At the shop, Acura lighting issues have a recognizable signature. 673 documented complaints across 16 year-model entries from 2005 to 2021 is consistent with what we see come in. The 2015 Acura RDX is the standout — roughly 49% of the lighting complaint volume on Acura's record traces to that year-model. 7 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Across the 96 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 81,798 miles. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin ACURA / LIGHTING
16 model-year entries · 2005–2021
Acura lighting problems
673 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Acura vehicles for lighting issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
673
Recalls
2
Year-models
16
Avg fix
$250
7crashes
3injuries
Worst-affected Acura model-years for lighting Top 16 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2015 Acura RDX
330 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 Acura RDX
156 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2013 Acura RDX
88 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Acura RL
40 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2014 Acura MDX
12 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2020 Acura MDX
6 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2016 Acura MDX
6 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Acura RL
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Acura RSX
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2019 Acura MDX
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2017 Acura MDX
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2015 Acura MDX
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2005 Acura TL
4 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2021 Acura ILX
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 Acura MDX
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Acura TL
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — Acura lighting 4 on file
Honda (American Honda Motor Co
Loss of the taillights reduces the vehicle's visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Acura will notify owners, and dealers will modify the tailgate lid lights and install updated gaskets and a wiring sub-harness or will replace both tailgate lid lights. The repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is M49.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co
Vehicle lights that fail to illuminate can decrease visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiring and install a fuse harness, replace the lid light, and repair the body dust sealer, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2025. Owners may contact Acura's customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Acura's number for this recall is FLI. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 19V-256 will need to have the new remedy completed.
American Honda Motor Co
Delamination of the aluminum film may diminish output of the headlight, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both of the headlights, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JN2.
American Honda Motor Co
The diminished light output may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additonally, the excessive heat coming from around the bulb and reflector could cause the headlights to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlights, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-862-2872. Honda's number for this recall is JE9.
Common questions
How many Acura lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
673 complaints across 16 model-year entries from 2005 to 2021. 2 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the Acura lineup.
Which Acura model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2015 Acura RDX leads with 330 complaints in this category. Next: 2014 RDX (156) and 2013 RDX (88).
What does it cost to fix Acura lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the Acura lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Acura lighting recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover lighting on Acura vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Acura.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.