Service Bulletin - This bulletin replaces S/B 16-002, Front Brake Noise and/or Front Brake Judder (2013-16 RDX). This bulletin is replaced by S/B 19-009, Front Brake Noise and/or Front Brake Judder. If you completed work pursuant to S/B 17-049 on or before March 28, 2019, make sure to use the warranty claim information provided below.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Acura RDX brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Acura RDX have filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 RDX | 4 |
| 2017 RDX (this page) | 9 |
| 2018 RDX | 3 |
| 2019 RDX | 12 |
| 2020 RDX | 20 |
| 2021 RDX | 10 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service Bulletin - This bulletin is replaced by S/B 19-009, Front Brake Noise and/or Front Brake Judder. If you completed work pursuant to S/B 17-016 on or before March 28, 2019, make sure to use the warranty claim information provided below.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The front brakes squeal when lightly applied. There may also be vibration through the steering wheel while braking.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Service bulletin - There is front brake noise during light brake pedal application. A vibration may also be felt through the steering wheel while braking. 2013-15 RDX and early 2016 RDX: Inspect the front brake discs for the proper date stamp. Then, either install new brake discs and pads, or refinish the front brake discs, and install new pads. Late 2016 RDX, 2017 RDX, and early 2018 RDX: Refinish the front brake discs, and install the new front brake pads."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE BULLETIN - THERE IS FRONT BRAKE NOISE DURING LIGHT BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION. REFINISH THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS AND INSTALL THE NEW FRONT BRAKE PADS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The brakes failed at 17,649 and all brakes needed to be replaced.
Brake noise: brakes make a loud thumping/knocking noise when I step off the brake to start crawling from a complete stop in 'drive' mode (I.e. At a red light or stop sign). Here are videos which demonstrate this. This happens very frequently and is loud. And in rare occasions, the brakes make a squealing noise. Overall, the brakes are working (e.g. I can use them to stop fine) but these…
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2017 Acura RDX?
It's a meaningful issue. 9 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 9 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 10,058 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.