Acura RDX vs Ford Escape
For 2006–2021 models, the Acura RDX has 34.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 63.1 for the Ford Escape. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2006–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Acura RDX
34.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
46% fewer than the Ford Escape
- Complaints
- 2,041
- Sold
- 599,795
- Recall campaigns
- 12
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2014–2015 and 2019–2020. Fewest: 2006, 2011–2012 and 2016. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 55,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 40,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 6,200 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 11,550 mi
Ford Escape
63.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.9× the Acura RDX’s rate
- Complaints
- 23,609
- Sold
- 3,739,156
- Recall campaigns
- 68
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2010 and 2020. Fewest: 2007, 2012, 2019 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 56,500 mi
-
Head gasket and cylinder head
Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $1,620–$3,010
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 110,984 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 52,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 80,200 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Acura RDX or the Ford Escape?
For 2006–2021 models, the Acura RDX has 34.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Escape has 63.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Acura RDX?
The most-reported problem on the Acura RDX is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 60,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Escape?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Escape is stalling and no-start, typically around 56,500 miles.
Which Acura RDX and Ford Escape years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Acura RDX: 2014–2015 and 2019–2020; Ford Escape: 2008–2010 and 2020.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.