MotorDeets

Acura Rl problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Rl from 1996 to 2015: 423 owner complaints and 75 recalls across 18 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2005 (125), 2000 (59), 2002 (43). Best fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (2012).

Acura Rl
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Airbags141
Exterior lights61
Electrical60
Transmission & drivetrain40
Brakes (hydraulic)23
Visibility (wipers, glass)17
Speed control / throttle16
Body & structure15

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
1996222–
1997219–
1998311–
1999224–
2000459–
2001212–
2002243–
200319–
2004011–
20051112519
200683219
200772019
200861319
20096818
20107918
20116320
20126120
201502–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Acura Rl.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Acura Rl?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2005 (125), 2000 (59), 2002 (43).

How many recalls has the Acura Rl had?

Across 1996–2015, NHTSA lists 75 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).