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Honda issues recall for 2025 Acura RDX over EPS calibration
American Honda Motor has announced a recall affecting up to 17,334 examples of the 2025 Acura RDX in the US. The recall stems from improperly calibrated electronic power steering (EPS) software that, under certain driving conditions, can trigger a failsafe and disable power steering assist. When EPS assist is lost, steering effort increases and vehicle controllability can be reduced, raising the risk of a crash.
What caused the fault?
According to the recall documents, the calibration error traces to a tier-2 supplier to JTEKT North America that developed the software to satisfy California idle-stop OBD requirements. The supplier inadvertently set the EPS target returnability (Integrated Dynamics System gain) to an incorrect value. In specific scenarios — when Lane Keeping Assist is active, the Integrated Dynamics System is set to Comfort mode, and the driver applies a sharp steering input during a turn — the EPS target returnability output can exceed a safety threshold and force the system into failsafe.
Timeline and investigation
American Honda Motor received its first potentially related customer complaint in October 2024 and logged 84 warranty claims through August 28, 2025. No injuries have been reported. Acura introduced updated EPS software on August 29, 2025, but the recall covers US vehicles built from January 23, 2024 through August 18, 2025. Affected VINs were scheduled to be uploaded to Honda's website on September 17, 2025, and owners are to be notified by first-class mail starting October 20, 2025. Acura dealers will install the revised EPS software free of charge.
Vehicle specifications and mechanical layout
Powertrain and drivetrain
The 2025 Acura RDX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine — the same basic unit found in performance models like the Civic Type R and Integra Type S — producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. Power is delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission (assembled in Georgia) and Acura's SH-AWD system, assembled alongside the engine at the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio. The combined fuel economy rating is about 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km).
Production and VINs
The RDX is built in East Liberty, Ohio, which is why affected VINs begin with the number 5. The recall is limited to 2025 model-year vehicles that received the incorrect EPS calibration.
Design, performance and market positioning
The third-generation RDX (in production since 2018 for the 2019 model year) is Acura's premium compact SUV offering — a more upscale counterpart to the Honda CR-V. Compared with the CR-V, the RDX emphasizes sportier handling, a turbocharged engine, and premium interior features. As of September 2025 pricing, Honda's CR-V starts at approximately $30,920 (2026 model), while the 2025 RDX base trim begins at about $44,700. Trim choices include Technology and A-Spec ($47,300 and $50,300 respectively at press time) and top-tier Advance/A-Spec Advance models starting near $52,450 and $54,450.
How the recall affects owners and what to do
If you own a 2025 Acura RDX built within the affected dates, contact your Acura dealer or check Honda's recall lookup once VINs are posted. Dealers will perform a no-cost EPS software update to correct the calibration. Until your vehicle is updated, drivers should be aware of the potential for increased steering effort if the EPS enters a failsafe, particularly when using Lane Keeping Assist in Comfort mode.
Comparison and buyer guidance
For buyers weighing the RDX against the CR-V, the RDX delivers stronger performance and more premium features at a higher price. If long-term reliability and safety are priorities, note that Acura has issued a prompt software fix and is coordinating free updates through its dealer network. The recall is procedural — software-related rather than mechanical — but affected customers should seek the update as soon as it is available.
Summary
The EPS recall for the 2025 Acura RDX is an important safety update for a subset of US-market vehicles. With a free dealer software upgrade already released and owner notifications scheduled, Acura expects to resolve the issue without hardware replacement. Owners should monitor official Honda communications, check the VIN list, and schedule the EPS software update promptly to restore full power-steering assist and safe vehicle operation.
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