Are Acuras Good Cars? [Problems, Reliability, Maintenance Costs]
We know for a fact how reliable Honda vehicles are. That’s why we also want to know how reliable Acura vehicles are. So, are Acuras good cars? Does it have high maintenance costs?
According to RepairPal, Acura’s reliability rating is 4.0 out of 5.0. It ranks number two out of the 32 car brands reviewed, which includes more than 340 different car models. On average, its annual repair and maintenance cost is $501. It has an 8% probability of severe repair and an estimated 0.4 repair shop visits per year.
Read on to learn more about the reliability of Acura cars, including the common problems encountered by Acura owners and the cost of maintaining an Acura vehicle.
Are Acuras Good Cars? [Problems, Reliability, Maintenance Costs]
2022 Acura MDX
The Reliability Rating of Acura is 4.0 out of 5.0, according to RepairPal. It ranks number two out of 32 car brands, which consists of a total of more than 340 different car models.
On average, its annual repair and maintenance cost about $501. Its probability of having a severe repair is 8%, while it only has an estimated 0.4 repair shop visits per year.
10 Best Acura Models
Acura is one of the best automotive brands known worldwide. So, what better way to start this article than by talking about the ten best Acura models, which include the following:
2022 Acura MDX
2020 Acura TLX
2019 Acura RDX
2018 Acura TLX
2017 Acura NSX
2016 Acura RDX
2015 Acura RLX
2014 Acura MDX
2013 Acura ILX
2012 Acura MDX
Let’s briefly talk about each model.
1. 2022 Acura MDX
Fully Redesigned 3-row Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
The 2022 Acura MDX is a fully redesigned 3-row sport utility vehicle (SUV) with state-of-the-art technology. It is considered an ideal family hauler.
Well-built Interior
While there may still be a few reviews about this car, it is already popular due to its well-built interior. It has standard yet impressive features, including a wide cargo capacity.
Features a V6 Engine
Overall, this Acura model is a great vehicle. It features a V6 engine, provides great handling, and has a good gas mileage. It has a seating capacity of seven people, and the cargo space is impressively wider than other luxury SUVs.
2. 2020 Acura TLX
Ranks 3rd in the Midsize Premium Car Category
According to J.D. Power, the 2020 Acura TLX ranks 3rd in the Midsize Premium Car category. It scores 81 out of 100 in terms of quality and reliability and 74 out of 100 in terms of driving experience. Its overall consumer rating is 79 out of 100.
Easy to Setup According to Owner’s Preference
2020 Acura TLX owners appreciate how their car can be conveniently set up according to their preference. They love how easy it is to get in and out of the car. This model can also amazingly hold personal items exactly where you prefer them.
Received a 5-star Rating from the U.S. NHTSA
This model has also received a 5-star rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Impressive Safety Features
This doesn’t come as a surprise anymore since this vehicle is equipped with impressive safety features, including:
AcuraWatch Advanced Driver Assist System,
Blind Spot and Rear Cross Traffic Monitoring System, and
Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure.
The last one allows frontal crash energy to distribute evenly.
3. 2019 Acura RDX
Ranks 9th in the Compact Premium SUV Category
Based on data gathered by J.D. Power, the 2019 Acura RDX ranks 9th in the Compact Premium SUV Category. It scores 70 out of 100 in terms of quality and reliability and 74 out of 100 in terms of driving experience. Its overall consumer rating is 74 points out of 100.
Highly Efficient Rear Visibility
2019 Acura RDX owners love this vehicle’s wide trunk or hatch space. They appreciate how easy it is to fold and adjust the rear seats. Also, rear visibility is highly efficient.
Safety Features
Since the AcuraWatch advanced safety and driver-assist systems come standard in Acura vehicles, the 2019 RDX has this feature too.
4. 2018 Acura TLX
Ranks 5th in the Compact Premium Car Category
The 2018 Acura TLX ranks 5th in the Compact Premium Car category. It scores 80 points out of 100 in terms of quality and reliability. Meanwhile, it gained 76 points out of 100 in terms of driving experience.
Overall Consumer Rating
Its overall consumer rating is 80 points out of 100, according to the data gathered by J.D. Power.
Provides Comfort to Both the Driver and the Passengers
What 2018 Acura TLX owners particularly like about their vehicle is its comfort to both the driver and the passengers. It is convenient getting in and out of the car, it has better rear visibility than its rivals, and the 2nd-row seats are comfortable.
Safety Features
Regarding safety, it has all the standard features that all Acura vehicles have, not to mention impressive features. No wonder this Acura model also received five stars when rated by the NHTSA.
