Acura Rl problems
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Acura Rl model years
Common Acura Rl problems
The Acura RL, a luxury sedan produced by Honda's luxury division, Acura, has been known to experience several common problems. While regular maintenance and preventative measures can help keep the vehicle running smoothly, certain issues may still arise.
Engine problems are a common issue with the Acura RL. These problems can include issues with the timing belt or oil leaks. The timing belt, in particular, is a critical component that needs to be replaced periodically to avoid potential engine damage. Oil leaks can also occur, leading to reduced engine performance and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Transmission problems are another common issue with the Acura RL. Some of the most common issues include hard shifting, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as worn-out transmission components or faulty sensors. While it's not unsafe to keep driving with a failed center bearing, it can be very annoying due to the loud noise it produces.
Preventative maintenance is crucial for keeping the Acura RL running smoothly. Regular oil changes, cooling system maintenance, transmission fluid changes, spark plug replacement, and battery maintenance are all essential for maintaining the vehicle's performance and longevity. Staying up-to-date on preventative maintenance can help prevent many common issues from occurring in the first place.
In conclusion, the Acura RL is a reliable and stylish luxury sedan that can provide many years of driving pleasure with proper maintenance and care. However, even with regular maintenance, certain engine problems can still occur. Engine repairs may include replacing the timing belt or repairing oil leaks, while transmission repairs may involve replacing the solenoid or the entire transmission unit. Electrical repairs may involve replacing fuses, relays, or sensors. Staying up-to-date on preventative maintenance is key to keeping your Acura RL running smoothly and preventing common issues from occurring.
Is the Acura RL a reliable car?
Severity. The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 10% for the Acura RL, compared to an average of 14% for luxury fullsize cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
Are Acura RL expensive to maintain?
According to RepairPal, the average annual cost to repair and maintain an Acura is $501.
How long does Acura RL last?
They're designed in a way that helps them withstand the road. According to motorask.com, an Acura should last around 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.
What does RL stand for in Acura?
Refined Luxury
The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury." Acura RL.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Acura Rl years
We have researched Acura problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Acura Rl cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Acura Rl model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Acura Rl model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Acura Rl years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Acura Rl car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Acura Rl , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Acura Rl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Rl model years
A total of 28 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Rl model years
There were a total of 8 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Rl model years
There were a total of 19 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 481 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Acura Rl . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Acura Rl vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Acura Rl 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: JH4KA96672C
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: About 2013 the 2000 acura rl vsa and abs lights came on then the tilt on the steering wheel up and down stop working then the srs lights and seat belts light came on and want go off. So from then till now I have spent about 15k to correct the vsa and abs issues. Replace rotors bearing wheel sensor tires rack and pinion ball joints and power steering pressure hose. But I found out that the problem is the driver side motor mount. Cost is 100 for the part. The part to fix the issue is discontinued. I talk to daisy at acura corporation relations and disagreed with the answer because the motor mount is a common problem for acura 3.5rl because the angle sensor can not be connected with out replacing the driver door side motor mount I gave her the part number from acura warehouse parts and she couldn't the part and told me it was discontinued part number 50815-sz3-033. There is no refund for the trouble that this part has cost me. The high pressure power steering switch is also discontinued. The navigation and security door locks are also not working no communication with onstar.
Acura Rl 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-17
- VIN: JH4KA96672C
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: This is a continuation complaint with national cemter for dispute settlement to fix safty issues and discontinued parts. The car is not 40 years old and i cannot find a maintenance repair book. The power door locks are coming on and off and the fob key do not work Sutton acuta in macon said it needs the antenna but the antenna is discontinued. The navigation system doesn't work because the 6 chamger dvd in the trunk is not working with no electrical tech support from on star. ABS VSA TRACHION CONTROL IS ON for motr tan 3 years but the VSA switch is discontinued part. The SRS light was turn off at the nally acura in Marietta but they came back on and been on for 3 or 5 years. The car is not safe for driving after spending 10000 dollars to repair the same issue. This is my frustration with safty and no support.
