2001 Acura Rl problems
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Common 2001 Acura Rl problems
The Acura RL, produced between 1996 and 2012, has been known for its reliability and performance. However, like any vehicle, it has faced certain issues over the years. This article will focus on the 2001 Acura RL and its common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Electrical Issues: The 2003 Acura RL has been reported to have electrical problems, which is the worst category for this model year.
- Transmission Problems: Although the 2001-2003 TLs had a lot of auto transmission problems, the 2001 Acura RL stayed with the 4-speed and is considered to be reliable in this aspect.
- SRS Light Problems: The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light turning on can indicate a problem with the airbag system in the Acura RL. This issue affects the 1998 to 2007 and 2012 model years, with an average mileage of 132,336.
- Check Engine and D4 Light Flashing: This issue is caused by a faulty transmission control module (TCM) or a bad torque converter, and it affects 17 model years from 1996 to 2014 for the Acura TL.
- AC Compressor Failure: Some owners have reported AC compressor failure, which is covered under the original warranty if it occurs before 49,000 miles.
- Headlight Issues: Headlight bulb and igniter replacement may be necessary around 80,000 miles, and these repairs can cost around $225 and $270, respectively.
- Computer Memory: Computer memory may need to be flashed around 55,000 miles, which is covered under an extended warranty.
- Rear Sunshade Rattling: Rear sunshade rattling may occur around 60,000 miles, with a repair cost of $270.
In conclusion, while the 2001 Acura RL is generally considered to be a reliable vehicle, it has faced certain common problems, such as electrical issues, transmission problems, SRS light problems, check engine and D4 light flashing, AC compressor failure, headlight issues, computer memory, and rear sunshade rattling. If you are considering purchasing a 2001 Acura RL, it is essential to be aware of these potential issues and factor them into your decision-making process. Regular maintenance and addressing problems as soon as they arise can help ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.
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).
2001 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:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Acura Rl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2001 Acura Rl complaints
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Acura Rl.
2020-10-09
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-10
- VIN: JH4KA96541C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL IN MARCH 2020. WHEN I CALLED THE ACURA DEALER IN CHARLOTTE THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PART WOULD BE THERE IN JULY, CALLED IN JULY THEY SAID AUGUST CALLED IN SEPTEMBER AND THEY SAID THAT THE PART IS STILL NOT THERE
2015-06-02
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-02
- VIN: JH4KA96581C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I CALLED ACURA TO SEE IF THE TYPE AIR BAG INFLATOR IN MY CAR USED AMMONIUM NITRATE. MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALLED LIST BUT GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM I WAS GOING TO REPLACE, AT LEAST THE DRIVER'S SIDE, IF THE INFLATOR WAS USING THE UNSTABLE PROPELLANT. ACURA WOULD NOT PROVIDE ME ANY INFORMATION. I CALLED NHTSA AND THEY TOLD ME TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THIS SITE TO SEE IF I CAN GET THE INFORMATION TO PROTECT MYSELF AND FAMILY REGARDLESS OF THE CORPORATE DECISION.
2012-07-20
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JH4KA96551C
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING PUMP WAS LEAKING ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OR THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 09/06/2012 *JS
2010-09-14
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-11
- VIN: JH4KA96591C
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA 3.5RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BECAME FLAT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE AND WITHIN A COUPLE OF MILES, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT THEN EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER AND THE REAR WHEELS WERE SPINNING ABNORMALLY AT DIFFERENT RATES. THE CONTACT THEN SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL BRAKING OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
2010-02-17
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-15
- VIN: 2HNYD188X1S
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2001 ACURA MDX TRANSMISSION FAILURE, NEEDS ANOTHER TRANSMISSION, 1ST TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 63K, NEEDED A 2ND TRANSMISSION AT 125K, NOW A 3RD TRANSMISSION AT 175K. *TR
2009-02-23
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-22
- VIN: JH4KA96511C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE SRS (SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM) LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THEY FOUND AN ERROR CODE 15-1 AND THEY RESET THE LIGHT BUT SAID THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE SRS SYSTEM. I FOUND ANOTHER COMPLAINT (#10251604) AND HAVE THE SAME QUESTION WHY THIS IS NOT REGARDED AS A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
