2004 Acura Rl problems
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Common 2004 Acura Rl problems
The Acura RL, a luxury sedan produced by Honda's luxury division, has been praised for its reliability. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most frequently mentioned issues is related to the rear window regulators. This problem has been reported by several owners, including one who had it replaced under warranty as a product update. The window regulators are responsible for moving the window up and down. When they fail, the window may not open or close properly, and it may need to be replaced.
Another issue that has been reported by Acura RL owners is the SRS light coming on. This light indicates that there is a problem with the Supplemental Restraint System, which includes the airbags and seatbelts. In some cases, this problem has been resolved by replacing the sensors and the OPDS unit under warranty.
The oxygen sensor, which is located after the catalytic converter, is another component that has caused problems for Acura RL owners. This sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases and sends this information to the engine control module. If the sensor fails, it can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency and an increase in emissions.
The EGR system, which stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation, is another component that has caused problems for Acura RL owners. This system is designed to reduce emissions by recirculating a portion of the exhaust gases back into the engine. However, the EGR system can become clogged with carbon build-up, which can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency and an increase in emissions.
The powered liftgate, which is a feature on some Acura RL models, has also caused problems for some owners. The gears in the powered liftgate can fail, making it difficult or impossible to open or close the liftgate.
In addition to these specific issues, some Acura RL owners have reported a slow leak in the electric system, which has been resolved by installing a battery "Kill-Switch" for when the car is not in use.
While these issues may seem daunting, it's important to note that the Acura RL is still considered to be a reliable vehicle. The frequency and severity of these problems may vary depending on how well the car was taken care of and how many miles it has on the odometer
. As with any used car, it's important to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchasing it to ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed.
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 the 2004 Acura RL FWD or RWD?
Front wheel drive
Used 2004 Acura RL - Specs & Features
| Overview Gas Engine | |
|---|---|
| Drive Type | Front wheel drive |
| Cylinders | V6 |
| Total Seating | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50,000 mi. |
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.
2004 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
- Steering problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Acura Rl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2004 Acura Rl complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Acura Rl.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-16
- VIN: JH4KA96664C
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: THE POWER STEERING LINE IS POURING OUT THE FLUID AND BURNS UNDER THE CAR CAUSING SMOKE
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-13
- VIN: JH4KA966X4C
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: FAILURE OF POWER STEERING TILT/REACH. POWER STEERING TILT/REACH STOPPED WORKING. THE GEARS ACURA HAVE USED ARE PLASTIC AND FRAGILE. ACURA DOES NOT SELL THE GEARS, THEY WANT PEOPLE TO BUY NEW STEERING COLUMN. ONE PERSON CAN GET STEERING POSITIONED AT COMFORTABLE PLACE BUT THEN IF A PERSON OF DIFFERENT SIZE HAS TO DRIVE HE/SHE GETS TIRED THAT CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENT AND FATALITY. SEARCHING WEB SHOWS THAT PROBLEM IS COMMON IN ACURA RLS. ACURA SHOULD FIX THIS ISSUE ASAP.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-19
- VIN: JH4KA96604C
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BLINKED RIGHT AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR. I KNEW I HAD A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS WOULDN'T WORK. I TRIED TO RE-ENGAGE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO OPEN THE DOOR LOCKS, BUT THE CAR WAS TOTALLY ELECTRICALLY DEAD. I TRIED A COUPLE MORE TIMES TO START THE CAR, BUT ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I SAT IN THE CAR A COUPLE MINUTES WITHOUT TOUCHING ANYTHING. I TRIED ONCE AGAIN TO START THE CAR AND IT WORKED. ALL THE RADIO AND NAV SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE RESET. THIS HAS OCCURRED 3 MORE TIMES OVER 3 MONTHS. EACH THE SAME WAY. AS I PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, IT BLINKED AND ELECTRICALLY FAILED. LAST TWO TIMES BEING ONLY 5 DAYS APART. SO IT'S HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY AND CLOSER TOGETHER. I HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT THE CAR. HE'D NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAD NO CLUE AS TO HOW OR WHY IT HAPPENED. HE EXAMINED THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND FOUND NADA. SO FAR, IT HAS NOT RE-OCCURRED 3 WEEKS AFTER BEING LOOKED AT. FRUSTRATING, CONCERNING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-25
