307 complaints reported

2015 Acura RDX Exterior Lighting

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
307
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Mar 2022

Front headlights (low beams) are very dim even after replacing the bulb. This was noticed on a long drive back home during the night. While passing opposing traffic it was almost impossible to keep visibility of the lane markers and road.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2022
Feb 2022

Front headlights have gradually gotten dimmer to the point where they are almost unsafe.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2022
Feb 2022

The headlights have gotten progressively worse over time to the point I cannot see. The light does not extend more than a feet feet and very dimly. Oncoming traffic is flashing brights at me as if i have no lights on. It is extremely dangerous and I have nearly had accidents.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2022
Feb 2022

The low beam headlights are not bright enough to see under normal night driving need to use high beams which is not safe

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2022
Feb 2022

My wife and i have noticed the low beams on my RDX are extremely low, they barely light up the road. we are concerned this could be a safety hazard. i took the car to the dealership today and they confirmed "the bulbs do not project light properly. Headlight assemblies will need to be replaced" They charged me $74.50 to tell me this, and quoted me $2500 to replace the headlight assemblies. i have noticed a lot of other RDX owners concerned about this issue on the internet.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Oct 2022
Feb 2022

My car has 80,000 miles. My headlamps do not provide adequate light to safely drive my car at night. They have gradually gotten very dim over the past 2-3 years and now I can barely see the road when I drive at night. I work 7AM-7PM so I must drive to and from work in the dark during the fall-spring. The dealer said it is $2800 to replace the headlamps. I do not have the money right now so I am putting it off and trying not to drive at night but at times it is unavoidable. Sometimes I drive with my brights on but that is dangerous to oncoming vehicles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Feb 2022
Feb 2022

we bought this Acura RDX in 2015 and noticed the headlights are dim; as we drive more often in nights recently, it becomes obvious that this kind dim headlights are very dangerous for driving in nights, particularly on high way. I was looking for repairing but was told this was all without faulty from the original equipment. I searched online and realized this was a safety problems many drivers have complained and contacted Acura dealers; unfortunately, Acura seems not like to look into this common defect. Please see the attached link of these complains. https://www.carproblemzoo.com/acura/rdx/2014/headlights-problems.php I am reaching out to you to ask for your investigation and hopeful you could force Acura to make a recall for replacement to repair. this is a serious safety issue on Acura which we liked a lot, but we are afraid driving in dark due to this big issue. it is not safe and could lead to severe injuries to many who drive it. thanks so much. [XXX] New York [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Nov 2021
Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at night at an undisclosed speed, the low-beam headlights failed to illuminate as needed. The contact had to use the high-beam headlight for safe driving. The dealer and Acura of Peabody (233 Andover St, Peabody, MA 01960) were made aware of the failure, and informed the contact that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that he would need to pay out of pocket for the headlight replacement. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2022
Jan 2022

Headlight delaminated causing passenger side low beam to be so dim it doesn’t look like it’s illuminating. Pulled bulb to replace to identify it illuminates just as bright as driver side. Opened a case with Acura to which they referred me to go to the dealership and if they agreed they would consider it covered. 10 min into the diagnosis the tech agreed with me. Acura then denied my case indicating this is not under warranty and no recall. $160 for a diagnosis later the issue still remains. The worst client relations I’ve ever experienced. Honda should be appalled they treat there customers this way.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2021
Jan 2022

RDX 2015 57, 500 miles. This is my 5th Acura . Since OCt 2021 difficult driving at night due to low beams not deflecting enough light-now cannot drive vehicle when it gets dark-UNSAFE took the car to acura dealership and service advisor stated the panel where bulb deflects and receives lights from is shattered. "This is a common defect". He stated I would need to replace the whole headlight assembly low beam panel-not only the bulbs. $2006.74 plus labor of $398.00 headlights on my vehicle dont project adequate light to see while driving at night. In my research of other vehicles of the same make, model, and year, shows that there are numerous customer complaints and issues with the functioning of the headlight assembly for the 2015 Acura RDX. The failed headlights are a big safety issue that Acura has adequately addressed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2022
Jan 2022

The headlights are extremely dim, dangerously so. I have tried troubleshooting and the voltage at the headlamp connector is 3 volts. The fusebox and headlamp relay are 14 volts. Searching for an answer online, I find there are a myriad of other owners with the same dim headlamp problem. Dealerships seem unable to fix to the issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2021
Dec 2021

When my car got to the 80000 mile mark, my headlights became progressively dimmer. I have cleaned the lens, and replaced the bulbs 3 times in the last 3 months, and now they are so bad that I don't dare drive the car at night. I googled the problem and found a whole litany of Acura RDX owners who have experienced the same problem at the same time. see: https://www.carproblemzoo.com/acura/rdx/headlights-problems.php I have contacted Acura who acknowledge that they have replaced some of the 2015 RDX headlight issues, but only if the car was built in 2014. The 2014 RDX did experience a recall for the same, exact reason. However, when I checked my VIN, they say that it doesn't qualify for the recall. This is crazy. My car cannot be driven at night, and the estimated repair for a problem due to their shoddy design/workmanship is approx $1250 per headlight! Unacceptable. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Oct 2021
Dec 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were dim. The contact had to utilize the high-beam headlights while driving. The contact called the local dealer but, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the reflectors inside the headlight housings were defective and that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The contact stated he was concerned about driving the vehicle. The contact researched the failure and located several forums with similar complaints. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2021
Dec 2021

Low beam headlights are so dim I can’t safely drive at night.I have replaced bulbs with higher quality and brightness,but still very dim.Its like driving with parking light S on!Called the Acura dealership Crown Acura in Greensboro,N.C. and they said the reflector deteriorates on 2013-2015 models.Cost to replace both headlight fixtures 1500.00 my question is why Acura does not have a recall .This is a very dangerous situation.I searched my problem on the internet and found I am one of many with the same issue.Seams like after 70 to 80k miles they go pretty fast.The only way I can see to Drive is with high beam on.Thank You,Rick Bonkemeyer

