1997 Acura Rl problems
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Common 1997 Acura Rl problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1997 Acura RL, several common problems have been identified:
- Fuel System Problems:
- Complaints have highlighted issues with the fuel system, specifically related to gas getting into the engine through the rails. This can impact the car's fuel efficiency and overall engine performance.
- EGR Emission System:
- A recurring problem with the EGR emission system has been noted by owners. This issue can affect the car's emissions and overall performance, causing reliability concerns for some drivers.
These common problems with the 1997 Acura RL can significantly impact the car's performance, reliability, and overall driving experience. Owners facing these issues may need to address them promptly to ensure the longevity and efficiency of their vehicles.
Are Acura RL reliable cars?
These compact, midsized, and large models have high scores in CR's road tests—and they're reliable.
Are Acura RL expensive to maintain?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Acura RL is $539, compared to an average of $976 for luxury fullsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
Is Acura RL a luxury car?
The Acura RL is a mid-size luxury car that was manufactured by the Acura division of Honda for the 1996–2012 model years over two generations. The RL was the flagship of the marque, having succeeded the Acura Legend, and was replaced in 2013 by the Acura RLX.
Does the Acura RL have VTEC?
The first-generation RL was powered by a 225 hp (168 kW) 90° C-series V6 non-VTEC engine. The second-generation RL uses a newer design 60° J-series 3.5 L V6 SOHC VTEC engine delivering 300 hp (224 kW; later revised to 290 hp due to new SAE testing procedures).
1997 Acura Rl car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Acura Rl problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Suspension problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Acura Rl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Acura Rl complaints
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Acura Rl.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-07
- VIN: JH4KA9649VC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT SEIZED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-21
- VIN: JH4KA9659VC
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM IS DETECTING 5 CODES P1304-P1305-P1306-P1300-P1399 AND I DONT THINK THEY ARE THE RIGHT CODES. *TT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-02
- VIN: JH4KA9645VC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL# 99V069000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT) AND THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 163,000. UPDATED 10/13/09. *LJ UPDATED 10/14/09.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-03
- VIN: JH4KA9646VC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SWITCH WOULD FAIL TO ENGAGE AFTER STARTING. I HAD TO HOLD THE SWITCH BETWEEN START AND ON IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ENGINE RUNNING. DROVE 70 MILES LIKE THAT UNTIL I REACHED HOME. IT DID IT ONCE BEFORE TWO YEARS AGO, BUT AFTER SPRAYING WITH CLEANER IT STOPPED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-08
- VIN: JH4KA9646VC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR WILL NOT CRANK EVERY TIME. WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY AND PUT A NEW BATTERY IN AND IT WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. I TALKED WITH ACURA OF MEMPHIS AND THEY SAID IT COULD NOT BE FIXED. THEY SAID THAT THE 97 3.5 RL DOES THAT SOMETIME AND THAT IT HAS NOT HAPPENED TO ANY OTHER ACURA VEHICLE. THEY SAID NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT. IT MAY NOT CRANK AT FIRST, BUT IT WILL ALWAYS CRANK EVENTUALLY. THAT IS ONE HELL OF A WAY TO DEPEND ON YOUR CAR. I PUT UP WITH IT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THIS UNTIL ONE DAY MY WIFE GOT STRANDED FOR A LONG TIME AND WAS VERY UPSET. SO AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THE CAR FINALLY CRANKED AND SHE GOT HOME. THIS IS VERY UNSATISFACTORY. I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT ACURA OF MEMPHIS AND TOLD HIM WHAT THE MECHANIC HAD TOLD ME ABOUT IT NOT BEING ABLE TO BE FIXED AND HE SAID THAT WAS NOT RIGHT. HE KNEW THEY COULD FIX IT. SO, I TOOK MY WIFE'S CAR TO THEM AND THEY KEPT IT FOR THREE WEEKS. AFTER THREE WEEKS, THEY CALLED AND SAID THEY TRIED IT EVERY DAY AND IT CRANKED FINE EVERY TIME. WE ASKED IF THEY DROVE IT AROUND BECAUSE IT LOOKED TO US AS IF IT HAD NOT BEEN MOVED. THEY SAID YES, BUT WE DID NOT REALLY BELIEVE IT. MY WIFE PICKED THE CAR UP YESTERDAY, LEFT MEMPHIS AND DROVE TO A SHOP IN BARTLETT. WHEN SHE CAME OUT, IT WOULD NOT CRANK. FINALLY AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, IT CRANKED. WHAT IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN TRYING TO ASSAULT HER AND SHE COULD NOT GET THE CAR CRANKED TO GET AWAY. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IN OUR MINDS. WE HAVE DRIVEN ACURA'S FOR OVER 15 YEARS AND HAVE SENT MANY CUSTOMERS TO BUY ACURAS BECAUSE OF OUR SATISFACTION WITH THE VEHICLES. PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING AND EITHER FIX THIS CAR OR GIVE MY WIFE A NEW CAR THAT WORKS. I KNOW THAT MAY SOUND RIDICULOUS, BUT I CAN PROMISE YOU THAT THIS SMALL EXPENDITURE ON ACURAS PART WILL SERVE YOU MUCH BETTER THAN THE BAD PRESS WE WILL GIVE ABOUT ACURA AND ITS FAILURE TO BE ABLE TO LIVE UP TO ITS WORD THAT THE CAR CAN BE FIXED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH4KA9648VC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA RL. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO FOUR PARKED VEHICLES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED; HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE ACCELERATION FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WITH THE CONTACTS 1986 ACURA LEGEND, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A STUCK BUTTERFLY VALVE. POLICE REPORT NUMBER 08-007317 WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 104,000. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF UPDATED 02/19/08 *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-07
