2011 Acura Rl problems
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Common 2011 Acura Rl problems
The 2011 Acura RL has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the car's technology, fuel economy, and drivetrain components.
One of the most frequently mentioned issues is the outdated technology, particularly the navigation system and rearview camera, which are considered to be significantly behind the times for a car from 2011.
Another common problem is the car's fuel economy. Despite the 3.7L V6 engine performing well, the gas mileage is quite poor, averaging around 18 mpg, which is subpar for a V6 in this day and age. This issue may be exacerbated by the all-wheel-drive system and the extra weight it adds.
In terms of drivetrain components, the 2011 Acura RL has been reported to have issues with the drive shafts, particularly in earlier models (2005-2006). The drive shafts are made of carbon fiber, which makes them lightweight but also very expensive to replace if they fail
. The center bearing on the drive shaft is typically what fails, causing a loud whine, which can be very obnoxious and annoying for the driver
Additionally, some owners have reported experiencing false warnings from the onboard computer, including warnings related to the ACC, AFS, and DRL systems, as well as the airbags. These warnings can be very confusing and concerning for the driver, as they may indicate serious issues with the car's safety systems.
In summary, the 2011 Acura RL has several common problems related to technology, fuel economy, and drivetrain components. These issues can be costly to repair and may affect the car's overall performance and safety. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
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 an Acura 3.5 RL a good car?
The 3.5 RL, Acura's flagship, is athletic, extremely quiet, luxurious and priced right: All of which makes it a serious contender in the luxury sedan market despite its V6, front-drive layout.
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.
2011 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:
- Engine problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Acura Rl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Acura Rl complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Acura Rl.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-01
- VIN: JH4KB2F62BC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION DURING NORMAL CONDITIONS (NEARLY 1 QUART FOR EVERY 1000 MILES). *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-20
- VIN: JH4KB2F63BC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MULTIPLE WARNING SIGNALS AT ONCE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON AVERAGE ROADS, ACC, CMBS, CHECK TRANSMISSION, CHECK AIR BAGS AND OTHERS. THE GREEN D THAT SHOWS THE GEAR SETTING BEGAN CONSTANTLY BLINKING. WHEN I STOPPED AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND STARTED AGAIN, ALL THE WARNING SIGNAL DID NOT REAPPEAR. WITHIN A PERIOD OF ABOUT 3 WEEKS, THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 7 TIMES. THE CAR RAN NORMALLY DESPITE ALL THESE WARNINGS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
- VIN: JH4KB2F68BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2011 ACURA RL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
2011 Acura Rl recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2011 Acura Rl.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Lastly, if not included above, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2011 Honda Element, 2010-2012 Acura RL and 2010-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are H2H and S2I.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010 Acura RL, 2010-2011 Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." If not included in zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U0H, and G0I.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.
Negative 2011 Acura Rl car reviews
Positive 2011 Acura Rl car reviews
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This car is really nice! It's very quiet and has an excellent radio. The controls can be a bit confusing at first, but with a little practice, you'll be changing radio channels and map functions like a pro. The interior styling always gets a lot of compliments from my co-workers, especially with the bright silver exterior and the prominent 'transformer shield' grill that blends in nicely. The tail end looks fabulous and reminds me of the BMW 7 series. The acceleration is very powerful and the SH-AWD provides great control on rainy roads. While the gas mileage isn't great, it's on par with a 300 hp car that weighs 4,000 lbs, so it's not bad either.
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Up to date, it has been a very enjoyable ride. As an engineering consultant, I find it classy enough for my trade, and sporty enough for my younger heart. Although it has been significantly fuel thirsty, almost as much as my wife's MDX, I have been very pleased with the excellent dealership service and the vehicle's flawless operation, unlike my previous Avalon! Overall, I am happy with my purchase, although I do wish the braking performance was better.
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new Acura! It sounds like you've had some experience with other cars in the same price range, but the handling, quality materials, and quiet engine of the Acura have really impressed you. It's great to hear that you're enjoying driving it, especially on curving roads where it feels like the car is glued to the asphalt. While you can feel bumps in the road, they don't make you feel uncomfortable, and the interior feels quite roomy. I agree that the interior design looks awesome, and it's even better that the price is on the low side of its class. I hope that the reliability continues to be great for you, and that you continue to enjoy your new car!
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I hope you're enjoying your new (09) RL/w Tech Pkg! I noticed that the fuel consumption is a bit high, around 16 city and 22 highway, but I'm glad to hear that replacing the factory tires with 245-35-20, 8.0 made a big difference. It sounds like you're planning on driving your RL a lot, which is great to hear!
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I recently traded in my 2.5 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, which was loaded with everything, for this amazing vehicle. The interior trim is excellent, and the navigation system is far better than the Jeep's and as good as my husband's Audi A-8 system. The ride in this car is excellent, and the vehicle is extremely quiet. The sound system is exceptional, and I am so pleased with my purchase. I looked at the Cadillac and the Lincoln, but the quality was no match. I believe I will be an Acura client for my next purchase too!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Acura Rl problems:
Common Problems with the Acura RL - YouTube
Dec 15, 2019 ... This video's purpose is to alert everyone of the common problems on the second generation of the Acura RL incase anyone is looking to buy ...
Acura RL depreciation and transmission question? - AcuraZine ...
Jul 22, 2011 ... There are no major issues with the transmission that have been stated here. In general, I have found Honda's transmissions to be the weakest ...
Looking on 2002 Acura TL type-S...Sugesstions on common ...
Mar 20, 2007 ... Acura TL, RL & ZDX - Looking on 2002 Acura TL type-S...Sugesstions on common problems to look for? - Hey! I am looking on a 2002 Acura TL ...
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 ... 9000revs , 03-18-2011 04:04 ...
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 2011 Acura Rl?
Hazle Stiedemann 2024-10-26
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.
Jeramie Wolf 2024-09-05
For someone who has never owned a decent car, the RL would probably be a great choice. However, I have had a lot of reliability issues with it, which has made me decide to not buy an Acura again. Despite its slow speed, the handling is pretty good and it's fun to drive. Overall, I would give it a 7 out of 10.
Makenna Metz 2024-06-13
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.