2008-12-12
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-12
- VIN: JH4KA96651C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2001 ACURA RL. SRS LIGHT IS ON. DEALER CHECKED AND FOUND PROBLEM WITH OPDS UNIT AND SENSOR AND REPLACED. AFTER REPLACEMENT, RE-INITIALIZED THE SYSTEM BUT THE SRS STAYS ON. NOW, TURN OUT THAT THE SRS CONTROL UNIT IS BAD. DEALER SAID IT WILL COST APPROX $2000 TO REPLACE THE SRS CONTROL UNIT. WHY SRS CONTROL UNIT IS NOT CONSIDERED A SAFETY ITEM? *TR
2008-08-12
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-05
- VIN: JH4KA96591C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2001 ACURA 3.5 RL SRS LIGHT ELLUMINATES OPDS SENSOR OR MODULE ARE REPLACEABLE UNDER WARRANTY BUT OPDS BRAIN OR UNIT IS NOT COVERED AND THIS IS THE PART THAT IS CAUSING THE SRS LIGHT TO ELLUMINATE. DEALER SAYS IT IS FAULTY AND CAN NOT BE REPLACED FREE. SO NOW I HAVE NO AIR BAGS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
2003-02-20
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GBFG15R211
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE DIFFERENTIAL LEAKED OIL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MAKE A NOISE.*JB
2003-02-10
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-15
- VIN: 1GBFG15R211
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES.*JB
2002-08-07
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-05
- VIN: 19UYA42711A
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MICHILIN, RADIAL, P21550R1793V DOTB98CTTX1300 REPLACEMENTS. TIRE IS BLOWING OUT AROUND SIDEWALL EVERY 6000 MILES.*AK
2002-04-10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-22
- VIN: 19UUA56872A
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE AND FOOT WAS ON BRAKE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. *AK
2002-02-06
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-27
- VIN: 2HNYD18401H
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE TRUCK WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK FORWARD. WE TOOK OFF FROM THE LIGHT AND THE TRUCK BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY JERK AS IF SOMEONE WAS JAMMING ON THE BRAKE. THE ENGINE LIGHT AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT CAME ON. THE TRUCK BECAME UNDRIVEABLE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE TISCHER DEALER. THE TRUCK WAS REPAIRED AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS THE AIR INTAKE VALVE. I'M ISSUING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY A BRAND NEW LUXURY TRUCK SHOULD NOT EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SO SOON IN ITS LIFE. IT IS ALSO, OBVIOUSLY, A DEFECT IN THE PART. THE DEFECT MAY EXTEND BEYOND JUST OUR TRUCK SO WE ARE ALERTING NHTSA TO TRACK. *AK
2002-02-04
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-25
- VIN: 2HNYD184X1H
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY 2001 ACURA MDX HAS A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG (SRS) SYSTEM. THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, IT HAS DISABLED ITSELF WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN HEAVY RAIN. IT HAS FAILED IN EXACTLY THE SAME VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS EACH TIME. IT STAYS DISABLED UNTIL I CAN GET AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ACURA DEALER TO REACTIVATE IT, WHICH IS A REAL HASSLE. THE DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE NO WAY TO FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME THAT ACURA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO, AND ARE REFUSING TO REPLACE THE APPARENT DEFECT UNIT. THE DEALER'S SOLUTION TO THIS SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT: "CHANGE YOUR DRIVING HABITS". THIS SOLUTION IS VERY UNACCEPTABLE. *AK
2001-12-26
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-15
- VIN: 19UYA426X1A
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: IT TOOK OVER A MONTH TO HAVE CAR REPAIRED, RESEAN BEING - OVER 50 TRANSMISSIONS WERE ON BACK ORDER. THAT GOSE TO SHOW THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE WHO ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. THANK-YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP...ZIA YUSUF
2001-12-21
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-19
- VIN: 19UUA56761A
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILURES THIS MAY BE A SAFETY HAZARD. IF THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES SLOWS DOWN ABRUPTLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE DRIVER IS ACCELERATING. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN TRYING TO PASS SOMEONE, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SUDDENLY LEAVE THE ENGINE REVVING HIGH, BUT THE CAR WON T ACTUALLY ACCELERATE AND ACTUALLY SLOWS DOWN, SOMETIMES VERY NOTICEABLY. THIS CAN CAUSE SOMEONE TO REAR END YOU IF THEY RE COMING UP FROM BEHIND YOU NOT EXPECTING YOU TO SUDDENLY COME TO HALT FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
2001-11-07
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JH4DC53002C
