Excessive Oil Consumption on 2020 RDX 2.0T

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:55 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec

Hi all,

I own a 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec with the 2.0L turbo engine, and I've noticed it's consuming a significant amount of oil between oil changes. I typically get my oil changed every 5,000 miles, and I'm finding myself adding at least 1.5 to 2 quarts of oil before the next service is due. The car has about 45,000 miles on it.

There are no visible leaks under the car, and I don't see any blue smoke from the exhaust. The engine seems to run fine otherwise, but this level of consumption feels excessive for a relatively new car. Is this normal for the 2.0T engine, or should I be concerned? What could be causing this?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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Hi Sarah L.,

Excessive oil consumption on a 2020 Acura RDX 2.0T, especially adding 1.5-2 quarts between 5,000-mile intervals, is definitely a concern and not considered normal. While some engines consume a small amount of oil, this level suggests an underlying issue.

Here are potential causes and steps:

  1. PCV Valve Issues: A faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can lead to increased oil consumption. If the valve is stuck open, it can draw too much oil vapor into the intake manifold, where it's burned off.
  2. Turbocharger Seals: The turbocharger operates at high temperatures and speeds. Worn or damaged seals within the turbo can allow oil to leak into the exhaust or intake side, leading to burning without visible external leaks.
  3. Piston Rings/Cylinder Walls: While less common on a 45,000-mile engine, worn or stuck piston rings can fail to properly scrape oil from the cylinder walls, allowing it to burn during combustion. This would typically be accompanied by blue smoke, but not always visibly obvious.
  4. Valve Stem Seals: Damaged valve stem seals can allow oil to seep past the valves and into the combustion chamber, especially when the engine is decelerating or idling.

When to See a Shop: You should schedule an appointment with your Acura dealership immediately. They will likely perform an oil consumption test, which involves topping off the oil, sealing the dipstick and fill cap, and having you return after a set mileage (e.g., 1,000 miles) to measure the consumption. This is crucial for warranty claims. They can also check for any technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to oil consumption for your specific model year. Ignoring this can lead to engine damage or catalytic converter issues (P0420 code) over time.