Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2009 Acura RDX Reliability ReportB grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown

82/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: B

A fun-to-drive, premium compact SUV, but its turbocharged heart and specific known issues necessitate proactive maintenance to avoid costly surprises.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2009 Acura RDX

  • The system most likely to surface first: turbocharger system (major severity).
  • Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
  • Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2010 Acura RDX earns a 85.

Is the 2009 Acura RDX Worth Buying?

The 2009 Acura RDX offers an enticing blend of turbocharged performance and premium features at a compelling used price, but it demands an owner who is diligent with maintenance, especially regarding its unique K23A1 engine. While generally a solid platform, its turbocharged nature and a few common component failures elevate its risk profile beyond that of a naturally aspirated Honda, requiring a careful buyer to truly enjoy its strengths without unexpected headaches.

Biggest Strengths

  • Robust 5-speed automatic transmission
  • Engaging SH-AWD system provides superior handling
  • Generally high build quality and durable interior materials

What Tends to Fail First on the 2009 Acura RDX

The systems that break first on the 2009 Acura RDX. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Turbocharger Systemmajor
2
Power Steering Systemmoderate
3
HVAC Systemmoderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

2009 Acura RDX Recall History

2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

What breaks on the 2009 Acura RDX?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Other Acura RDX Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Acura RDX. Click any year for its full report.

2009 Acura RDX Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2009 Acura RDX

7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair cost projections, buyer checklist, and expert verdict.

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