5. 2017 Acura NSX
Delivers Excellent Performance
The 2017 Acura NSX is not only a head-turner but also delivers excellent performance for both the driver and the passengers. This car has proven the expertise of Honda and Acura in designing supercars.
Rated 4.8 Out of 5 Stars by Cars.com
In a review conducted by cars.com, the 2017 Acura NSX rated 4.8 out of 5 stars. Consumers rated it 4.8 in terms of comfort, 4.6 in terms of interior design, and 4.9 in terms of performance.
Other Ratings
When it comes to value for money, consumers rated it 4.6. For exterior styling, it earned 4.9 stars. In terms of reliability, consumers rated it a perfect 5.0.
6. 2016 Acura RDX
Ranks 3rd in the Compact Premium SUV Category
The 2016 Acura RDX ranks 3rd in the Compact Premium SUV category. Its overall consumer rating is 81 out of 100 points, based on a report released by J.D. Power.
In terms of quality and reliability, consumers gave it 83 points out of 100. Regarding the driving experience, it scored 72 out of 100.
Ample Interior Storage Space
What 2016 Acura RDX owners love about this SUV includes its ample interior storage spaces, rear visibility, and even the sound of the exhaust or engine.
Spectacular Standard Safety Features
When it comes to safety, this SUV has all the spectacular standard safety features, including:
Lane Keeping Assist Collision Mitigation Brakes, and
Blind Spot Information System.
7. 2015 Acura RLX
Ranked 3rd in the Midsize Premium Category
In a study conducted by J.D. Power on midsize premium cars, results showed that the 2015 Acura RLX ranked 3rd in the category. Its overall consumer rating is 83 out of 100 points. It scored 83 points out of 100 in the driving experience.
Comfortable Second-row Seats
2015 Acura RLX owners love how comfortable the second-row seats are. They also emphasize the efficiency of its heating and air conditioning system. And like most, if not all, Acura vehicles, they love how convenient it is to get in and out of the car.
Features a Forward-collision Warning System
The 2015 Acura RLX features a forward-collision warning system and a collision mitigation braking system. What’s great about this vehicle is that it conveniently guides drivers to drive even in low visibility.
8. 2014 Acura MDX
Ranks 7th in the Midsize Premium SUV Category
A report released by J.D. Power states that the 2014 Acura MDX ranks 7th in the Midsize Premium SUV category.
Overall Consumer Rating
It scores 72 out of 100 points in terms of quality and reliability. Meanwhile, it gained 74 out of 100 points in the driving experience. Overall, the consumer rating it has earned totals 75 points out of 100.
Comfortable Seats
Its pros include having comfortable seats, including the 2nd and 3rd-row seats. It has ample interior storage spaces and excellent vehicle acceleration.
9. 2013 Acura ILX
One of the Best Compact Premium Cars
The 2013 Acura ILX is one of the best compact premium cars in the United States. It ranks 3rd in this category, according to data released by J.D. Power.
Overall Consumer Rating
It has earned a high score of 87 out of 100 points in terms of quality and reliability. It has also earned 74 out of 100 points in the driving experience. Its final consumer rating totals 83 out of 100 points.
Efficient Rear Visibility
What’s there not to love about the 2013 Acura ILX? Its features include efficient rear visibility, an excellent audio system, and ample hatch or trunk space.
10. 2012 Acura MDX
Ranks 4th in the Midsize Premium SUV Category
The 2012 Acura MDX ranks 4th in the Midsize Premium SUV category. When it comes to quality and reliability, it scores 80 out of 100 points.
Overall Consumer Rating
As for the driving experience, it scores 72 out of 100 points. Its final consumer rating is 79 out of 100 points. This data is based on a study conducted by J.D. Power.
Equipped with Impressive Navigation System
The impressive navigation system of the 2012 Acura MDX is worth mentioning. Also, this vehicle has a wide trunk or hatch space. Its heating and air conditioning system are impressive too.
Again, is Acura a reliable vehicle? Acura vehicles have a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, placing it 2nd out of 32 car brands. Plus, it has above-average ownership costs, with an average annual repair cost is $501.
Problems with Acura vehicles rarely occur. But when it does, the most common of all involves the transmission. There have also been reported issues involving the following:
Brake system,
Driveshaft, and
Fuel pump.
But then again, these are rare occurrences.
1. TLX
With the TLX models, the reported problems included transmission issues, engine stalling, and a faulty TRW crash sensor. These issues involved the 2015 and 2016 models.
2. RDX
As for the RDX, brake issues and faulty navigation/infotainment systems were reported involving 2010, 2016, and 2019 models.
3. NSX
1995 and 1996 NSX models encountered anti-lock brake system (ABS) leak, malfunctioning air conditioning system, and clutch problems.
