2009 Acura Rl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Acura Rl: 6 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V061000 · 2016 · 2,232,187 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V344000 · 2016 · 1,790,894 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V029000 · 2017 · 308,884 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V041000 · 2018 · 24,945 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V500000 · 2019 · 1,558 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V501000 · 2019 · 1,657,752 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Acura Rl has 8 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 18 Rl model years for complaints (well below the 24 average). Complaints peaked in 2010 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 45,160 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (13 complaints, 6 recalls), 2010 (9 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
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 2009 Acura Rl.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2009 Acura Rl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Acura Rl. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 Acura Rl problems?
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), brakes (hydraulic) (2), speed control / throttle (2).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Acura Rl get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic (S5)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Acura Rl repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.