Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
22 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
144,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1996 model year. Data updated: . 9 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 22 complaints (22.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 5 | 22.7% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 9.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 9.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls | 5 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 4 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | 1 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | 1 |
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls: 5; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling: 3; Air Bags: 1; Air Bags:Frontal: 1; Electrical System: 1; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers: 1
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 4 |
| 150,000 and above | 3 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 3
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 13 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
1997: 1; 1999: 2; 2000: 1; 2001: 2; 2002: 3; 2003: 3; 2004: 1; 2006: 1; 2007: 2; 2010: 1; 2012: 2; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2018: 1
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
WHEN I FIRST START MY CAR, I HEAR A NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FIRE WALL. WHEN THE NOISE SOUNDS FOR A 20 TO 30 SECOND PERIOD, THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THE ABS SYSTEMS GOES OUT. WHEN THE NOISE IS SHORT (5 SECOND BURSTS OF SOUND), THE ABS SYSTEM GOES OUT AFTER A MILE OR TWO DRIVE. DURING THE MILE OR TWO DRIVE, I HEAR THE SAME NOISE OFF AND ON UNTIL THE ABS SYSTEM EVENTUALLY GOES OUT. THIS FIRST OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 24, 2002. *NLM
Owner-reported narrative. 92,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10010178 at NHTSA ↗
2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THIS PREVIOUSLY-OWNED RL, I HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE THAT I THOUGHT WAS COMING FROM THE A/C AND REPORTED IT TO MY DEALER WHO COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM. THE NEXT TIME I HEARD THIS NOISE MY WINDOWS WERE DOWN AND THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD, IT ECHOED OFF SURROUNDING BUILDINGS. I HIT MY BRAKES TO PULL OVER AND INVESTIGATE AND THE NOISE STOPPED. REPORTED TO DEALER BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM. THIS NOISE STILL POPS UP FROM TIME TO TIME, BUT GOES AWAY WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. NOISE IS A SQUEALING/HISSING SOUND THAT EMINA…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10028480 at NHTSA ↗
AFTER RECALL#99V227000 WAS PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE REMAINED EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. PH THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING, VEHICLE WOULDN'T MOVE, EXTENSION SHAFT AND SECONDARY DRIVE GEAR WAS WORN. A TRANSMISSION WAS ADDED, AND THE BROKEN DOOR HANDLE WAS REPLACED. SCC
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006705 at NHTSA ↗
THE CONSUMER HAS A RECALL LETTER FOR THE TRANSMISSION/RANSFER CASE. UPON CONTACTING THE DREALER CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND COULD NOT BE ADVISED ON WHEN THERE WOULD BE. MFR RECALL #K68. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 847613 at NHTSA ↗
WHEN DRIVING NORMALLY, THE ENGINE WILL COMPLETELY DIE, AS IF THE IGNITION HAD BEEN TURNED OFF. THE CODE SET INDICATES MISFIRE ON ALL CYLINDERS. STARTS AGAIN IMMEDIATELY, BUT DOES NOT ALWAYS CONTINUE TO RUN. THIS WILL HAPPEN NUMEROUS TIMES THEN NOT AGAIN FOR DAYS. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TESTS OK, FUEL PRESSURE TEST OK, TOO. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 193,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10442629 at NHTSA ↗
WHEN DRIVING NORMALLY, THE ENGINE WILL COMPLETELY DIE, AS IF THE IGNITION HAD BEEN TURNED OFF. THE COSE SET IN OBD II INDICATED MISFIRE ON ALL CYLINDERS. IT STARTS AGAIN IMMEDIATELY, BUT DOES NOT ALWAYS CONTINUE TO RUN. THIS WILL HAPPEN NUMEROUS TIMES PER DAY, SEVERAL DAYS IN A ROW, THEN NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TESTS COMPLETELY OK. FUEL PRESSURE TESTS ARE OK TOO. CAR IS AT GOSS' GARAGE IN SEABROOK, MD, PHONE [phone removed]. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 193,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10442640 at NHTSA ↗
