Looking for Acura RL repair in Phoenix? We work on Acura vehicles every day and cover the RL across model years 2005 to 2012, 2015, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help RL owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 213 owner complaints on file for the RL and 14 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (71), exterior lighting (58), electrical system (30).
Most-Reported Acura RL Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the RL (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 71 | 33% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 58 | 27% | |
| Electrical System | 30 | 14% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | 5% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 11 | 5% | |
| Structure | 9 | 4% | |
| Engine | 7 | 3% | |
| Power Train | 6 | 2% |
Air Bags
71 of the 213 complaints (33%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Exterior Lighting
58 of the 213 complaints (27%) mention lighting and visibility. Lights, wipers and visibility items are quick to fix and are on every rideshare inspection checklist. We check them as part of our inspection prep. See our rideshare inspection prep page.
Electrical System
30 of the 213 complaints (14%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Acura RL Complaints by Model Year
The RL model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 125 | |
| 2006 | 32 | |
| 2007 | 20 | |
| 2008 | 13 | |
| 2009 | 8 | |
| 2010 | 9 | |
| 2011 | 3 | |
| 2012 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 2 |
Acura RL Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the RL, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Acura.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your RL? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Acura RL Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the RL in these model years, most often involving air bags, service brakes, hydraulic, steering. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (campaign 19V500000): 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...
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (campaign 19V501000): 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...
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V041000): 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,...
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V662000): 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...
- 2017 recall, Air Bags (campaign 17V029000): 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...
- 2016 recall, Air Bags (campaign 16V344000): 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...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the RL, 11 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, 6 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Acura RL Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Acura will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a RL that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for RL owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Acura RL, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Acura RL Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Acura RL repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Rideshare Inspection Prep
Get approved for Uber, Lyft and more.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Acura RL FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Acura RL?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Acura RL are air bags (71), exterior lighting (58), electrical system (30). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which RL model years have the most complaints?
The RL model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Acura RL?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Acura RL. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Acura RL have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the Acura RL across model years 2005 to 2012, 2015. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Acura RL in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Acura vehicles including the RL, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Acura RL?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Acura RL in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Acura Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.