2012 Acura Rl problems
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Common 2012 Acura Rl problems
The Acura RL 2012 is a luxury sedan that has been praised for its elegant design, advanced technology, and impressive handling. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that have been reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Low battery causing numerous computer/system errors: This is a common problem that can cause a variety of issues, including malfunctioning electronics, warning lights, and difficulty starting the car. While a new battery can solve the problem, it can also lead to more serious issues if not addressed promptly.
- Keyless access door handle functions can short out the handles and potentially disable the car: This issue can affect the keyless entry system, making it difficult or impossible to enter or start the car. While it is not a major safety concern, it can be a significant inconvenience and may require professional repair.
- Propeller shaft bearing whine: This issue is specific to the 2005-2006 models and is caused by a faulty bearing in the propeller shaft. It can result in a loud whining noise, particularly at higher speeds, and may require replacement of the bearing or the entire propeller shaft.
- A/C component failures: This issue is also specific to the 2005-2006 models and can result in a malfunctioning air conditioning system. It may require replacement of one or more components, such as the compressor or condenser.
- Factory HID bulb lifespan: The high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights on the Acura RL are known to have a shorter lifespan than other components, which can result in premature failure and require replacement.
- AFS stroke sensor corrosion causing AFS failure: The Advanced Front Lighting System (AFS) on the Acura RL uses a stroke sensor to adjust the headlights based on steering input. Corrosion of this sensor can cause the system to fail, resulting in reduced visibility and safety.
- Arm rest and center console vinyl coming unglued from foam padding causing bubbles: This issue is cosmetic in nature and can affect the appearance of the interior. It may require professional repair or replacement of the affected components.
- Glove box coating melting: This issue is also cosmetic in nature and can affect the appearance of the interior. It may require professional repair or replacement of the affected components.
- Moonroof drain lines clogging causing water to enter the cabin: This issue can result in water leaks and damage to the interior of the car. It may require professional cleaning or repair of the drain lines.
- Factory welds/sealant along the windshield frame allowing water to enter at A-pillar: This issue can result in water leaks and damage to the interior of the car. It may require professional repair or replacement of the affected components.
It is important to note that not all Acura RL 2012 models will experience these issues, and many owners have reported positive experiences with the car. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider having the car inspected by a professional before purchasing. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent or address these issues before they become major problems.
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.
What happened to the Acura RL?
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.
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.
2012 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:
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Acura Rl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Acura Rl complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Acura Rl.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-23
- VIN: JH4KB2F68CC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CANNOT SEE BEYOND ABOUT 50-60 FEET ON DARK ROADS USING LOW BEAMS ONLY. *TR
2012 Acura Rl recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2012 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:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver 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 driver frontal air bag 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 S5B and W59.
- 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: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 2012 Acura Rl car reviews
Positive 2012 Acura Rl car reviews
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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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The car is a decade old, but it is still amazing. It is reliable, dependable, and I know what to expect. Living in the great NW, it is a must to have AWD, and this car delivers. It is a tank in the snow, and the brakes are amazing. The stereo is top-notch, and the ride is quiet and smooth. This car went for roughly 47k 10 years ago, and I can see why. Other than routine oil changes, there is no real cost to own and maintain. The AWD is amazing, so this car only needs all seasons. As for performance, it is a sports luxury car, not a race car. The power is there when it is needed, but this car is at its most fun in corners. The balance on this car is incredible. Overall, this car is a great investment and a reliable choice for anyone looking for a dependable and luxurious ride.
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First of all, I just wanted to say that I think this is a fantastic car to drive and I'm really happy to own it. The handling on the curves is great and I love that it comes with so many high-end options, all at a lower price.
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Hey there! Just a friendly reminder to watch your speed.
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Acura finally got this thing right! I put 13000 miles on my '08 RL and had a love-hate relationship with it. The car had terrific build quality and extraordinary features that really spoil a driver. However, there were some significant faults such as poor suspension (a weird combination of too harsh and too soft), no adjustable passenger seat, wimpy steering wheel, and an AWD system with too much front wheel bias. But now, with the 2009 RL, all those issues have been addressed. Love or hate the looks, that's your decision, but I personally love this car! The suspension is perfect, the Super handling AWD calibration is great, there's an adjustable passenger seat, and a whole bunch of
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Acura Rl problems:
2012 Acura RL Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Top 2012 Acura RL Problems · Sensor Problems May Cause SRS Light To Turn On. 153 people have reported this · Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty ...
Acura RL depreciation and transmission question? - AcuraZine ...
Jul 22, 2011 ... Here are some links to common issues. "Nothing but problems with '05 RL": https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/ ...
Acura RL (2005-2009 gen), any known problems? | AnandTech ...
Diamond Member. Jun 30, 2012. 7,306. 5. 0. May 18, 2013. #7. It's out of the range of years with trans issues. And if it's the normal Accord/TL ...
Known issues or repairs on the RL? - AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast ...
Mar 30, 2016 ... 2G RL (2005-2012) - Known issues or repairs on the RL? - Purchased my RL used and there are no major service records with the car so I ...
ACURA RL CRANKS BUT DOESN'T START | Acura World
Aug 17, 2019 ... This is a common problem with first generation RL's. ... 2nd Gen RL (2005-2012) · 4kelyn Aug 14, 2019 · 2005 ... 98 acura rl 3.5 having problems ...
Other years of Acura Rl
Are you having problems with your 2012 Acura Rl?
Stan Rodriguez 2024-09-21
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 never buy an Acura again. Despite its slow speed, the handling is pretty good and it's still fun to drive. Overall, I would give it a 7 out of 10.
Torey West 2024-08-17
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.