Acura Rl 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-29
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-27
- VIN: JH4KB16535C
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The center display screen went blank (black) and I can't adjust anything
Acura Rl 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-23
- VIN: JH4KB16506C
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: It want start and has something to do with air control
Acura Rl 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-03
- Date Complaint: 2022-10-03
- VIN: JH4KA965XYC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: The contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light, and the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Acura Rl 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-09-29
- VIN: JH4KB16537C
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: OIL SHOT OUT THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO SHOOT OUT, AND THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE CAR TO STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE ESSENTIALLY DIED, CAUSING THE BRAKE, THE GAS, AND STEERING TO LOCK AND NOT WORK.CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HR TO 5 MILESW, VERY SCARY Summary ON Certain Passenger Vehicles, Prolonged High Under-Hood Temperatures MAY Cause THE Power Steering Hose TO Deteriorate Prematurely Causing THE Hose TO Crack and Leak Power Steering Fluid. Consequence Power Steering Fluid Leaking Onto A HOT Catalytic Converter Will Generate Smoke and Possibly Lead TO AN Under-Hood Fire.
Acura Rl 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-07
- Date Complaint: 2021-12-23
- VIN: JH4KA9653YC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V027000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
Acura Rl 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-29
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JH4KB16545C
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
Acura Rl 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-03-20
- VIN: JH4KA96532C
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: RACK AND PINION REPLACEMENT. EXTERIOR ISSUES: REAR BUMPER FELLED OFF; GASOLINE COVER WON'T CLOSED; DOOR HANDLES FALLING OFF; FUEL PUMP NEEDS REPLACEMENT
Acura Rl 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-17
- Date Complaint: 2021-03-08
- VIN: JH4KA96673C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. LESTER RAINES HONDA (5102 MACCORKLE AVENUE SW, SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV 25309, (304) 768-1251) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Acura Rl 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-03-03
- VIN: JH4KA96653C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH AND WAS TOLD TO PARK MY CAR. I DID FOR 9 MONTHS, FORCED TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE A RENTAL. WE FILED A CLASS-ACTION SUIT. ACURA REQUIRED AN INSPECTION OF THE AIRBAGS/INFLATOR. I RECEIVED AN INVOICE I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND AND CALLED THE DEALER. THEY REFUSED TO RETURN FIVE MESSAGES, AND WHEN WE I REACHED THEM THEY WOULDN'T TELL ME WHAT ITEMS ON THE INVOICE MEANT, SAYING THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO, AND THAT I HAD TO CALL ACURA. I CALLED ACURA AND THEY TOLD ME TO CALL THE DEALER. THE INVOICE MENTIONED A DISCONNECTED AIR BAG AND A FAULTY MODULE. BOTH OF THOSE ITEMS PUT ME AND MY PASSENGERS IN DANGER. THERE WAS A REFERENCE TO 'INCREASED PRESSURE IN THE AIRBAG DEFLATOR.' I FELT I DESERVED AN EXPLANATION BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF INCREASED PRESSURE IS A GOOD THING OR A BAD THING. THE ACURA REP TOLD ME SHE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION. AFTER SOME PRESSURE SHE TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT ACCESS THE DEALER INFORMATION. UPON PRESSURE, SHE READ ME SOME HOUSE INFORMATION THAT SAID THE CONTROL MODULE IS FAULTY AND THAT THEY REPLACED THE INFLATOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS. I ASKED HER TO REPEAT THAT. AGAIN SHE USED THE WORD REPLACED. 'REPLACED' IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM 'INSPECTED.' I ASKED FOR A COPY OF THAT DOCUMENTATION, BUT SHE REFUSED. I THINK THERE'S A POSSIBILITY THAT I ACTUALLY HAD THE FAULTY INFLATOR, BUT THEY REPLACED IT AND REPORTED THAT TO ACURA, AND THEN SIMPLY SENT AN INVOICE TO ME AND MY ATTORNEY SHOWING THE CAR HAD BEEN INSPECTED. I THINK THEY THOUGHT THAT ONCE EVERYBODY SAW IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED, THAT WOULD BE THE END OF THE ISSUE AND THE CLASS ACTION SUIT. REGARDLESS, THEY BEHAVED EGREGIOUSLY, MY CAR IS IN THE SAME SHAPE, IF NOT WORSE, THAN IT WAS BEFORE THE INSPECTION, MY PASSENGERS AND I REMAIN IN DANGER, AND I FEAR DRIVING THE CAR EVEN MORE THAN I DID BEFORE. I DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS AND I WANT SOME ANSWERS.
