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 ↗2018 Acura RDX brakes problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
What stands out
Of the 7 model years of Acura RDX we track for brakes problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
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 - 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 ↗Engineering request for investigation - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2018-19 RDXs with a client complaint of the front brake noise when applying the brake lightly. The noise can be described as squeak or squeal. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2018-19 RDXs with a client complaint of the front brake noise when applying the brake lightly. The noise can be described as squeak or squeal. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2018 Acura RDX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2018 Acura RDX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 1,600 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Acura/RDX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.