4. MDX
Acura MDX models encountered issues, too, especially 2004, 2014, and 2016 models. The common of all include:
Excessive oil consumption,
Transmission failure, and
Hands-Free Link system’s negative impact on the battery.
5. ILX
As for the ILX models, most of the encountered issues involved transmission. This occurred in the 2014, 2016, and 2016 models.
Acura vehicles are not that costly to maintain despite being a luxury brand. On average, its total vehicle maintenance cost over ten years is about $9,800. To give you an idea, the total vehicle maintenance cost of a BMW is about $17,800, which is way higher than Acura.
Have Your Car Checked Regularly
If you have an Acura vehicle, you can keep the repair costs as low as possible by having your car checked regularly. Strictly follow your car’s regular maintenance schedule. This will allow you to cut costs and extend your Acura’s lifespan.
Regular maintenance includes the following:
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) fluid replacement
Coolant replacement
Inspection of fuel lines and connections
Wheel alignment
Brake fluid replacement
Spark plug replacement
Air filter replacement
Exhaust system
Valve adjustment
Brake pad inspection and replacement
Transmission fluid replacement
Low tire pressure
Clutch and hydraulic system inspection and replacement
Interestingly, used Acura vehicles are described as “desirable.” They are still great looking even after a decade! This is mainly because of the latest trends and technologies incorporated in the design of each Acura model. Their features make them stand out from their rivals.
Acura vehicles hold their resale value better than other car brands. This way, there is nothing to worry about in case you plan to trade or sell your old Acura.
Are Acuras Good on Gas?
Acura vehicles have always been known for their fuel efficiency. This proves that not all high-performance vehicles consume fuel like crazy. With Acura, you can experience the best of both worlds: superb performance and excellent gas mileage.
So, if you are interested in getting an Acura, there’s no reason to think twice about it. Check out their website acura.com to choose the ideal one for you.
Let’s briefly talk about the fuel efficiency of the following Acura vehicles:
RLX
TLX
ILX
1. RLX
Acura’s flagship full-size sedan is the Acura RLX. If you want to experience driving an ultimate luxury cruiser, this car is for you. It has a tri-motor hybrid setup powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It pumps out an impressive 377 horsepower (hp) through all of its four wheels.
Thanks to its Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. The RLX can effortlessly achieve about 29 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates.
2. TLX
The Acura TLX does not only have all the latest technological features, but it is also spacious for a group of five. The 2021 model was released with several updates, including a new engine, a sublime sound system, and a redesigned exterior and interior.
This model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, delivering 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Its EPA-estimated mpg includes 31 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.
3. ILX
The Acura ILX is perfect if you want a compact luxury car. It features a four-cylinder engine with a powerful 201 hp.
You will surely enjoy driving, or riding, in both comfort and style. There’s also no need to worry about its fuel consumption. It can achieve an EPA-estimated 34 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions – Are Acuras Reliable Cars?
Here are some frequently asked questions about Acura vehicles, including information about its reliability:
Are Acuras Reliable Cars?
The reliability rating of Acura cars is 4.0 out of 5.0, making it the 2nd best car out of 32 car brands. According to a report released by RepairPal, the average annual cost of its repair is $501.
Are Acuras Expensive to Fix?
Acura vehicles are not expensive to fix or maintain. It ranks number 11 out of 30 cars that are the least expensive to maintain. Its estimated cost for maintenance over ten years is only $9,800.
Do Acura Cars Last Long?
Acura has always been known for being one of the most reliable luxury automotive brands. Acura vehicles can last for about 300,000 miles or at least 16 years.
What Are the Common Problems with Acuras?
The most common issues reported in Acura vehicles are related to transmission. There are also reported cases involving the brakes, driveshaft, airbags, and fuel pump. Also, there was an airbag recall that occurred in the past.
Are Acura SUVs Reliable?
The reliability rating of the Acura MDX is 4.0 out of 5.0. It ranks 2nd out of 14 cars reviewed by RepailPal.com under the Luxury Midsize SUV Category. Its annual repair cost is estimated to be $571.
In Closing: Are Acuras Good Cars?
The Reliability Rating of Acura is 4.0 out of 5.0, based on a report released by RepairPal. It ranks number two out of 32 car brands, which consists of a total of more than 340 different car models.
On average, its annual repair and maintenance cost about $501. Its probability of having a severe repair is 8%, while it only has an estimated 0.4 repair shop visits per year.
If you’re planning to get a luxury car and considering getting an Acura, there’s no need to think twice. It is a great luxury brand; they build reliable vehicles and retain their resale value.
