Acura RL reliability: common problems by model year
Across 4 model years, the Acura RL has 76 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 16 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. 2006 drew the most complaints (32), 2009 the fewest (8).
4
Model years tracked
76
Owner complaints
16
Recalls
25
Median per year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Acura RL vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $4,995–$9,998.
Which RL years have the most problems?
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Positive to nostalgic sentiment for first-generation model, regarded as underappreciated luxury sedan offering exceptional comfort, refinement, and Honda reliability at affordable used prices. Praised for smooth 3.5L V6 engine delivering responsive performance
Catastrophic parts availability, suspension components, body panels, interior trim pieces increasingly impossible to source, Honda discontinued most parts, aftermarket support minimal, junkyard inventory depleted, specialist suppliers expensive and slow, typical repair requiring 2-4 weeks parts sourcing versus 2-3 days other Hondas, very frequent
Premium fuel requirement, requires 91+ octane for optimal performance though accepts 87 with reduced power, fuel economy disappointing 18-21 MPG combined typical, annual fuel costs $2,500-$3,500 at premium pricing, very frequent
Interior material deterioration, door handles peel apart exposing plastic substrate, dashboard warps and cracks in sunlight, center console scratches easily, leather (except seats/steering wheel) low-quality and deteriorates, typical beyond 15-20 years age, recurrent
Suspension wear, struts, strut forks, control arm bushings, ball joints deteriorate 100,000-150,000 miles (161,000-241,000 km), replacement parts extremely difficult to source, coilovers from other Acuras fit with modification, complete refresh $1,500-$3,000 if parts available, recurrent
Air conditioning failures, compressor, condenser, evaporator failures typical beyond 150,000 miles (241,000 km), refrigerant leaks common, repair cost $1,200-$2,500, parts availability challenging, recurrent
Owner insights cover all generations of the RL. Individual model years are broken down above.