Before you buy
This 2005 Acura Rl has 125 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Headlight/Taillight Failures.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2005 Acura Rl Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2005 Acura Rl.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2005 Acura Rl Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
9.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
ACURA RL 2005 has 125 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls. Top issues include headlight/taillight failures (49 complaints) and airbag malfunctions (36 complaints). Buyers should verify recall repairs and inspect these systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- Rl
- Model year
- 2005
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 125
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Top reported component
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2005 Acura Rl problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Headlight/Taillight Failures, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2005 Acura Rl?
The 2005 Acura RL may be worth considering if priced low and thoroughly inspected, but the high complaint volume and recall count warrant caution. Prioritize checking headlights, airbags, and electrical systems before purchase.
Headlight/taillight failures and airbag malfunctions are safety-critical issues that can lead to accidents or injury. Electrical faults and brake problems further affect reliability and repair costs.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest time in pre-purchase inspection and potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a trouble-free luxury sedan with minimal maintenance should avoid this year due to high complaint and recall counts.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2005 Acura Rl
Inspection Focus
- Inspect headlight and taillight operation for failures.
- Check airbag warning lights and recall status.
- Test all electrical systems, including windows and locks.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect headlight and taillight operation for failures.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2005 Acura Rl, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2005 Acura RL shows a high number of headlight/taillight failures (49 complaints) and airbag malfunctions (36 complaints), along with 11 recalls. Buyers should prioritize inspecting these systems and verifying recall completion. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only one model year (2005) is analyzed, so no comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: With 11 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Headlight/taillight failures account for 49 of 125 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions total 36 complaints.
- There are 11 recalls for this model year.
- Headlight/Taillight Failures (49 complaints)
- Airbag Malfunctions (36 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (18 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2005 Acura Rl complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Acura Rl. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 49 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 36 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2005 Acura Rl. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I bought the car there was no airbag light on it I was driving down my road and it just randomly turned on been on ever since. Sunnyside Acura Told me that the frontal driver side airbag was replaced in 2016, Then they told me that it would not be under recall because they pretty…
The center display screen went blank (black) and I can't adjust anything
Small electric fire in driver side door panel melted all the way through outside door handle . After this happened to me I looked through forums and this seems to be a common issue with this car and there has been no recall for this issue . Very unsafe
MY VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD GLOVE BOX IS DEFECTIVE. I BELIEVE THIS HAPPENS TO MANY VEHICLES WHICH NO ONE BOTHERS TO REPORT. MY GLOVE BOX, WHEN IT'S HOT OR THE SUN IS OUT, THE EXTERNAL LEATHER OR MATERIAL THAT IT IS MADE OF, SOFTENS AND DETERIORATED LIKE IT'S MELTED PLASTIC. ANY CON…
CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM LIGHT ON. CONNECTION TO HEADLIGHT DEFECTIVE, HEADLIGHT TURNS ON AND OFF RANDOMLY LIKE WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP, BUT TURNS BACK ON IF YOU TURN LIGHT OFF THEN ON AGAIN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER SON WAS DRIVING AND APPROACHED A CRASH THAT HAD ALREADY TAKEN PLACE. THE VICTIM OF THE CRASH WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WAS LYING IN THE ROAD. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A VEHICLE …
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN SHIFTED TO N DURING AN EVENT, TACHOMETER READS 6000 RPM. THROTTLE PEDAL AND AREA ARE CLEAR, NO CODES.
HID HEADLIGHTS. MY PROBLEM HAS BEEN WITH MY HEADLIGHTS EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN JULY OF 2015. EVERY NOW AND THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WOULD FLICKER AND GO OUT. I CAN GET THE HEADLLIGHT TO COME BACK ON BY TURNING OFF THE HEADLIGHTS AND TURNING THEM BACK ON. …
THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES ITS ONE AND SOMETIMES BOTH. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE LIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON AND THEY TURN BACK ON. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.
DOOR HANDLE STARTED SMOKING AND WILL NOT LET START GPS DISPLAY SCREEN DOES NOT WORK CLOCK DISPLAY DOES NOT WORK VSA LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME CAR WAS STATIONARY BURNT OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE.
PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM FLICKERS AND WILL COMPLETELY GO OFF. HAVE TAKEN INTO DEALER WITH NO RESULTS (CLAIM THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM). THIS I BELIEVE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS SINCE 2005 WITH NO SOLUTION. IF WHEN DRIVING YOU TURN YOUR LIGHTS OFF THEN…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE I…
"TAKATA RECALL" I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM AMERICAN HONDA IN MARCH, 2016 ABOUT A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. UNDER THE SECTION "WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?" THE LETTER STATES THE REMEDY PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN SUMMER 2016 AND "ACURA WILL SEND ANOTHER LETTER WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE" I N…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000, 16V344000 (AIR BAGS), AND 13V092000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, TRACTION …
TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED NOTICE FROM ACURA ON 7/5/16 TO CALL MY DEALER (ACURA OF OCEAN, NJ) TO SCHEDULE APPT. FOR REPLACEMENT OF (2) DEFECTIVE PARTS. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE ON "BACK ORDER" AND THEY WOULD CALL ME WHEN PARTS ARRIVED TO SCHEDU…
TAKATA RECALL - RECEIVED NOTICE TO REPLACE PASSENGER AIRBAG IN JULY. CALLED DEALER ON JULY 11, ( MONTANO ACURA IN ALBUQUERQUE) MADE APPOINTMENT FOR JOLY 19. GOT THERE AND THEY DID NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PART. IT HAS BEEN 72 DAYS AND THEY STILL DON'T HAVE IT AND ARE UNABLE TO RE…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS), 16V344000 (AIR BAGS), 10V504000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC ) AND 13V092000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM). THE DEALER H…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOU…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Acura Rl.
Safety recalls
2005 Acura Rl recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Acura Rl. With 11 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2005 Acura Rl buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2005 Acura Rl reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 125 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2005 Acura RL may be worth considering if priced low and thoroughly inspected, but the high complaint volume and recall count warrant caution. Prioritize checking headlights, airbags, and electrical systems before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Acura Rl?▾
#1: Headlight/Taillight Failures (49 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (36 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Acura Rl?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2005 Acura Rl?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2005 Acura Rl, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 125 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2005 Acura Rl have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2005 Acura Rl. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. With 11 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2005 Acura Rl?▾
The 2005 Acura RL may be worth considering if priced low and thoroughly inspected, but the high complaint volume and recall count warrant caution. Prioritize checking headlights, airbags, and electrical systems before purchase. Headlight/taillight failures and airbag malfunctions are safety-critical issues that can lead to accidents or injury. Electrical faults and brake problems further affect reliability and repair costs. Pay extra attention to Headlight/Taillight Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Acura Rl reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2005 Acura Rl based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.