The 2014 RLX is Acura's flagship sedan built on a unique platform with either a 3.5L V6 or Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system. While generally reliable, it suffers from catastrophic engine failures on certain VIN ranges and transmission cooling issues that can lead to expensive repairs.
Catastrophic Engine Failure - Piston Ring Land Fracture
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000 miles), White/blue smoke from exhaust on cold start, Loss of power under load, Metallic knocking noise, Check engine light with misfire codes P0300-P0306
Fix: Engine requires complete teardown; piston ring lands crack due to design flaw causing oil consumption and eventual bearing failure. Most cost-effective solution is short block replacement or used engine swap. 25-35 hours labor depending on hybrid vs non-hybrid.
Estimated cost: $8,000-14,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Milky/strawberry-colored transmission fluid, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Transmission overheating warnings, Sweet smell from exhaust
Fix: Internal ATF cooler in radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission fluid flush (multiple cycles), and often transmission rebuild if contamination reached clutch packs. 8-12 hours for cooler/flush, add 20+ hours if transmission needs rebuild.
Symptoms: Reduced electric-only range, Battery warning lights, Increased engine runtime even at low speeds, IMA system errors, Vehicle defaults to gasoline-only mode
Fix: Lithium-ion battery pack cells degrade over time. Honda/Acura has had limited success with individual module replacement; most cases require complete battery pack replacement. 6-8 hours labor. Battery availability is becoming an issue as these age out.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation System Failures
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: CMBS error messages on startup, Adaptive cruise suddenly disengaging, False forward collision warnings, Camera calibration errors after windshield replacement
Fix: Forward-facing camera behind windshield is sensitive to moisture intrusion and calibration drift. Subject to recall but issues persist. Requires specialized diagnostic scanner and camera replacement or recalibration. 2-3 hours including calibration drive procedure.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Active Engine Mount Failures
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle when in Drive, Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration at 1,500-2,000 RPM, Check engine light with mount control codes
Fix: Electronic-controlled engine mounts (especially front and transmission mounts) fail internally. Requires genuine Acura parts as aftermarket doesn't replicate the active dampening. 3-4 hours for front and transmission mounts together.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Jewel-Eye LED Headlight Module Failures
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Individual LED elements not illuminating, Moisture inside headlight housing, Flickering on one side, Headlight warning on dash
Fix: The signature multi-LED 'Jewel Eye' headlights have individual LED failures and seal issues causing moisture intrusion. Complete headlight assembly replacement required; individual LED repair not available. Subject to recall but doesn't cover all failure modes. 1.5-2 hours per side.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,200 per headlight assembly
Owner tips
Check oil consumption religiously every 1,000 miles - if it uses more than half a quart, start budgeting for engine work
Inspect transmission fluid color at every oil change; any pink/milky appearance means immediate cooler replacement needed
On hybrid models, have battery health test performed annually after 80,000 miles to avoid being stranded
Use only Honda/Acura ATF DW-1 fluid - aftermarket equivalents accelerate transmission wear on this platform
Keep detailed service records if you plan to sell - RLX values crater without proof of engine oil consumption monitoring
Pass unless you find a meticulously-maintained low-mileage example with documented oil consumption testing and recent transmission service - the engine failure risk and transmission cooler issue make this a gamble even at attractive prices.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
Consequence: If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 14V792000
2014-12-16
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, to July 25, 2014. An aluminum film applied to the inner reflector of the headlight may experience adhesion issues causing the film to delaminate. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence: Delamination of the aluminum film may diminish output of the headlight, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: 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.
SEAT BELTS · 14V639000
2014-10-10
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.
Consequence: A seatbelt that does not function increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Honda has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK7 for the MKX, and JK8 for the RLX.
SUSPENSION:REAR · 13V622000
2013-12-16
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, through November 5, 2013. The bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the sub-frame of the vehicle may have loosened during transport to dealerships.
Consequence: Loose rear lower control arm bolts may reduce steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension lower control arm bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early January 2014. Customers may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JD0.
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