2016 Acura Rlx 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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Common 2016 Acura Rlx problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2016 Acura RLX, several common problems have been reported:
- Wheel / Hubs Problems: Another prevalent problem with the 2016 Acura RLX is related to the wheels and hubs. This issue can manifest in various ways, such as vibrations, unusual noises, or difficulty steering, which can impact the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.
- Reliability Concerns: The 2016 Acura RLX has faced reliability challenges, as reported by Consumer Reports. These concerns may encompass various aspects of the vehicle's performance, including mechanical reliability, electrical systems, or overall build quality, which could affect the long-term ownership experience.
- Limited Resale Value: Owners have noted that the 2016 Acura RLX may have poor resale value due to slow sales and market demand. This can be a consideration for those looking to sell or trade-in the vehicle in the future, as it may not retain its value as well as other models in its class.
By addressing these common problems with the 2016 Acura RLX, potential buyers and current owners can be more informed about the issues they might encounter and make decisions regarding maintenance, repairs, and overall satisfaction with the vehicle.
Is Acura RLX reliable?
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 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.
Why was RLX discontinued?
Besides its age and lack of redesigns, the RLX also faced strong competition from the more affordable TLX that's similar in size. Interestingly, the RLX was more expensive than the majority of its rivals, too, carrying a larger price tag than the Lexus ES, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and BMW 5-Series.
What is the RLX recall?
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2016 Acura Rlx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Rlx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Acura Rlx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2016 Acura Rlx complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Acura Rlx.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-26
- VIN: JH4KC2F99GC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 2016 RLX SH-AWD (bought new in 2017 - now with 62K on the odometer) developed a knocking noise on [XXX] 2024. I scheduled service with Buerkle Acura (Brooklyn Park, MN) and drove it very little until the appointment on Wednesday, [XXX], 2024. I was hoping it was noisy valves, or a broken exhaust hanger, but was informed by the technician last night that there are metal shavings in the oil pan and that connecting rod bearing #5 is spun. All maintenance has been performed at this dealership, which is where I bought the car brand new. The engine in this vehicle is the J35Y4 which is NOT part of the NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-751. Please look into this matter, as I have seen on the Acura forum [XXX] ) that another Acura RLX owner (2018 model) has experienced a connecting rod bearing failure as well. My vehicle is covered by an extended warranty from Acura, so I will be getting a new short block. The heads were pressure tested and milled and will be reinstalled. All labor and parts are covered by the extended warranty by Acura, so I have no complaints with Acura (so far). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-13
- VIN: JH4KC1F95GC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH 4 WHEEL STEERING. THE REAR WHEELS ARE CONTROLED BY THE COMPUTER. WHILE MANEUVERING IN A PARKING LOT OR AFTER SHARP TURNS THE REAR WHEELS DO NOT RESPOND TO DRIVER INPUT. THE WHEELS GET STUCK IN THE WRONG DIRECTION AND THE DRIVER MUST CORRECT DIRECTION OF TRAVEL TO COMPENSATE. THE STEERING ACTUATORS WERE REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP AND THE ISSUES IS STILL HAPPENING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-06
- VIN: JH4KC1F91GC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LOADING GROCERIES INTO THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE, THE TRUNK TO WAS MANUALLY CLOSED HOWEVER, THE TRUNK UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. A CASE NUMBER WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VERN EIDE ACURA (4030 S GRANGE AVE, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57105, WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED TWO NEW ANTENNAS FOR THE REMOTE USED TO UNLOCKED THE TRUNK, AND A NEW BATTERY IN THE KEY FOB. THE ANTENNA AND BATTERY REPLACEMENT FAILED TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,700.*DT CONSUMER WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT BY CUSTOMER SERVICE.*JB*DT *TR
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-01
- VIN: JH4KC2F90GC
- Components: TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 ACURA RLX. WHEN MAKING A TURN, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LOST TRACTION INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COLUMBIA ACURA INC (10979 MONTGOMERY RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249, (513) 530-0100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR SPECIFICS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-26
- VIN: JH4KC1F5XGC
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 3 SIDEWALL SEPARATIONS ON 3 DIFFERENT WHEEL LOCATIONS IN NORMAL DRIVING AFTER HITTING MODERATE POTHOLES AT BETWEEN 30-40 MPH. THE MID PROFILE MICHELIN PRIMACY OEM TIRES, 19 INCH WHEELS, AND SUSPENSION DO NOT FUNCTION SAFELY ON THIS HEAVY SEDAN. THE RISK OF EVEN A SMALL POTHOLE, EXPANSION JOINT, OR MANHOLE IS A DANGER SINCE THE SIDEWALLS GET CUT WITHOUT ACTUALLY BLOWING OUT, SO A BLOWOUT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. IT IS NOTEWORTHY THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE WITH A TIRE IN A MILLION MILES OF DRIVING OVER 35+ YEARS. TO HAVE 3 IN 5 MONTHS SCREAMS OF A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH MICHELIN DENIES AND ACURA WON'T ADDRESS. 1. TURNING RIGHT ON AN ENTRANCE RAMP AT ABOUT 35MPH, SEPARATED DRIVER FRONT TIRE WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE DARK. 8,000 MILES ON TIRE. (FEB 2016) 2. SLOWING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT ABOUT 20MPH, SEPARATED PASSENGER REAR TIRE WHEN I HIT A POTHOLE IN THE DRIVING LANE. 15,000 MILES ON TIRE. (JUNE 2016) 3. JUST AFTER TURNING RIGHT ONTO AN ENTRANCE RAMP TO A HIGHWAY, HIT A POTHOLE AT 15-20MPH. PASSENGER FRONT TIRE SEPARATED. 15,400 MILES ON TIRE. (JUNE 2016)
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTJBM7FX6F5
- Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS INVOLVED IN A MODERATE TO SEVERE FRONTAL CRASH DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND A LEFT TURNING DRIVER STRUCK MY CAR THE KNEE AIRBAG WAS THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING LEG.PAIN DUE TO THE AIR BAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL NOT GOING OFF CAUSED NECK, BACK PAIN WITH HEADACHES ALONG WITH PAIN GOING INTO MY LEGS. THE CAR IS SHOWING TWO AIR BAG CODES CAR IS A 2016 ACURA RLX
Negative 2016 Acura Rlx car reviews
Positive 2016 Acura Rlx car reviews
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Great deal! I'm so glad you were able to get it on Friday after seeing it on Tuesday!
