Before you buy
This 2009 Acura Rl has 8 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2009 Acura Rl Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2009 Acura Rl.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2009 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.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Acura Rl has 8 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- Rl
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 8
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 22
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Acura Rl problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Brake System, Hydraulic. 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 2009 Acura Rl?
This ACURA RL year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Acura Rl
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- 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
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 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
The ACURA RL has 8 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 8 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 6 federal recall campaigns
- 1 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
Full breakdown
All 2009 Acura Rl complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Acura Rl. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 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 2009 Acura Rl. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE STARTED SMOKING AND BURNING ON MY VEHICLE. IT MELTED PART OF THE DOOR HANDLE AND LEFT MOST OF THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT INOPERATIVE INCLUDING THE INABILITY TO START THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED/STATIONARY & OFF AT THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE.
FAILED TO GET A DATE TO REMEDY THE AIRBAG RECALL ON MY CAR.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL …
MY HUSBAND DROVE ONTO A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (UPHILL) AND LEFT THE CAR RUNNING, GOT OUT AND RANG THE DOORBELL TO OUR DAUGHTER'S HOUSE TO SEE IF ANYONE WAS HOME. THEY ANSWERED THE DOOR AND HE CAME BACK TO THE CAR AND MOTIONED FOR ME TO GET OUT OF CAR AND COME INTO HOUSE. HE REMEMBERED …
WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED; SUDDENLY NOTICED VERY SLOW CAR AHEAD; UPON BRAKING, CAR ACCELERATED INSTEAD; TO AVOID HEAD ON COLLISION TO LEFT, OR REAR END COLLISION AHEAD, TOOK TO SHOULDER TO ATTEMPT TO SLOW CAR DOWN; EVENTUALLY GOT CAR UNDER CONTROL AGAIN; HAVE REACHED NO DEFINI…
I HAVE A 2009 ACURA RL. WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. AFTER ABOUT 20 FEET I NEEDED TO BRAKE. THE CAR ACCELERATED INSTEAD OF BRAKING. WE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. ONLY THE DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED. NON OF THE DOORS WOULD O…
ON THREE OCCASIONS THE GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE PEDAL DEPLOYED AT THE SAME TIME ON MY 2009 ACURA RL. THE THIRD TIME THIS RESULTED IN AN IMPACT ON A PARKED VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARE TWO INCHES APART AND WHEN I STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT STOPS ON A LEVEL EQUAL T…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WHEEL WELLS ON HIS VEHICLE COLLECTED WATER ANYTIME IT RAINED OR IF MOISTURE WAS PRESENT ON THE ROAD SURFACE. HE STATED THAT IT SEEMED AS IF THERE WERE POCKETS ON THE WHEELS. THE CONTACT SLIPPED WHILE WALKING IN …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Acura Rl.
Safety recalls
2009 Acura Rl recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Acura Rl. 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Acura Rl buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Acura Rl reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 8 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. This ACURA RL year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. 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 2009 Acura Rl?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (3 complaints). #2: Brake System (2 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Acura Rl?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Acura Rl?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Acura Rl, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 8 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Acura Rl have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Acura Rl. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Acura Rl?▾
This ACURA RL year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions 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 VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Acura Rl reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 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.