- VIN: JH4KB16595C
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I TRIED STARTING MY CAR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY BATTERY WENT DEAD. ALL THE GADGETS ON MY DASH AND NOT ONE COULD TELL ME MY BATTERY WAS DYING OR LOW ON CHARGE. SO I CALL AAA AND THEY REPLACE THE BATTERY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR IS WORKING BETTER AND MY AC IS WORKING BETTER. ALL THE TIMES I COMPLAINED TO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP THAT MY AC WAS NOT COOLING PROPERLY IN THIS FLORIDA HEAT AND THEY CHECK IT AND THEY TELL ME IT'S WORKING JUST FINE. ALL OF A SUDDEN, I GET A NEW BATTERY AND MY AC IS WORKING MUCH BETTER AND NOW MY CAR IS REALLY COOLING DOWN. NO WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TELLING ME LOW BATTERY. A CAR WITH ALL THESE ELECTRONICS AND NO WARNING AND THE ACURA DEALERSHIP IN DELRAY BEACH CHECKED IT OUT NUMEROUS TIME AND DID NOT KNOW THAT THE AC WAS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY BECAUSE THE CAR NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. SHAME ON ACURA. *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-01
- VIN: JH4KB16595C
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: MY DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AGAIN AND I'M UNSURE WHETHER IT'S THE SWITCH OR THE ACTUATOR. HONDA'S AND ACURA'S ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH MALFUNCTIONING ACTUATORS.FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO FIX DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS NUMEROUS TIMES. MY DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING, MY WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING EVERY SINGLE YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNER THIS CAR. I PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY SO THEY COULD FIX MY DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS EVERY YEAR. IT'S RIDICULOUS THE PRICES THEY CHARGE FOR THIS CAR AND THEY CAN'T MAKE IT LAST MORE THAN 1 YEAR. THE ACURA DEALERSHIP SHOWED ME, THAT ALL THE PARTS ARE MADE OF PLASTIC AND THEY WEAR. AS LONG AS IT'S UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY, I HAVE TO KEEP PAYING A DEDUCTIBLE AND BRINGING IT IN FOR THEM TO FIX. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-17
- VIN: JH4KA96654C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG OR SRS(SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM) LIGHT IS ON MY 2004 ACURA RL WHEN BUYING THE CAR I DON'T NOTICE THE LIGHT WAS ON UNTIL I DROVE THE CAR OFF THE LOT AND BILL OF SALES WAS FINAL AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSE SINCE I BROUGHT THE CAR RIGHT BEFORE CLOSING TIME. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-02-18
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE DVD NAVIGATION SYSTEM IN THE RL IS BURNING OUT THE DVD DISK AND CAUSING THE NAVIGATION TO STOP WORKING. THE GPS LOCATOR ON THE SCREEN HAD MY VEHICLE NOWHERE NEAR THE ACTUAL LOCATION. THE NAVIGATION VOICE WOULD GIVE COMMAND TO MAKE A TURN WHERE NO ROAD EXISTED. I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE FAILURE OF THE DVD DRIVE IN THE CAR IS A MORE COMMON EVENT AS I READ THE ACURA FORUMS. HTTP://TSX.ACURAZINE.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=676588. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-18
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: (10/18/12 APPROXIMATELY) THE ALARM SYSTEM WENT OFF RANDOMLY AND THE REMOTE FOB FAILED TO OPERATE. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS CYCLING ON AND OFF AND THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY WOULD REMAIN LIT. IT WAS A STORMY NIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED SO I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THE ALARM SENSOR BEING OVER SENSITIVE. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE VEHICLE RETURNED TO NORMAL. ON 1/29/13 THE VEHICLE ALARM ACTIVATED AGAIN RANDOMLY AND WAS ABLE TO BE RESET WITH THE KEYLESS FOB. ON THE MORNING OF 1/30/13 THE VEHICLE FOB FAILED TO LOCK OR UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY LIGHTS WERE ON WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND AFTER A 20 MINUTE DRIVE AND TURNING OFF THE ENGINE THE DASHBOARD LIGHT WENT OFF AS THE SHOULD. ON THE EVENING OF 1/30/13 THE VEHICLE KEYLESS ENTRY OPERATED CORRECTLY HAVING NOT FUNCTIONED EARLIER IN THE DAY. LATER ON THAT SAME EVENING (1/30/13) THE ALARM ACTIVATED. IT COULD NOT BE RESET BY THE KEYLESS FOB AND THE KEY NEEDED TO BE USED IN THE DOOR TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE WHICH DEACTIVATED THE ALARM. THE VEHICLE WAS RE-LOCKED WITH THE KEY AND APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES LATER I WENT OUT AND THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON AND THE ALARM WAS NOT SOUNDING. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT FLASHING BUT REMAINED ON CONTINUOUSLY. I TURNED THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL FROM 'AUTO' TO 'OFF AND THE LIGHT TURN OFF BUT THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS REMAINED LIT. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND GOT NO RESPONSE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FUSE BOX IN THE DRIVER WELL I FOUND WATER IN THE FUSE BOX AND A DRIP COMING FROM SATURATED INSULATION ABOVE. PRESSING ON THE INSULATION RESULT IN A FLOW OF WATER. A SIMILAR SITUATION DOCUMENTED IN THE ACURA SERVICE BULLETIN 98-028 MAY BED A SIMILAR PROBLEM NOW OCCURRING IN THE 2004 MODEL. ELECTRICAL FAILURES COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE SYSTEMS TO SHUT DOWN OR MALFUNCTION DURING OPERATION RESULTING IN SERIOUS IF NOT FATAL INJURIES. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-11
