2021 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-SPEC
VIN: 5J8TC2H68ML044021 | 2021 | American Honda Motor Co., Inc. | EAST LIBERTY, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
2021 Acura RDX SH-AWD A-SPEC — 2L 4 Cyl, 4x4, Automatic. Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV].
C
69/100
Safety & Recall Score: Fair
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
⚠ 3 recall campaigns
⚠ 117 owner complaints
✓ VIN fully verified
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Body: Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Plant: EAST LIBERTY, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
NHTSA Recalls
3 Recall Campaigns- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021...
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022...
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021,...
Owner Complaints
117 filed with NHTSA- The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact...
- Rear window shattered spontaneously twice. 9/12/24 & 10/11/26
Fuel Economy
24 MPG Combined- City: 22 MPG
- Hwy: 27 MPG
- Combined: 24 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
5J8TC2H68ML044021
Model Year
2021
Make
Acura
Model
RDX
Trim
SH-AWD A-SPEC
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Doors
5
Seats
5
Seat Rows
2
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Engine
2L 4 Cyl
Manufacturer
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Plant Location
EAST LIBERTY, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
Country of Origin
UNITED STATES (USA)
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — WMI Region
5 → United States
Position 2 — Manufacturer
J → American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
8 → MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
TC2H6 → RDX SH-AWD A-SPEC
Position 9 — Check Digit
8 → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
M → 2021
Position 11 — Plant Code
L → EAST LIBERTY, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA)
Positions 12–17 — Serial
044021 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
K20C4
Engine Manufacturer
HONDA
Cylinders
4 Cyl
Displacement
2 L
Displacement CC
2000
Displacement CI
122.0474881894
Engine Config
In-Line
Engine Cycles
4
Horsepower
272 hp
Valve Train
Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Cooling System
Water
Turbocharger
Yes
Transmission Style
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
10
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Combined MPG
24 MPG
City MPG
22 MPG
Hwy MPG
27 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,300
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$16,500
GHG Score
5/10
CO₂ Emissions
375 g/mi
Barrels/Year
12.4
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Included
Lane Departure Warning
Included
Lane Keep System
Included
Blind Spot Monitoring
Included
Blind Spot Intervention
Not reported in manufacturer data
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Included
Adaptive Cruise Control
Included
Parking Assist
Not reported in manufacturer data
Dynamic Brake Support
Included
Pedestrian AEB
Not reported in manufacturer data
Rear Auto Braking
Not reported in manufacturer data
Auto Reverse System
Included
Daytime Running Lights
Included
Adaptive Driving Beam
Available
Keyless Ignition
Included
Auto High Beams
Included
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Curtain Airbags
1st and 2nd Rows
Knee Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not reported in manufacturer data
Brake System
Not reported in manufacturer data
Steering Location
Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Curb Weight
4,015 lbs
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Doors
5
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Axles
2
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Wheels & Tires
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Manufacturer ID
988
Make ID
475
Model ID
1871
Plant City
EAST LIBERTY
Plant State
OHIO
Plant Country
UNITED STATES (USA)
Vehicle Descriptor
5J8TC2H6*ML
GVWR
Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
3
Recall Status
Recall campaigns found
Recall Campaigns
3 recall campaigns identified
VIN repair status unknown — verify open recalls with NHTSA or a Acura dealer.
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
📋
Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
🔔
Verify All Recalls Are FixedVisit the Acura dealer with this VIN to confirm all 3 recalls are resolved.
🔒
NICB Stolen Vehicle CheckFree check at nicb.org to confirm no theft, salvage, or total-loss history.
💰
Negotiate Using This ReportUse the 3 recall campaigns as leverage for a lower price.
📝
Review Title & Lien StatusEnsure no outstanding liens before transfer. Your state DMV can verify title.
Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$21,600–$28,600
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
💡 This is a general estimate, not real data for this specific vehicle. Get the real, transaction-based Verified Market Value with VIN Pro Plus — $4.99 →
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
5 Stars
Front Crash Rating
4 Stars
Side Crash Rating
5 Stars
Rollover Risk
4 Stars
Safety Recalls
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Acura RDX and 2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles. A component in the right or left front driveshaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which could result in driveshaft failure.
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, or cause the vehicle to roll away when parked if the parking brake is...
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right or left front driveshaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2022. Owners may...
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura...
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners...
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018,...
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service...
Service bulletins and open investigations aren't part of this report. You can search them for free on NHTSA's site.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2021 Acura RDX
$1,410/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$7,050
Maintenance (5yr)
$7,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$16,500
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$12,870
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find Acura Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Acura dealer.
Find Acura Dealers →NICB VINCheck is a free federal database. Run a check to confirm this VIN has no theft, salvage, or insurance total-loss history.
Run Free NICB Check for 5J8TC2H68ML044021 →State Emissions & Lemon Law
Emissions Testing & Lemon Law by State
Select any state to see its current emissions testing requirements and lemon law protections.
Select a state above to view its requirements.
OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
Enter a code from your OBD-II scanner, pick from the dropdown, or tap a common code chip below.
Common:
Owner Complaints
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact...
The contact owns a 2021 Acura RDX. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat belt retractor failed to retract as needed. The vehicle was taken to...
Rear window shattered spontaneously twice. 9/12/24 & 10/11/26
Rear window shattered spontaneously twice. 9/12/24 & 10/11/26
2021 Acura RDX has cold start, uses coolant and...
2021 Acura RDX has cold start, uses coolant and will stumble, limp mode approaching 2000 RPM. Vehicle will flash check engine light and then will go away when...
Acura Sunnyside in New Hampshire denied to repair my...
Acura Sunnyside in New Hampshire denied to repair my recall on my 2021 Acura RDX.
Engine was replaced 12/13/25 due to cracked cylinder head...
