NHTSA Complaint #11659143 — 2015 ACURA RDX

Re: Safety Concerns with 2015 Acura RDX Engine. My vehicle has experienced multiple serious engine failures beginning December 8, 2023, when it suddenly lost power while driving with a flashing check engine light. Despite multiple repair attempts by McDaniel's Acura dealership (timing belt replacement, spark plugs, front cylinder head replacement, pulley replacements), the issues have persisted and worsened. Technicians found oil in cylinders 1&3, metal debris in the oil filter, and diagnosed the engine as failing in May 2024. Current symptoms include white smoke from the tailpipe, engine rattling, and ongoing risk of sudden failure. This vehicle was leased new in 2015, purchased after lease term, and consistently maintained at Acura dealerships. Despite opening two cases with Acura Client Relations (#14622769 on April 29 and #14633862 on May 6, 2024), Honda Financial declined assistance. The dealership only offered a trade-in "incentive" while admitting they couldn't resell my vehicle due to its condition, and would instead auction in off. I'm unable to safely use this as my primary transportation. Similar engines have had multiple recalls between 2018-2023, including a December 2023 recall of 2.6 million vehicles for fuel pump issues and recalls for connecting rod bearings in similar engines. In November 2024, NHTSA began investigating 1.4 million Honda/Acura V6 engines for rod bearing failures. I request NHTSA investigate whether this represents a broader safety defect affecting other Acura RDX vehicles. Service records from December 2023-May 2024 are attached as documentation of all repair attempts and diagnoses by authorized Acura technicians.