- VIN: JH4KA9649VC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEELS WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE DID NOT HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE REPLACED AT 70,000 MILES. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 143,000. UPDATED 01-29-08. *KB UPDATE
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-23
- VIN: JH4KA9645VC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 75 MPH, WHEN ONE HALF OF MY TIRE EXPANDED, CAUSING THE CAR TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, AND ALMOST FORCING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN OFF, AND REPLACED WITH THE DONUT. I WILL ATTEMPT TOMORROW TO HAVE ALL 4 OF MY TIRES REPLACED, AS THEY ARE FAIRLY NEW (UNDER 10,000) AND I NO LONGER FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THESE WERE COOPER LIFE LINER, TOURING SLE TIRES. SIZE 215 60R16 95T M+S. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-15
- VIN: JH4KA9658VC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1) WHILE EXITING A SHOPPING MALL PARKING INTO THE STREET I HEARD A SUDDEN LOUD NOISE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD GRINDING SOUND. MY VEHICLE STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. WHEN WE PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE CURB SIDE, AND PUT IT IN PARK IT STARTED ROLLING DOWNHILL TILL I PULLED THE HAND BRAKE. 2) THE FAILURE WAS IN THE SAME AREA FOR WHICH MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED PREVIOUSLY. (99V227000) THE SPLINE OF THE SHAFT THAT CONNECTS THE DIFFERENTIAL TO THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. 3) THIS SHAFT AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE THE PARTS. NOTE: THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN LIFE THREATENING DUE TO SUDDEN AND UNANTICIPATED FAILURE AND LOSS OF POWER. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT ON A HIGHWAY OR MAIN STREET. *NM
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JH4KA9656VC
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING VEHICLE STOPPED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT BALL JOINT STUD HAS BROKEN OFF FROM THE LOWER BALL JOINT. MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE LEFT AND RIGHT BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK UPDATED 4/12/2006 - THERE WAS NO NOISE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AXLE ALSO FAILED. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED HONDA CANADA FOR ASSISTANCE BUT THEY REFUSED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED IN THE UNITED STATES IN ADDITION TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PARAMETERS . *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-21
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTHOUGH UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SPECIFIC RECALL, I UNDERSTAND THAT HONDA RECALLED SOME VEHICLES FOR DASHBOARD LIGHTS. MY 1997 ACURA HAS LOST OVER HALF OF ITS' DASHBOARD LIGHTS, BUT SEE NO RECALL ON IT. IS THERE A WAY TO SEE IF HONDA/ACURA WILL EXPAND THEIR RECALL TO MY VEHICLE?*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TURNING IGNITION KEY, FREQUENTLY RESULTS IN NO ACTIVATION OF THE STARTER. THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE, BUT THERE IS NO STARTING. HAVE TO TURN THE KEY TO "OFF" POSITION, AND RE-TRY..SOMETIMES SEVERAL TIMES TO GET CAR TO START. CHECKED BATTERY TERMINALS..CLEANED, WITH NO CHANGE.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- VIN: JH4KA9644VC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHINING NOISE - DIFFERENTIAL NEEDS REPLACING
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-10
- VIN: JH4KA9640VC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT END DROPPED WITH NO WARNING AT ABOUT TWO MILES PER HOUR TURNING A CORNER. PROBLEM IDENTIFIED AS BROKEN AXLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT A DEFECTIVE PART WAS INVOLVED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, IT WAS HIT FROM THE REAR.THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITH DRIVER FEET ON THE BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN IT IMPACTED A HOUSE, AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING. TS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-09
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TOYO TIRE SIZE P21560R16, NAME SPECTRUM; WHEN TRAVELING 75 MPH, CHUNKS OF TREAD FLEW OFF THE TIRE. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TIRE REMAINED INFLATED. THE DAMAGED AREA WAS DOWN TO THE WIRE CORDS. *SCC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-01
- VIN: JH4KA9643VC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER HAS TO TURN KEY TO OFF POSITION AND ATTEMPT TO CRANK SEVERAL TIMES. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-30
- VIN: JH4KA965XVC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED DURING TEST DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THEY PULSATED, SENDING THE CAR INTO VIOLENT VIBRATIONS. AFTER DEALER REPAIRED THE NOISE IN ALL BRAKES THE PROBLEM DEVELOPED AGAIN. *JG
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-30
- VIN: JH4KA965XVC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED DURING TEST DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THEY PULSATED, SENDING THE CAR INTO VIOLENT VIBRATIONS. AFTER DEALER REPAIRED THE NOISE IN ALL BRAKES THE PROBLEM DEVELOPED AGAIN. *JG
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NHTSA RECALL ID# 98-V-227-000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL K60/99-039; WHILE DRIVING SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS VERY SLUGGISH, AND TRNSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
1997 Acura Rl recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Acura Rl.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A TRANSMISSION CASE BOLT CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO DISENGAGE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.