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2019
Dec 2021

IN MOTION OR PARKED, THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS ON LOW BEAM ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH TO DRIVE SAFELY. AT HIGH SPEEDS ESPECIALLY. THE HEADLIGHTS ARE DIM ENOUGH THAT NOTHING IS VISIBLE AT ALL PAST 15 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR. ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED THAT ACURA IS ALLOWING THIS SAFETY HAZARD TO REMAIN ON THEIR REPUTATION. THE LIGHT THAT DOES SHOW IS YELLOWISH AND NOT BRIGHT AT ALL. OTHER CARS HAVE STOPPED ME THREE TIMES TO ASK IF I ACTUALLY HAD LIGHTS TURNED ON. I AM AT 115,000 MILES NOW, AND BEGAN NOTICING IT AT 90K. IF PUBLIC NOTICES ARE NEEDED TO WAKE ACURA UP TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, I WILL BE HAPPY TO SPREAD THE NEWS FURTHER. AGAIN, SHOCKED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2019
Nov 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the low-beam headlamps failed to illuminate. The contact replaced the bulbs. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2020
Nov 2021

The headlights on my vehicle don’t project adequate light to see while driving at night. I’ve reported this issue to the dealership on multiple occasions and the only solution they’ve suggested is replacing the entire headlight assembly. In my research of other vehicles of the same make, model, and year, shows that there are numerous customer complaints and issues with the functioning of the headlight assembly for the 2015 Acura RDX. My car has 82,000 miles and is six years old. The failed headlights are a big safety issue that I don’t feel Acura has adequately addressed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2021
Nov 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights were very dim making it difficult to see the roadway. The contact mentioned that the hi-beam headlights needed to be activated to clearly see the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that each headlight housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,300.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Nov 2019
Nov 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the low beam headlights were very dim, causing a visibility issue while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlights needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Nov 2020
Nov 2021

At night, I noticed the low beams were very dim. Not sure of the issue I replaced with brand new bulbs, then later with brand new led bulbs. Both did not make an improvement on lighting at night. It is very difficult to see at night, crash likely is greatly increased. High beams are needed to see properly at night. 10/29/21- Told the dealer I replaced new bulbs and headlights were still dim. They quoted ~$2k to replace both headlight assemblies. Verbally they stated the projector coating wears out after a couple of years and wont reflect the light properly. Dealer customer rep stated the part did NOT undergo a revision so the new part will likely wear out in 2-3 years.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2019
Nov 2021

low beam headlights in 2015 Acura RDX, 70,000 miles, have become dim because reflective coating in headlight assembly has failed and the light emitted from the lightbulbs is not reflected forward. The amount of light is reduced to the level that night driving is almost impossible. Must use highbeam lights instead of low beams to see road and road markings, and this is not possible in most situations with oncoming traffic. Dealer and Acura refuse warranty service to replace headlight assembly even though this is a necessary safety component.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Aug 2021
Nov 2021

THE REFLECTIVE COATING ON THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING HAS DISINTEGRATED RESULTING IN VIRTUALLY NO LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION ON THE ROADWAY, THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN GRADUAL BUT THE END RESULT IS AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. TO DRIVE WITH THIS CONDITION REQUIRES THE HIGH-BEAM TO BE USED, WHICH IS IMPRACTICAL IN MOST DRIVING SITUATIONS. WE HAVE SPENT OVER $1600 TO HAVE NEW LAMP HOUSINGS INSTALLED; ACURA/HONDA REFUSES TO ADMIT THE PROBLEM IS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS LOGGED IN ON-LINE CAR CHAT SITES. THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND THIS VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE RECTIFIED. I HAVE THE FAILED HOUSING S IF THEY WANT TO BE EXAMINED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2020
Oct 2021

The projector low beam lighting is NOT providing enough light output to be safely driven at night. I did a search online and it seems this is a well-known issue among RDX owners. It looks like there were enough complaint for the 2014 RDX, but no safety recall done on the 2015 models. It is extremely dangerous to drive this vehicle at night and I hope a recall is enforce before someone gets killed due to this safety issue. Thank you.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Oct 2021
Oct 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Acura RDX. The contact stated while driving at night the driver’s side and passenger’s side headlights lo-beam was too dim while driving. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and attempted to replace the headlight bulbs to fix issue however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Feb 2021
Oct 2021

The visibility of my headlights are so bad that I am unable to drive my car at night. At first, I thought that I was imagining it and maybe my eye sight was going bad, but my husband noticed it too. This has been going on for about 8 months or so. I didn't notice it much at first because I was not driving as much with the pandemic. The only way that I can drive my car at night is if I keep my headlights on bright the entire time which causes two safety hazards: 1. If I don't keep the headlights on high beam, I can barely see the road in front of me. 2. If I continue to shine my high beams on an oncoming car, with today's environment, I may suffer repercussions from the other driver. I did a little research and found out that quite a few owners of the 2015 RDX are experiencing the same problem once their mileage reaches 90K. I contacted the Acura Dealership and they told me that they know about the problem and the only way to fix it is to replace the entire headlight assembly at a cost to the customer of $2200. Not only don't I have this kind of money, it is not fair to me or any other customer. I purchased this car brand new and Acura needs to stand behind there product. I reached out to Acura Clients Relations over a week ago and they never returned my message. Whatever you can do to look into this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 ACURA RDX, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Dec 2020

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2015 Acura RDX has 307 Exterior Lighting complaints on file. 3 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.