good working order before making a purchase.
How much does it cost to replace the battery in a Acura RLX hybrid?
Labor costs are estimated between $405 and $511 while parts are typically priced around $3,957.
How reliable is the Acura RLX?
Compared to rivals, the RLX offers far fewer trims, doesn't have CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration, and isn't as well known. And while Acura vehicles have a good record of reliability, the RLX's resale value is below average.
Is the Acura RLX expensive to maintain?
The average annual repair cost for a Acura is $501, which means it has above average ownership costs. The other factors that contribute to Acura reliability include an average of 0.4 visits to a repair shop per year and a 8% probability of a repair being severe.
How long does Acura RLX last?
MotorAsk.com – “Acuras can last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
Recalls Acura Rlx hybrid
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Acura Rlx hybrid.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Acura Rlx hybrid 2014
- Report Received Date: 2015-05-20
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
- Consequence: If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
- Model: Acura Rlx hybrid 2014
- Report Received Date: 2014-12-16
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, to July 25, 2014. An aluminum film applied to the inner reflector of the headlight may experience adhesion issues causing the film to delaminate. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- Consequence: Delamination of the aluminum film may diminish output of the headlight, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both of the headlights, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JN2.
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