Skip to content
VINDecoder360
Menu

NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1996–2015

Acura RL recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns and 423 owner complaints for the Acura RL, covering model years 1996 to 2015. The 2005 model year drew the most complaints (125), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Acura RL VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 20 recall campaigns on file
  • 423 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 18 model years with data (1996–2015)
  • most complaints: 2005 (125 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (141 complaints)
  • latest recall 20V027000 (reported Jan 17, 2020)
  • 22 complaints reporting a crash (5.2%)
  • 8 complaints reporting a fire (1.9%)
  • 11 complaints reporting an injury (2.6%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Acura RL complaints by model year

18 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2005 model year has the most complaints: 125 of 423, or 29.6%. Next come 2000 (59) and 2002 (43). The fewest are for 2012, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Acura RL owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1996–2015Column chart of 423 complaints across 20 model years. The highest is 2005 with 125. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1996: 22 complaints2219961997: 19 complaints1919971998: 11 complaints1119981999: 24 complaints2419992000: 59 complaints5920002001: 12 complaints1220012002: 43 complaints4320022003: 9 complaints920032004: 11 complaints1120042005: 125 complaints12520052006: 32 complaints3220062007: 20 complaints2020072008: 13 complaints1320082009: 8 complaints820092010: 9 complaints920102011: 3 complaints320112012: 1 complaint120122013: 0 complaints20132014: 0 complaints20142015: 2 complaints22015
Show the figures for all 18 model years
Acura RL complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Acura RL complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1996222200
1997192010
1998110000
1999240120
2000595010
2001120100
2002431000
200390000
2004111010
20051254120
2006323120
2007201110
2008131000
200981110
201091000
201130000
201210000
201520000
All model years423228110

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Acura RL components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 141 complaints (33.3% of all 423), followed by Exterior Lighting (61) and Electrical System (60).

Components named most often in Acura RL complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Acura RL complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags14133.3%
Exterior Lighting6114.4%
Electrical System6014.2%
Power Train419.7%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic235.4%
Visibility174.0%
Vehicle Speed Control163.8%
Steering153.5%
Structure153.5%
Unknown or Other153.5%
Engine and Engine Cooling143.3%
Seat Belts133.1%
Suspension122.8%
Engine102.4%
Tires102.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Acura RL recalls

20 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name RL, newest first. The 20 campaigns cover model years 1996 to 2012. The 2005 model year appears in the most campaigns (11).

  • 20 recall campaigns
Acura RL recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1996: 2 campaigns1997: 2 campaigns1998: 3 campaigns1999: 2 campaigns
2000: 4 campaigns2001: 2 campaigns2002: 2 campaigns2003: 1 campaign2004: no campaigns2005: 11 campaigns2006: 8 campaigns2007: 7 campaigns2008: 6 campaigns2009: 6 campaigns
2010: 7 campaigns2011: 6 campaigns2012: 6 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 20V027000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2000–2003

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  2. NHTSA campaign 20V026000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 1998–2000

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

    Filed by Isuzu Motors Limited

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V501000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2005–2012

    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V500000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2005–2010, 2012

    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  5. NHTSA campaign 18V662000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2010–2012

    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  6. NHTSA campaign 18V041000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2009–2012

    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  7. NHTSA campaign 17V029000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2005–2012

    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  8. NHTSA campaign 16V344000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2005–2011

    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  9. NHTSA campaign 16V061000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2005–2012

    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  10. NHTSA campaign 14V700000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 2005

    American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Show 10 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 14V353000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 2005

    American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  2. NHTSA campaign 13V092000

    Reported

    Traction Control System; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

    Model year 2005

    Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.

    Consequence:
    Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  3. NHTSA campaign 10V504000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder

    Model years 2005–2007

    Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 odyssey and Acura RL vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as a lubricant for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.

    Consequence:
    A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  4. NHTSA campaign 07V551000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model years 2005–2008

    On certain passenger vehicles, prolonged high under-hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid.

    Consequence:
    Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2007. Owners may contact Honda at 800-382-2238.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  5. NHTSA campaign 07V097000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model year 2005

    On certain vehicles, a coil wire inside the fuel pump relay may break, causing the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.

    Consequence:
    If the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2007. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  6. NHTSA campaign 06V270000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual

    Model year 2006

    On certain passenger vehicles and motorcycles, the owner's manuals contain incorrect contact information for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline.

    Consequence:
    The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
    Remedy:
    Honda will send a postcard to dealers and owners with the correct NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline information and with instructions to insert the card into the "reporting safety defects" section of the owner's manual. The recall began on August 2, 2006. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009, Acura at 1-800-382-2238 or Honda motorcycles at 1-866-784-1870.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  7. NHTSA campaign 03V239000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder

    Model year 2000

    On certain passenger vehicles, some brake master cylinders may have internal corrosion, resulting in reduced braking performance and increased stopping distances.

    Consequence:
    The corrosion could eventually cause a complete brake system failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the master cylinder assembly, reservoir, and brake fluid. Owner notification began July 28, 2003. Owners should contact Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  8. NHTSA campaign 02V119000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 2000–2002

    On certain passenger vehicles, during the manufacturing process, oil was applied to the brake pedal assembly to prevent rust. This oil can leak into the brake stop switch and contaminate the electrical contacts.

    Consequence:
    Eventually, the brake lights will not illuminate when the brakes are applied, which increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will clean any excess oil from the pedal assembly and replace the stop switch. Owner notification began May 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  9. NHTSA campaign 99V227000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 1996–1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.

    Consequence:
    The vehicle could lose power to the drive wheels without warning. Also, shifting the transmission into the park position would not lock the wheels, and a parked vehicle could move unexpectedly if the parking brake is not set.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  10. NHTSA campaign 99V069000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint

    Model years 1996–1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.

    Consequence:
    This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Acura RL questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Acura RL have?

NHTSA lists 20 vehicle recall campaigns for the Acura RL, covering model years 1996 to 2015. The most recent, 20V027000, was reported on January 17, 2020 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2005 model year is covered by the most campaigns (11).

Which Acura RL model year has the most complaints?

The 2005 model year, with 125 of the 423 complaints in NHTSA’s file (29.6%). The next are 2000 (59) and 2002 (43). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Acura RL complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 141 complaints, or 33.3% of all 423. Exterior Lighting (61) and Electrical System (60) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Acura RL?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Acura dealer.

How many Acura RL complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 423 complaints, 22 report a crash, 8 a fire, 11 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Acura models

8 models · most complaints first

The Acura models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Acura VIN decoder with every Acura model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Acura MDX 2001–2026 · 42 recalls · 3,275 complaints
  • Acura TL 1995–2014 · 25 recalls · 3,118 complaints
  • Acura RDX 2007–2026 · 16 recalls · 2,152 complaints
  • Acura TLX 2012–2025 · 13 recalls · 885 complaints
  • Acura TSX 2004–2014 · 12 recalls · 671 complaints
  • Acura CL 1997–2004 · 11 recalls · 586 complaints
  • Acura Integra 1995–2026 · 5 recalls · 443 complaints
  • Acura ILX 2013–2022 · 11 recalls · 269 complaints

All Acura models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.