Engine was replaced 12/13/25 due to cracked cylinder head causing oil to leak into exhaust and fill cylinder 2 and 3. 09/21/26 new engine replacement done in December...
Head Gasket blown known problem with Honda and Acura...
Head Gasket blown known problem with Honda and Acura 2.0T I didn’t know of this issue until it occurred to Loi Me in 2025 My Acura dealership told...
Two low-speed sudden unintended acceleration events while parking a...
Two low-speed sudden unintended acceleration events while parking a 2021 Acura RDX. Incident 1 (July 2026): While parking at low speed, the car unexpectedly surged forward. Flew up...
Fuel Pump is having to be replaced. I have...
Fuel Pump is having to be replaced. I have had issues accelerating and my car also stalled once on the freeway. It put me in a dangerous situation...
Showing 8 of 117 complaints. View all on NHTSA →
Maintenance Schedule
Current
Oil & Filter Change
Every 5,000 mi
Acura recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Current
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Due Soon
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Due Soon
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Now
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Current
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 2021 ACURA RDX based on vehicle class and age. These are projections from today’s general estimate, not past sale prices. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
Now
$25,100
+1 yr
$22,100
-12%
+2 yr
$19,600
-22%
+3 yr
$17,100
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$1,410/yr
16%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
17%
Fuel/Energy
$3,300/yr
37%
Depreciation
$2,574/yr
28%
Registration
$250/yr
3%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$9,034/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
8
/ 10
Rank #6 overall
28 issues / 100 vehicles
Acura Reliability
Acura (Honda luxury) benefits from Honda's proven mechanical platforms with upscale amenities.
General editorial reference for this manufacturer, not a live or VIN-specific measurement — see the sources below for detailed, current data.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
Feb 12, 2021
Jan 2, 2024
May 21, 2026
Vehicles in a similar class to the 2021 ACURA RDX and their approximate current price range:
Private Party
$19,000–$26,300
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$22,700–$31,500
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$23,300–$32,900
Manufacturer-backed limited warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle model has 3 recall campaigns on file. Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm this specific VIN's recalls are resolved, or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓
Check digit (position 9) validates
✓
VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓
No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓
Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓
Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓
Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
33 PSI (typical)
See door jamb
Rear Tires
33 PSI (typical)
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI (typical)
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Service AWD/4WD differential and transfer case fluids
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Acura Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
4yr/50k
Has likely ended
Powertrain
6yr/70k
May still be covered
Corrosion / Rust
6yr/unlimited
May still be covered
Estimated from the model year only. Factory coverage runs from the vehicle's original sale date, which this report can't confirm, and mileage limits can end coverage sooner. Verify remaining coverage with a Acura dealer using the VIN.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
CARCHEX
Get Quote →
A+ BBB-rated. 6 plan tiers, up to 500k miles.
Endurance
Get Quote →
Direct-pay at any ASE-certified mechanic.
AUTOPOM!
Get Quote →
Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2021 ACURA RDX.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2021 ACURA RDX:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
Listings with 20+ high-quality daylight photos get 3x more inquiries than listings with poor photos.
🗂 Vehicle history report link
Proactively share a VIN Pro Plus or Carfax report link to build instant buyer confidence.
🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
👥 Know your options list
Luxury buyers want to know exact packages and options. Pull the window sticker or build sheet before listing.
⚠ Check recall status first
This vehicle model has 3 recall campaigns on file. Confirming this specific VIN's recalls are resolved before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 117 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
🔔 NHTSA SaferCar Alerts
Official government recall notifications. Free, direct from NHTSA. Covers safety recalls, investigations, and bulletins.
Sign Up Free →🔌 Carfax Recall Alerts
Free recall tracking through Carfax. Notifies you about new recalls and tracks which ones have been repaired.
Check Free →
VIN 5J8TC2H68ML044021:
3 recall campaigns currently on file. Sign up to track when they are resolved.
Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,410/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 5J8TC2H68ML044021 decode to?
VIN 5J8TC2H68ML044021 decodes to a 2021 ACURA RDX SH-AWD A-SPEC, assembled in EAST LIBERTY, OHIO, UNITED STATES (USA).
How many recalls does this 2021 ACURA RDX have?
NHTSA shows 3 recall campaigns associated with the 2021 ACURA RDX. This reflects campaigns issued for this model/year — it does not confirm whether this specific VIN's repairs have already been completed. Contact a ACURA dealer with this VIN to check.
Is it safe to buy a 2021 ACURA RDX with recall campaigns on file?
A recall campaign doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but any unresolved recall should be addressed promptly. Contact a ACURA dealer with this VIN to confirm which specific recalls apply and whether they've already been completed — repairs are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2021 ACURA RDX?
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2021 ACURA RDX SH-AWD A-SPEC is estimated at $21,600–$28,600. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2021 ACURA RDX get?
According to EPA data, the 2021 ACURA RDX gets approximately 24 MPG combined (22 city / 27 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $3,300.
❤ Support VinForFree
VinForFree offers a free VIN check with no signup required. If this report helped you, consider supporting the site.
Bitcoin (BTC) Address:
3JjL1STPyfyhiQk1E91Xss8FSa5brW8LG3
Ethereum (ETH) Address:
0x962Efcc84463D599beC4F5F0575D1ebF60c83745
Litecoin (LTC) Address:
MUZk3ZDrpM4KmQjAZsnd5t12bYKqfhNtx4
Cardano (ADA) Address:
addr1vy8zgurtrdxyq4lyz9wzgpguj3eraxl79shu2hgh9r2ux6cdgmjc5
Free VIN Check — No Signup Required
Decode any 17-character VIN instantly. Recalls, specs, fuel economy, crash ratings, and market value.
🔍 Search Another VIN