Acura RL Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Acura RL options? We analyzed 10 model years (2003–2012) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Acura RL you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Acura RL has 236 owner complaints and 58 safety recalls across model years 2003–2012. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2005 drew the most complaints; 2011 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- RL
- Model years analyzed
- 2003–2012 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 236
- Safety recall campaigns
- 58
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Fire-related complaints
- 4
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2005 (125 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2011 (3 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- AIR BAGS
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Acura RL: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe ACURA RL has 236 NHTSA complaints and 58 recalls on record. 14 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 236 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 58 federal recall campaigns
- 14 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jun 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
58 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2003–2012. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
Most-reported problem areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 236 NHTSA complaints.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
236 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION DURING NORMAL CONDITIONS (NEARLY 1 QUART FOR EVERY 1000 MILES). *TR
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MULTIPLE WARNING SIGNALS AT ONCE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON AVERAGE ROADS, ACC, CMBS, CHECK TRANSMISSION, CHECK AIR BAGS AND OTHERS. THE GREEN D THAT SHOWS THE GEAR SETTING BEGAN CONSTANTLY BLINKING. WHEN I STOPPED AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND STARTED AGAIN, ALL THE WARNING SIGNAL DID NOT REAPPEAR. WITHIN A PERIOD OF ABOUT 3 WEEKS, THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 7 TIMES. THE CAR RAN NORMALLY DESPITE ALL THESE WARNINGS.
2011 ACURA RL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
CANNOT SEE BEYOND ABOUT 50-60 FEET ON DARK ROADS USING LOW BEAMS ONLY. *TR
TAKATA RECALL - WE RECEIVED AN "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" NOTICE, INFORMING US OF THE DEFECTS IN PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG INFLATORS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT IS SUCH THAT I WOULD NOT FEEL SAFE HAVING MYSELF OR A FAMILY MEMBER RIDE IN THE VEHICLE IN THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT SEAT. A SIMILAR RECALL NOTICE CAME OUT ABOUT THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAGS A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. THAT PART WAS AVAILABLE QUICKLY, AND THE REPAIR WORK FOR THE RECALL DONE EXPEDITIOUSLY. I HAVE TO ASSUME THAT IS BECAUSE MY DEALERSHIP (OR AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CORPORATION) WAS PAYING FOR MY RENTAL CAR IN THE INTERIM. I THINK IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG FOR THIS REPAIR/RECALL TO BE ADDRESSED, AS I RECEIVED THE NOTICE AND CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE TWO MONTHS AGO. IT IS DECIDEDLY INCONVENIENT TO HAVE TO USE TWO VEHICLES TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY PLACES, AS NO ONE CAN RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT AND BE ENSURED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THE RISK OF DEATH OR GREAT BODILY INJURY WOULD NOT OCCUR. PLEASE TELL ME HOW I CAN GO ABOUT GETTING THIS REPAIR DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AS I THINK THAT THE PRICE OF A RENTAL VEHICLE TO USE IN THE INTERIM SHOULD ABSOLUTELY BE COVERED BY THE DEALER, BASED ON THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT.
TAKATA RECALL--FIRST CALLED TO ORDER PARTS IN RECALL ( DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATORS) ON JULY 7. JUST CALLED ( SEPTEMBER 12) AND PARTS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR SINCE THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG IS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. I DO NOT FEEL THEY ARE RESPONDING IN AN APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF TIME TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. DEALER HAD NO IDEA WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. IT'S BEEN WELL OVER 60 DAYS SINCE I FIRST CALLED TO HAVE PARTS REPLACED.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V344000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.
TAKATA RECALL TRYING TO GET A REPLACEMENT RENTAL NO ONE RETURNS CALLS HAVE CALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS JUST GET A RUN AROUND NAPLETONS PALM BEACH ACURA DOES NOT WANT TO HELP THEY TOLD ME TO CALL ANOTHER DEALER..VERY UNPROFESSIONAL ..I REQUESTED NEW AIR BAG IN MAY 2016 AND THEY SAID NO LATTER THAN JULY...THIS IS TRUELY A POOR ORGANIZATION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECIEVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.
