Acura
Rdx

Acura RDX headlight problem, dimming headlights, which is a known issue according to the Acura dealership service department in Brentwood, TN. The Acura technician stated that this is often caused by delaminating reflector film, and flickering headlights, which can result from faulty relays or wiring. The dimming makes it hard to see while driving during sundown. Driving with the high beam on causes problems for oncoming traffic. Acura acknowledged the issue, and a recall addressed the delamination issue for some models, but not the 2014 RDX. For my models, Acura stated the internal reflector is damaged, and replacing bulbs will not help. The most effective solution is to replace the headlight assembly or the entire projector housing, which can be a costly repair.

The low-beam projector headlights in our 2014 Acura RDX have become extremely dim over time, which is making the car very unsafe to drive at night because we cannot see well enough. The dealer inspected them in 2024, and stated the dim lighting is due to oxidation of the interior projector lenses. This sounds similar to other complaints that the internal reflective material in the low-beam headlight assembly delaminates or fogs up due to heat, significantly reducing light output. It also sounds similar to a recall issued for the 2013-2014 Acura ILX due to headlight problems. The dealer provided a $2500 quote to replace the headlight assemblies. They have not been inspected by anyone else. They have not been replaced yet and are available for further inspection. This defect has been particularly dangerous because our eyes adjusted to the gradually diminishing light output over time so we, and I suspect many other drivers, have been unaware of the danger we’ve been in until the problem became severely obvious and other drivers also began informing us.

The low beam is very dim at night regardless what bulb I've installed. The reflective material inside the projector housing is no longer working.

The drivers side headlight does not work. If it does work initially upon turning on, when the car brakes, the light flickers and then goes out. I have replaced the light bulb three times and it doesn't fix the problem. My mechanic said there is no way to fix it and sometimes this happens with the type of light bulbs this car uses. It seems to be electrical that the brake or motion of the stopping causes the light to shut off and I can't get it to turn back on so I either have to not drive at night or drive with my high beams on - both of which seem unsafe. Another reason i'm thinking it could be electrical is that the lock beep noise and lights flashing rarely works anymore and if it does, it's very faint.

Base model Halogen headlights project unsafe low light after defects in the projection reflector assembly delaminate. Light output at night is completely unsafe to drive. Acura knows it’s a defective part and will not offer fix other than full replacement of entire headlight assemblies at a cost of approximately $3,000. Major safety issue making a car unsafe to drive at night, all due to a poor design and defective reflective coating used on projector part of headlights.

Low beam headlights do not reflect. I can barely see when driving at night due to the low beams. I replaced the bulbs with a high grade brand and restored the lenses to the housing unit and they are very clear. The Reflector or Housing is degraded so the bulbs do not shine bright enough. This is a serious safety issue. I almost hit a deer that I couldn’t see in my neighborhood. We have great street lighting and it was 7:50pm so not very dark.

Acura recalled 2014 vehicles for delamination of reflector film within headlights that results in decreased light output. The RDX was not included, but many - like mine - have experienced this issue. I purchased the RDX in 2017 from an Acura dealer as a certified, lease return vehicle. I began to notice dimming of the low beams within the first year. I had the plastic outside of the headlights restored. No change. The low beams became unsafe. The dealer’s service department was aware of a recall on other models when I mentioned it. They provided me with a number to call American Honda. When I called they acknowledged the issue, but refused to help or provide any financial assistance to purchase new headlight assemblies. I was advised by my mechanic to use my high beams as they were brighter. The low beams barely light up the bumper - no projection. @12 lumens or = 3-5 watt nightlight bulb.

I came close to striking certian low lining dividers, etc.... It is very well known That RDX around my build date Main headlight projector reflector burns out. I found out that Acura had a mandatory NHTSA recall to that era ILX for this same issue and Nissan has just settled a class action lawsuit for the same issue. The headlights were all manufactured by National Automotive Lighting (NAL). and the reflective coating inside the projector lens burns in time due to high lightbulb heat. When will this be recalled?