Acura Rl 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-14
- Date Complaint: 2021-02-12
- VIN: JH4KA9663YC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE SRS LAMP HAS REMAINED ON SINCE PURCHASE IN 2009.
Acura Rl 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-01-21
- VIN: JH4KA9658XC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 1999 ACURA RL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. *JS
Acura Rl 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-11-19
- VIN: JH4KA96503C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2003 ACURA RL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT MAKE A REASONABLE ATTEMPT TO ASSIST WITH THE 500 MILE ROUND TRIP TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO LONGER AUTHORIZING LOCAL DEALERSHIPS TO COMPLETE RECALLS. *JS
Acura Rl 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-17
- VIN: JH4KA9666YC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM AMERICA HONDA MOTOR COMPANY ON MARCH 2020 (NHTSA RECALL 20V-026) THAT THE INFLATOR INSIDE THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG MODULE MAY ABSORB MOISTURE, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION IN A CRASH WHERE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS. THE LETTER STATES "THE REPLACEMENT PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE, IF NECESSARY, ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND ACURA IS UNABLE TO INSPECT/REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE AT THIS TIME." I CALLED A LOCAL ACURA DEALER ON 9/1/2020 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY ARE EXPECTED MAY 2021. THIS TIMEFRAME SEEMS UNREASONABLE TO ME.
Latest 5 recalls Acura Rl
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 76 recalls for different components of the Acura Rl.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Acura Rl 2003
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
- Model: Acura Rl 2000
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
- Model: Acura Rl 2002
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
- Model: Acura Rl 2000
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
- Model: Acura Rl 2001
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
Latest negative Acura Rl car reviews
Latest positive Acura Rl car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2010
I've had the car for a week and I'm really happy with it. I was looking for a sports sedan with all the luxury and tech features, and I test drove the E-Class, 5-series, M-35, 09 Maxima and Lexus GS. I couldn't find any major weaknesses compared to the competition. If you're considering this class of car, I highly recommend testing the RL. The improved low end torque is a big plus compared to the 08 model. It may not be as fast off the line as the 535, but it's just as fast as the rest. The sports mode helps with initial acceleration, but it's not necessary after that. The ride is quiet and smooth, not as noisy or bumpy as the GS and it doesn't feel like a big boat like the M-35. The technology and radio are excellent, and the interior comfort is awesome. While other brands may be more recognizable, I believe this is a better car.
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Vehicle year: 2009
I just traded in my 2005 300C and I have to admit I miss the Hemi, but I'm really enjoying my new car. Although I never had any mechanical problems with my Chrysler, I didn't feel confident that the car would hold up long term. The RL, on the other hand, has something about it that makes you believe you can drive it forever. Not only is the car solid, but Acura has paid attention to the details that owners care about. The ride is quiet, the stereo system is great, and the navigation system is easy to use. The seating is comfortable, the appearance is pleasant, and for me, the all-wheel drive is a plus. I plan to put a lot of miles on this car!
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Vehicle year: 2009
Congratulations on your new RL! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it so far. It sounds like you did your research and test drove a variety of cars before making your decision. The RL seems to have won you over as the most enjoyable car you've ever driven. Thank you for recommending it, I'm sure others will find your experience helpful.