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION GRINDS WHEN UPSHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR INTO SECOND GEAR.*AK
2001-10-06
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-24
- VIN: 19UYA42691A
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION ON THIS MODEL FAILING ACROSS THE NATION, ACURA NOT ACKNOWLEDGING. *AK
2001-08-03
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 19UYA42711A
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FRONT ROTORS WARP DUE TO METALLIC BRAKE PADS UNDER NORMAL USE RESULTING IN INCREASE OF NORMAL BRAKING DISTANCE *AK
2001-07-09
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-01
- VIN: 2HNYD18841H
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK OVERFLOWS ON GAS FILUP - EVEN AFTER GAS SHUTS OFF, GAS COMES UP AND OUT OF TANK AT THE FILLER HOLE SPILLING ONTO SIDE OF CAR AND REAR WHEEL AND REAL WHEEL BRAKE ROTOR. HAPPENED TWICE ON 4 FILLUPS (SO FAR), WITHOUT TOPPING OFF, USING DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS/PUMPS.*AK
2001-05-25
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 19UUA56671A
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: AT FREEWAY SPEEDS I CAN HEAR A LOUD WIND NOISE AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
2001-05-10
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-08
- VIN: JH4KA96671C
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS, VEHICLE STALLED. TRANSIMMISON HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS ACCELERATING & DECELERATING. *AK
2001-03-13
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 19UYA42661A
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DESIGN FLAW: DRIVER SIDE MIRROR CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED OUTWARD FAR ENOUGH TO ELIMINATE DANGEROUS BLIND SPOT IF DRIVER SEAT IN REARMOST POSITION. *AK
2001-01-18
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 19UYA42521A
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT AFTER BEING IN USE. WOULD BE ON FLOOR AFTER BEING UNBUCKLED. 2ND TIME PUT IN NEW RETRACTOR, 1ST TIME AN ADJUSTOR.*AK
2000-11-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN ASSEMBLY LOCATION IS IN A BAD PLACE FOR BLOWING THE HORN. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. DEALE R TOLD CONSUMER THAT IT WAS THE DESIGN FOR THAT PARTICULAR VEHICLE.*AK
2001 Acura Rl recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2001 Acura Rl.
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.
2002-05-14
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, OIL WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT RUST. THIS OIL CAN LEAK INTO THE BRAKE STOP SWITCH AND CONTAMINATE THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.
- Consequence: EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN ANY EXCESS OIL FROM THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE THE STOP SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Positive 2001 Acura Rl car reviews
Other years of Acura Rl
Are you having problems with your 2001 Acura Rl?
Brock Block 2025-01-06
This car ran so well it is the only one I have named. Gracie is hands down the most comfortable, reliable, and best car I have ever driven. When I sit in her, I feel like she was made for me. Although the mileage may not be the best, it's as much my fault with my lead foot. She may be a 10-year-old car, but she drives like she's a newborn.
Michael Herzog 2024-11-28
One of the most reliable cars on the road today. I'm always amazed by how dependable this car is. I've had great experiences with all previous Acuras. Your dealership sets a high standard for service that other manufacturers should strive to match.
Raven Monahan 2024-11-11
I'm thrilled to say that Honda products have exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability. The RL is an absolute delight, delivering both the reliability and luxury features we were looking for. Not to mention, its classic and elegant look is a real plus. My wife and I were specifically looking for a car that was both reliable and comfortable, and the RL delivers on both fronts. I'm a big fan of Honda/Acura reliability and appreciated that there was only one option to consider for the RL (the navigation system). Everything is standard, as it should be on a car in this class. Overall, this car has met and exceeded all of our expectations. - TennisPete
Lavon Gislason 2024-11-08
We loved our 1986 Acura Legend so much that when our son took it (that's the only way we would let it go) to go off to college we immediately bought the 2000 RL and have been even more satisfied with its performance. The 5.6 Edmunds Editors' Rating must be a mistake, this RL Owner gives it a perfect 10.0 overall (& no, I don't work for Honda)!
Issac Batz 2024-10-14
I recently purchased this car with 172,000 miles on it and I must say, it's a pleasure to drive! During the test drive, I knew right away that I had to have it. I previously owned a '99 Mercedes S320 for many years and although it lasted until 180,000 miles, it came with a hefty price tag. The mechanics who inspected the Acura were impressed with how well it ran and performed despite the high mileage. I plan on driving it all the way to 400,000 miles!