- Consequence: THE VEHICLE COULD LOSE POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO THE PARK POSITION WOULD NOT LOCK THE WHEELS, AND A PARKED VEHICLE COULD MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
Negative 1997 Acura Rl car reviews
Positive 1997 Acura Rl car reviews
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I bought the car as a lease return and have been thoroughly impressed with its performance. The ride is great and the road feel is solid. Even after driving it for over 169K miles, the leather interior still looks as good as new with no cracks. I have never had any issues with using 87 octane gas. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and cannot find a good reason to buy another car. In fact, the 3.5 RL's lousy resale value makes it the best value in the used car market.
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your used car! It sounds like it's been treating you well with its incredible ride and outstanding fit and finish. And with Acura's reputation for reliability, you really can't go wrong!
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my car. I bought it when it had 29,000 miles and now it has 144,000 miles. Overall, it's been a great car, but I did have a few issues with it. I had to replace both back window motors and the front struts went out at around 85,000 miles. Unfortunately, the rear struts are also out now. Recently, I had a broken motor mount that cost me $725.00 to fix. Despite these issues, I still really enjoy driving this car. The only downside is that it doesn't handle corners very well. By the way, I highly recommend replacing the timing belt as called for in the manual. Let me know if you have any questions!
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This is the best sedan I've ever owned!
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I brought an older car because I wanted something decent. I'm so glad I didn't go with the Infinity Q45, but I absolutely love this car! The wheel is soft, and I can't find any other flaws. It's just wonderful!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Acura Rl problems:
New 1997 Acura RL story & PROBLEMS!! | Acura World
Aug 15, 2010 ... New 1997 Acura RL story & PROBLEMS!! ... Let me start off by saying hello to every one on the acura forum. I was Searing and reading through this ...
1997 Acura RL Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Acura RL? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Acura RL.
Common Problems with RL | Acura World
Oct 10, 2005 ... Common Problems with RL · ABS Regulators · Window Regulators · SRS Lights On · Oxygen Sensors · EGR valve and Intake Manifold carbon built-up · Ball ...
How is 2002 Acura RL 3.5 - AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community
Mar 18, 2011 ... 1G RL (1996-2004) - How is 2002 Acura RL ... Acura RL 3.5 and is there any common problems or issues with the model ... Ken1997TL , 03-18-2011 05:21 ...
Acura RL Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Top Acura RL Problems · Sensor Problems May Cause SRS Light To Turn On · Reprogram computer to fix shifting problem in automatic transmission · Check Engine Light ...
Other years of Acura Rl
Are you having problems with your 1997 Acura Rl?
Arne Conroy 2024-08-19
I purchased this car with 70,000 miles on it. It is designed for highway driving at a maximum speed of 70 mph. At higher speeds, there is noticeable wind noise and shaking beyond 85 mph. The acceleration is subpar. The leather seats are average and not worth the original price of $44,000. The back seats are cramped compared to my other car, a 1998 Toyota Avalon, which has more spacious rear seating even with the front seats pushed all the way back.
Tre Daniel 2024-04-01
This car is incredibly reliable, comfortable, and roomy. It has proven to be a trustworthy vehicle, with only minor issues such as a faulty window regulator and some dashboard bulbs needing replacement. While it may not evoke strong emotions, it is a great choice for practical and reliable transportation. The engine may not be the quickest off the line and the handling may not be the most exciting, but it gets the job done. Overall, I recommend this car for its reliability and practicality. It may not be the most thrilling ride, but it is a dependable choice.
Berta Little 2024-03-29
During the 5 years that you have owned this vehicle, it seems that the 5th year has been quite challenging. You have had to replace both arms at $686 each, both rear window motors, and now you are facing an emission control problem. It must be frustrating to have to take the vehicle in again because of a revving engine. It sounds like you have had a tough time with your Acura 3.5RL.