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Vehicle year: 2003
To be honest, when the RL was released as Acura's flagship, it was not quite up to par with the V-8 offerings from both Lexus and Infiniti, and was more in line with Toyota's top-of-the-line Avalon. As a result, the RL's sales were slow. Although I have always liked the styling of the then-current Accord, which the RL closely resembles, I believe that when setting out to make a luxury flagship, Honda should have made it look less like its volume-selling family sedan. If you bought one new, you may find yourself singing the 'depreciation blues' due to its rather anonymous position in the luxury field, which resulted in the RL depreciating much faster than the Accord simply because of lack of name recognition. However, for those buying one used, they were getting an incredible deal, as most RLs appeared on the market priced not too much higher than the Accord, for a car that has comparable maintenance costs to any Honda and is built and appointed much like a Mercedes-Benz. I bought my RL used with about 119,000 miles on the odometer and it was like buying a new car. Everything worked as it should, no leaks, the interior holds up well as does the paint. Mine now has 150,000 miles and still feels like a new car. As someone who values a car that is enjoyable to drive, comfortable, and reliable, this one cannot be beat. Whenever a low mileage example shows up on the used market, I am tempted to purchase it to have when this one wears out. I change the oil using Mobile 1 high mileage synthetic and treat it well. There is a small spot of rust showing up on the rear quarter, but this seems to be common among Hondas of this era, so I am not too worried. Given all the Hondas and Acuras of this age and older that are still in daily use, I am confident that my RL will travel many miles with me.
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Vehicle year: 2011
Thanks for your interest! We've had the car for over seven years and it's been a reliable ride with just over 40,000 miles on it. It's been a champ, especially during the WI winters. We think Acura is a dependable brand and this car has some great technology for its time, including heating and cooling in the front seats. It's worth noting that newer models have more elaborate dashboards and touch screens. We've had great service from Acura dealers. Let us know if you have any questions!
Are you having problems with your Acura Rl?
Constantin Hagenes 2025-02-20
Vehicle year: 2007
This is my 4th RL. While the exterior design is well executed, it could be more exciting. The car is solid, but not as reassuring to drive as previous models. However, it is surprisingly fast when passing. The fit and finish are as expected, and the metallic paint is beautiful. Although the voice activation system remains a mystery, the navigation system is easier to use than before, and there's no need to touch the screen. The front doors are larger than necessary, which can make them hard to close, and getting in and out of the car is not as easy as in previous models. The steering is lighter than expected, and road and wind noise can be intrusive, but the excellent sound system makes up for it. Unfortunately, the trunk floor is not flat.
Bradley Kuhn 2025-02-01
Vehicle year: 2002
Since purchasing this car less than a year ago, it has been in the shop no less than 10 times. Despite this, the issue has not been resolved. However, after 49 days in the shop, the block is finally being replaced. Although I missed out on the 03 that was just sold, I remain confident that this car will be fully functional soon.
Frederic Stoltenberg 2025-01-18
Vehicle year: 2012
This is my 6th Acura and I find it to be very comfortable and well-equipped for the price. However, I have experienced some issues such as a transmission malfunction, directional headlights that don't operate, and keyless entry malfunction. Additionally, the new 'directional' microphone for voice command must point in another direction because the system is unusable. The navigation system doesn't include HD graphics and is still DVD rather than hard disk based, which makes it slow and distressingly inaccurate. Despite these issues, I still believe there is much to recommend about this car. From the time I picked it up (and discovered 45 lbs. of pressure in the tires), I have had some challenges, but I remain optimistic about the car's potential.
Cyrus Erdman 2025-01-05
Vehicle year: 1999
I bought my Acura used with 110k miles on it. While they are known for their longevity, unfortunately, mine didn't last forever and I ended up needing a transmission replacement at 149k miles. The cost for a rebuilt transmission with labor was around $3000. It's important to note that when purchasing an Acura, it's worth checking the price of a timing belt replacement, which can cost around $1200. If the timing belt breaks, it can cause serious damage to the engine. Additionally, Acura parts can be expensive and it's recommended to have repairs done at the dealership, as many independent shops may not have the necessary expertise. I've also experienced some issues with the front end pulling, which required multiple alignments. Again, I found that having the dealership handle the alignment was the most effective solution. Lastly, it's worth noting that the valves should be adjusted at 110k miles, which can cost around $400. While the costs can add up quickly, it's important to properly maintain your Acura to ensure its longevity. Despite the lower highway mileage of around 20 mpg, I still find my Acura to be a reliable and enjoyable car to drive.
Hazle Stiedemann 2024-10-26
Vehicle year: 2011
The Acura RL is a terrific car, but the one I bought needs major repairs. I have already replaced the front brakes and rotor, and it is in need of a major tune-up.