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I absolutely love driving this car! I've been a fan since the '88 legend (i.e. '88 legend, '96 RLX premium, '98 RL premium, '16 RLX tech). The ride is incredibly smooth and reliable. It always puts a smile on my face when I look at it. The stereo is fantastic and it has good power - it really gets up and goes when you need it to. I know that other brands like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Genesis may excel in certain categories, but I'm still in love with my car. I had the opportunity to get an E350 and I've also considered the GS/LS models, but I'm just too attached to my car. Although, I must admit, I'm definitely getting a NSX when I hit the lottery! :)
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I'm so glad to hear that you love everything about the Acura RLX hybrid!
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I bought this '16 RLX last Spring and I absolutely love it! The color is fantastic and I get compliments on it all the time. The power is great and it makes me grin from all angles. I've been driving RLs/RLXs since the '88 Legend and I have to say, these cars are amazing! Some critics may have their opinions, but I think they're just drinking Haterade. The car is incredibly smooth and comfortable, and the engine roars on acceleration. I highly recommend taking one for a test drive yourself!
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If you're in search of a well-built and luxurious car, this is the one for you.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Acura Rlx problems:
Issues with 2016 RLX Sport Hybrid - AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast ...
Jun 4, 2019 ... The first time, there was some jerkiness, so the service folks recommended it. This time, the jerkiness was really bad. The local dealer ...
2016 Acura RLX Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Problem with your 2016 Acura RLX? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2016 Acura RLX.
Why So Many RL/RLX Problems? - AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast ...
Aug 1, 2014 ... However misaligned body panels, brittle clunking suspensions, crooked steering columns, ill fitting interior panels, drooping headliners, ...
2016 Acura RLX Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2016 Acura RLX? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2016 Acura RLX Won't Start | Acura RLX Forum
Jul 11, 2020 ... I replaced battery first thing Monday morning. Voltage was reading under 9volts. No more issues since. Thanks for responding!
Other years of Acura Rlx
Are you having problems with your 2016 Acura Rlx?
Beau Oberbrunner 2024-11-15
I purchased a new RLX in 2014, but unfortunately, it has had three recalls and now there is an engine noise that Acura mechanics are having trouble figuring out. Audio tapes have been sent to Acura Engineering, but they are still stumped. It's been in the shop for two weeks now, and I intend to get rid of it as soon as it comes back. Unfortunately, the trade-in value is now only $35,000 for a one-year-old car with 12,000 miles, even though I paid $52,000 for it. If you're looking for a reliable car, I would recommend going with Lexus or Infinity to save yourself some trouble.
Garfield Botsford 2024-08-09
I bought my Acura RLX in 2019 with 59,000 miles. Unfortunately, after only two weeks of driving, the car started veering to the right when I was driving straight. I took it to the Acura Dealership and they diagnosed the issue as the rear actuators. Thankfully, the car was still under warranty and the repair was covered. However, the same issue has now occurred again and it's a safety concern. The car turned sideways while I was driving and another car almost hit me from the side. The Acura dealership informed me that I would be responsible for the repair as they only warrant the repair for 12 months. I did some research and found that the vehicle had previously been recalled for steering suspension issues. I made a complaint with Acura client relations and a case manager was assigned to my case. Unfortunately, it has been a month and I have not received any follow-up from the case manager despite leaving several messages. I am grateful to have another car, but I am concerned about the safety of this vehicle. I refuse to drive it and put myself or someone else in danger. I hope that Acura will recall this issue as it is a serious safety concern. The car could veer in any direction at any time.
Soledad Dietrich 2024-07-26
Ever since I got this car, I've been having a lot of problems with it. Whenever I take a left or right turn, the steering wheel locks up at a 45-degree angle and then jerks the car to straighten it out. This is really dangerous, and even though I've brought it in to get it fixed, the problem keeps coming back. I would advise you to save yourself the stress and protect yourself and others by not getting this car.
Vinnie Nader 2024-06-23
Hi there! I noticed that you were looking for a luxury sedan with 4 Wheel or All Wheel Drive capability. While this car is wonderful, it unfortunately doesn't have either. However, I believe that prior models did have this feature. Hope this helps!
Jensen Greenholt 2024-04-10
I recently upgraded from a 2009 RL to a 2014 RLX with Navigation. However, I have noticed a significant decrease in features and quality. The interior design is not up to par with what I expected from a luxury car. Additionally, the radio is not as good as the standard model in 2009. The only additional feature I have noticed is the X. After a week of driving the RLX, I find myself wishing I had stayed with my 2009 model. If you are considering purchasing an RLX, I would recommend avoiding any models except for the Advanced package, which comes with a higher price tag. It is disappointing that Honda would market this as a luxury car, as it falls short of that standard. A fully loaded Civic would be a better option.