TAKATA RECALL: I WAS JUST NOTIFIED ON WEDNESDAY AUGUST 3, 2016 BY TELEPHONE BY ACURA EXECUTIVE CUSTOMER RELATIONS THAT MY PASSENGER AIRBAG REPLACEMENT HAS BEEN ORDERED. THIS WOMAN NOTIFIED ME ADDITIONALLY THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE ANYONE SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I PURCHASED THIS CAR AS A FAMILY CAR, A FAMILY SEDAN. I MUST HAVE AVAILABILITY OF MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT; IT CANNOT GO EMPTY. I STATED THIS TO ACURA AND REQUESTED THEY TAKE SPECIFIC ACTION BECAUSE THEY NEED TO GET ME A RENTAL VEHICLE IF NO ONE CAN SIT ON MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITHOUT RISKING THEIR LIFE BECAUSE OF PROFIT DRIVEN MOTIVES BY TAKATA AND ACURA. THIS IS MY SECOND 2010 ACURA RL; THE FIRST ONE WAS TOTALED IN AN FRONT-TO-REAR-END COLLISION WHERE MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED. FORTUNATELY, THIS DEPLOYMENT DID NOT RESULT IN THE RELEASE OF METAL SHARDS. FURTHERMORE, I DROVE MY CURRENT RL AT RISK OF LOSING MY LIFE BECAUSE OF METAL SHARDS IN THE AIRBAG FOR THE DURATION UNTIL REPLACEMENT UNDER RECALL. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN ENOUGH RISK OF LOSING MY LIFE AND/OR HEALTH AND THIS CANNOT CONTINUE. I DEMAND ACURA TAKE IMMEDIATE (I MEAN IMMEDIATE) STEPS TO GET ME A COMPARABLE RENTAL CAR. IF THEY DON'T RESPOND WITH AN IMMEDIATE SOLUTION, I WILL RENT A CAR MYSELF AND WILL SUBMIT THE BILL TO ACURA FOR CHARGES INCURRED. SINCE THAT TELEPHONE CALL, I WENT THROUGH MY UNOPENED MAIL AND DISCOVERED THE RECALL NOTICE; THE LETTER IS DATED "JULY 2016". IT IS INTERESTING THIS COMPANY IS NOT CAPABLE OF INSTALLING AN ACTUAL DATE ON THE LETTERHEAD AND IS ALLOWED TO SIMPLY STATE AN ENTIRE MONTH. IN THAT LETTER, COMPLAINT PROCEDURES ARE EXPLAINED TO INCLUDE THAT I MAY FILE A COMPLAINT AFTER 60 DAYS. I SPOKE WITH MY OAKLAND ACURA DEALER WHO HAS MY RECALL PART ON ORDER AND HE SAID IT WOULD BE 3-4 WEEKS AT LEAST AND LIKELY MORE UNTIL A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG IS AVAILABLE FOR INSTALLATION. AN IMMEDIATE SOLUTION IS REQUIRED.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/28/16*LJ *TR
2010 ACURA RL. CONSUMER STATES FAULT WITH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT DESIGN WHICH RESULTS IN A SERIOUS LACK OF VISION BEYOND 30 YARDS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT ON A RURAL ROAD AS HE WAS UNABLE TO SEE A DETOUR SIGN DUE TO ROAD FLOODING UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST TOO LATE TO STOP. IT APPEARED AS THOUGH THE TOP OF THE FENDER DESIGN SEEMED TO ACT AS A HOOD WHICH OBSCURED ALL OF THE ROADWAY BEYOND THIRTY FEET. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA RL. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WAS MINOR VEHICLE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT HAS REPORTED THE FAILURE TO THE DEALER BUT NOT THE MANUFACTURER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT IF THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED A FATALITY COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
THE POWER STEERING LINE IS POURING OUT THE FLUID AND BURNS UNDER THE CAR CAUSING SMOKE
FAILURE OF POWER STEERING TILT/REACH. POWER STEERING TILT/REACH STOPPED WORKING. THE GEARS ACURA HAVE USED ARE PLASTIC AND FRAGILE. ACURA DOES NOT SELL THE GEARS, THEY WANT PEOPLE TO BUY NEW STEERING COLUMN. ONE PERSON CAN GET STEERING POSITIONED AT COMFORTABLE PLACE BUT THEN IF A PERSON OF DIFFERENT SIZE HAS TO DRIVE HE/SHE GETS TIRED THAT CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENT AND FATALITY. SEARCHING WEB SHOWS THAT PROBLEM IS COMMON IN ACURA RLS. ACURA SHOULD FIX THIS ISSUE ASAP.
I PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BLINKED RIGHT AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR. I KNEW I HAD A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS WOULDN'T WORK. I TRIED TO RE-ENGAGE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO OPEN THE DOOR LOCKS, BUT THE CAR WAS TOTALLY ELECTRICALLY DEAD. I TRIED A COUPLE MORE TIMES TO START THE CAR, BUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I SAT IN THE CAR A COUPLE MINUTES WITHOUT TOUCHING ANYTHING. I TRIED ONCE AGAIN TO START THE CAR AND IT WORKED. ALL THE RADIO AND NAV SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE RESET. THIS HAS OCCURRED 3 MORE TIMES OVER 3 MONTHS. EACH THE SAME WAY. AS I PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, IT BLINKED AND ELECTRICALLY FAILED. LAST TWO TIMES BEING ONLY 5 DAYS APART. SO IT'S HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY AND CLOSER TOGETHER. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT THE CAR. HE'D NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAD NO CLUE AS TO HOW OR WHY IT HAPPENED. HE EXAMINED THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND FOUND NADA. SO FAR, IT HAS NOT RE-OCCURRED 3 WEEKS AFTER BEING LOOKED AT. FRUSTRATING, CONCERNING. *TR
I TRIED STARTING MY CAR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY BATTERY WENT DEAD. ALL THE GADGETS ON MY DASH AND NOT ONE COULD TELL ME MY BATTERY WAS DYING OR LOW ON CHARGE. SO I CALL AAA AND THEY REPLACE THE BATTERY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR IS WORKING BETTER AND MY AC IS WORKING BETTER. ALL THE TIMES I COMPLAINED TO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP THAT MY AC WAS NOT COOLING PROPERLY IN THIS FLORIDA HEAT AND THEY CHECK IT AND THEY TELL ME IT'S WORKING JUST FINE. ALL OF A SUDDEN, I GET A NEW BATTERY AND MY AC IS WORKING MUCH BETTER AND NOW MY CAR IS REALLY COOLING DOWN. NO WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TELLING ME LOW BATTERY. A CAR WITH ALL THESE ELECTRONICS AND NO WARNING AND THE ACURA DEALERSHIP IN DELRAY BEACH CHECKED IT OUT NUMEROUS TIME AND DID NOT KNOW THAT THE AC WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY BECAUSE THE CAR NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. SHAME ON ACURA. *TR
MY DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN AND I'M UNSURE WHETHER IT'S THE SWITCH OR THE ACTUATOR. HONDA'S AND ACURA'S ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH MALFUNCTIONING ACTUATORS.FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO FIX DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS NUMEROUS TIMES. MY DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING, MY WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING EVERY SINGLE YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNER THIS CAR. I PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY SO THEY COULD FIX MY DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS EVERY YEAR. IT'S RIDICULOUS THE PRICES THEY CHARGE FOR THIS CAR AND THEY CAN'T MAKE IT LAST MORE THAN 1 YEAR. THE ACURA DEALERSHIP SHOWED ME, THAT ALL THE PARTS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC AND THEY WEAR. AS LONG AS IT'S UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY, I HAVE TO KEEP PAYING A DEDUCTIBLE AND BRINGING IT IN FOR THEM TO FIX. *TR
THE AIRBAG OR SRS(SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM) LIGHT IS ON MY 2004 ACURA RL WHEN BUYING THE CAR I DON'T NOTICE THE LIGHT WAS ON UNTIL I DROVE THE CAR OFF THE LOT AND BILL OF SALES WAS FINAL AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSE SINCE I BROUGHT THE CAR RIGHT BEFORE CLOSING TIME. *TR
THE DVD NAVIGATION SYSTEM IN THE RL IS BURNING OUT THE DVD DISK AND CAUSING THE NAVIGATION TO STOP WORKING. THE GPS LOCATOR ON THE SCREEN HAD MY VEHICLE NOWHERE NEAR THE ACTUAL LOCATION. THE NAVIGATION VOICE WOULD GIVE COMMAND TO MAKE A TURN WHERE NO ROAD EXISTED. I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE FAILURE OF THE DVD DRIVE IN THE CAR IS A MORE COMMON EVENT AS I READ THE ACURA FORUMS. HTTP://TSX.ACURAZINE.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=676588. *TR
Showing 20 of 236 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Acura RL
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
Understanding this data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Acura RL has 236 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Acura RL has 58 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 14 of the Acura RL's 236 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Acura RL vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Acura RL vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Acura RL has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Acura RL stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Acura RL by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Acura RL.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Acura RL reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Acura RL reliable?
Poor. The Acura RL has 236 NHTSA owner complaints and 58 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is AIR BAGS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Acura RL years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2005 (125 complaints), 2007 (20 complaints), 2003 (14 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Acura RL problems?
Top reported issues: AIR BAGS (81 complaints); EXTERIOR LIGHTING (60 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36 complaints).
Does the Acura RL have recalls?
Yes — 58 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Acura RL. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.