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JH4KA96664C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY WIFE WAS ENTERING A BEND IN THE ROAD AND CAME UPON A CAR STOPPED IN HER LANE, WITH NO BRAKES LIGHTS!!! SHE ATTEMPTED TO SWERVE TO THE SHOULDER BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. SHE IMPACTED THE CAR IN THE REAR, SLIGHTLY OFFSET TO THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE. THE FRONT OF HER CAR IMPACTED SLIGHTLY OFFSET TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S) SIDE. SHE BRACED FOR IMPACT WITH HER LEFT HAND ON THE WHEEL. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG (EMPTY SEAT!) DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT!! THE FULL FORCE OF THE IMPACT WAS ABSORBED BY HER HAND, SHATTERING HER WRIST. SHE NEEDS SURGERY TO PIECE IT BACK TOGETHER AND THE SURGEON ESTIMATES A 12-18 MONTH RECOVERY TIME. SHE'S A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER WITH ~20 YEARS EXPERIENCE AND DRIVES A SCHOOL BUS FOR A LIVING. NO WAY SHOULD HER AIRBAG NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. HER CAREER AND OUR FINANCIAL WELL BEING IS IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY BECAUSE OF THE SEVERITY OF HER INJURY. I'VE NEVER SUED ANYONE IN MY LIFE AND DON'T CARE FOR THE PRACTICE, BUT I DON'T SEE HOW I CAN'T, THIS IS JUST NOT RIGHT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-04
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-18
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: XEON HIGHLIGHTS ON HIGH END AUTOMOBILES ARE BLINDING AND LEAVE RETINAL SPOTS. DID ANYONE CHECK THESE LIGHTS BEFORE THEY WERE APPROVED? *AK
Negative 2004 Acura Rl car reviews
Positive 2004 Acura Rl car reviews
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I think the RL is a really well-built vehicle. It's very smooth and the interior quality is incredible. Although the engine is a little weak, I would have enjoyed it a bit more in all-wheel drive. Overall, this car is comfortable and fun to drive.
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It's a great car with good gas mileage and very nice styling. It has the normal Honda quality, low maintenance, and I've never had a problem with this vehicle.
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Built in Japan, the RL has great build quality and is extremely reliable. Standard features include Onstar, XM satellite radio, navigation, heated seats, and Bose sound system, which are often expensive add-ons with other manufacturers. The price is very reasonable for all that you get.
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I recently visited a close friend in Southern California who owns a 2002 RL. I was genuinely impressed with the ride, handling, and comfort of the car. When my lease on the Seville expired, I test drove the RL and knew I had to have one. Despite being quite different from the Seville, the RL's effortless response, comfort, and overall good looks have not disappointed me.
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This is my 4th Acura and I have been a happy Acura owner for over 15 years!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Acura Rl problems:
Looking at a 2004 Acura RL. What to look out for? : r/Acura
Oct 19, 2017 ... The biggest common problems these cars have are the EGR system (it clogs up), window regulators (poor design), and the gears in the powered ...
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 ...
2004 Acura RL Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Top 2004 Acura RL Problems · Sensor Problems May Cause SRS Light To Turn On · Reprogram computer to fix shifting problem in automatic transmission · Check ...
How is 2002 Acura RL 3.5 - AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community
Mar 18, 2011 ... 1G RL (1996-2004) - How is 2002 Acura RL 3.5 - I am thinking about buying a pre-owned 2002 Acura RL 3.5 and is there any common problems or ...
What to look for when purchasing '96-'98 RL | Acura Legend Forum
Nov 19, 2004 ... ... RL's have problems with power windows). ... Other known issues - ABS modulator leak is a common problem. ... First Generation RL (1996-2004). Posted ...
Other years of Acura Rl
Are you having problems with your 2004 Acura Rl?
Brook Hermann 2024-06-05
The automobile is average in ride and comfort, with good fit and finish. However, the noise level and gas mileage are poor for this niche. At certain speeds and improved road conditions, it can be jittery in ride and sidestep, which it should handle well. Its distinctive attraction lies in its integrated cabin systems. The navigation system and XM radio work well, but unfortunately, OnStar was delivered inoperative and continues to be partially so over a month later. Despite contacting GM and now Acura, I have been informed that there is nothing to be done. Unfortunately, there will be no operating telephone in this car, which is absurd.