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
22 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 541.7%ODI 10237807 · 111,400 mi2001 ACURA 3.5 RL SRS LIGHT ELLUMINATES OPDS SENSOR OR MODULE ARE REPLACEABLE UNDER WARRANTY BUT OPDS BRAIN OR UNIT IS NOT COVERED AND THIS IS THE PART THAT IS CAUSING THE SRS LIGHT TO ELLUMINATE. DEALER SAYS IT IS FAULTY AND CAN NOT BE REPLACED FREE. SO NOW I HAVE NO AIR BAGS IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. | 1841.9%ODI 10350510 · 65,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45-50 MPH WHEN THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED AN OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM. THE DEALER REPLACED THE OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN EIGHT MONTHS. THE DEALER THEN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CYCLE THE IGNITION FASTER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AND REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER TO DEACTIVATE THE SRS LIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERN THAT WITH THE REPROGRAMMING OF THE COMPUTER, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF… | 555.6%ODI 11328981TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PHIL SMITH ACURA (940 N FEDERAL HWY, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33062, [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT … | 218.2%ODI 10481005 · 107,000 miMY WIFE WAS ENTERING A BEND IN THE ROAD AND CAME UPON A CAR STOPPED IN HER LANE, WITH NO BRAKES LIGHTS!!! SHE ATTEMPTED TO SWERVE TO THE SHOULDER BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. SHE IMPACTED THE CAR IN THE REAR, SLIGHTLY OFFSET TO THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE. THE FRONT OF HER CAR IMPACTED SLIGHTLY OFFSET TO THE LEFT (DRIVER'S) SIDE. SHE BRACED FOR IMPACT WITH HER LEFT HAND ON THE WHEEL. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG (EMPTY SEAT!) DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT!! THE FULL FORCE OF THE IMPACT WAS ABSORBED BY HER HAND, SHATTERING HER WRIST. SHE NEEDS SU… | 3628.8%ODI 10422889 · 60,000 miMY AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS PUTTING MARKS ON THE DASH WHERE IT WOULD DEPLOY AND I'M NOW FEARING IT WILL DO SO WHILE IN A DRIVING SITUATION. *TR | 928.1%ODI 10291110 · 50,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA RL. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON WATER, CRASHED INTO A RAIL, AND THEN WAS STRUCK BY A SEMI-TRACTOR TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CHECK AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, BUT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL ONLY DEPLOY IF THE DRIVER WAS IN GREAT DANGER. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50000. UPDATED 01/12/… | 735.0%ODI 10617625 · 120,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 ACURA RL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN | 861.5%ODI 10860313TAKATA RECALL: MY CAR IS UNDER THE TAKATA RECALL. WHEN I CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER, THEY INFORMED ME I HAD TO BRING THE CAR IN FIRST AND THEN THEY WOULD ISSUE AN RON SO A RENTAL CAR COULD BE OBTAINED. THEY SAID I COULD THEN TAKE MY RL HOME AND PARK IT IN THE GARAGE UNTIL THE PARTS WERE OBTAINED. SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR AT THE DEALER, THEY HAVE SERVICED IT, AND I RECEIVED AN OFFICIAL SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FROM ACURA, WHY AM I REQUIRED TO MAKE A 40 MILE ROUND TRIP IN A VEHICLE THAT ACURA ADMITS DRIVING THE CAR CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. IT… | 337.5%ODI 10317137 · 17,000 miI HAVE A 2009 ACURA RL. WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. AFTER ABOUT 20 FEET I NEEDED TO BRAKE. THE CAR ACCELERATED INSTEAD OF BRAKING. WE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. ONLY THE DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED. NON OF THE DOORS WOULD OPEN EITHER FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN EITHER. I FEEL THAT BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, ONLY ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYING, AND THE DOORS REFUSING TO OPEN, THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM OR SOMETHING GOING ON. *TR | 777.8%ODI 10889031TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/28/16*LJ *TR | 133.3%ODI 109039942011 ACURA RL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR DRIVER FRONT AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Exterior Lighting | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 12.3%ODI 100367632002 BRAND NEW ACURA [XXX]. FRONT FOF LAMPS ARE MADE OF BREAKABLE GLASS. SO FAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TWICE. THIS GLASS ID HEAVY/LARGE CHUNKS THAT COULD CAUSE TIRE DAMAGE. THIS GLASS BREAKS IN SHARDS AND IT VERY DANGEROUS. A PIECE BLEW UP AND SCRATCHED PAINT. THE DEALERSHIP IS REPLACING THE FOG LIGHTS WITH SAME BREAKABLE. THE 2003 MODELS HAVE CHANGED TO A NON-BREAKABLE, BUT WILL NOT FIT THE 2002, THIS TELLS ME ENGINEERING SAW IT WAS A PROBLEM. SOMEONE COULD GET HURT@. I FILED VIA PHONE ( #1368) BUT THE LADY WHO TOOK MY INFO GOT IT ALL SCREWE… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 4334.4%ODI 10269482 · 81,000 miOWN 2005 ACURA RL, THAT HAS AFS LIGHT SYSTEM. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON INTERSTATE, THE HEADLIGHTS ARE INTERMITTENT AND GOES OFF AT TIMES, LEAVING ME WITHOUT VISIBILITY OF THE ROAD AHEAD. I'VE CONTACTED ACURA AND THEY STATE THAT VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND CANNOT SERVICE. MY CONCERN IS THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE ALSO GOOGLED ISSUE AND HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABUT THE AFS SYSTEM. *TR | 515.6%ODI 10380390 · 46,000 miWHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD FAR ENOUGH AHEAD, CREATING DANGEROUS DRIVING CITUATIONS, ACURA DEALERSHIP(3 TIMES) AND ACURA HELP CENTER TELL ME THIS IS A "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THIS MODEL. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTIBLE, AS THE VEHICLE IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. PLEASE HELP AS I BELIEVE ACURA IS IGNORING A ENGINEERING MISTAKE AND CALLING IT A CHARACTRISTIC! | 210.0%ODI 10293770 · 34,400 miI HAVE A 2007 ACURA RL, ON APPROX. NOV. 22, 2009 AND 3 TIMES IN TOTAL SO FAR THAT WEEK THE HEAD LIGHTS START FLICKERING FOR NO REASON WHEN I WENT OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THIS MADE IT VERY HARD TO DRIVE AND I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO BE SAFE AS IT WAS DARK OUT. THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS IN THE NORMAL ON POSITION [ NOT AUTO ]. I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY OTHERS ADVISED THEY DID! I AM GOING TO CONTACT ACURA AS SOON AS I CAN. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED PLEASE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, AS SOME PEOPLE ADVISED THEIR HEADLIGH… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 10485977 · 16,000 miCANNOT SEE BEYOND ABOUT 50-60 FEET ON DARK ROADS USING LOW BEAMS ONLY. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 511.6% | 111.1%ODI 10872731 · 200,000 miTHE IGNITION IMMOBILIZER DEFECTIVE. WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK AND I TRY TO START IT I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND WAIT FOR THE GREEN LIGHT IN THE SHAPE OF A KEY TO GO OUT ON THE PANEL - THEN I TURN THE KEY. THE IGNITION DOES NOT ALWAYS RECOGNIZE THE KEY AND SO THE IMMOBILIZER IS ACTIVATED. WHEN THAT HAPPENS THE CAR EITHER STARTS AND SHUTS RIGHT OFF OR IT JUST WILL NOT START AT ALL. ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION I HAVE BEEN ALONE AFTER DARK AND UNABLE TO START MY CAR AND LEAVE. I HAVE A TYPE 1 DIABETIC GRANDCHILD THAT I WATCH AND I AM VERY FE… | 545.5% | 1814.4%ODI 101095382005 ACURA RL BROKE DOWN WITHIN 10 MILES OF DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE. VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *BF ON EACH BREAKDOWN, THE SH-AWD AND VSA WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT THE SAME TIME. THE NAVIGATION SCREEN WHICH CONTROLLED ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TOTALLY FAILED. THE YAR RATE SENSOR UNDER THE CENTER DASH WAS DEFECTIVE. *SC | 721.9%ODI 10283516 · 39,000 miON 4 OCCASIONS SINCE BUYING CAR IN 2006 REPORTED THAT INTERMITTENTLY CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHEN LIFTING FOOT OFF BRAKE. DEALERSHIP FOUND NO DEFECTS ON 4 SEPARATE CHECKS. AUG 13HAD THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION' OCCUR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. TOTALLED CAR,DAMAGED 4 OTHERS. *TR | 15.0%ODI 10471484 · 40,000 miTHE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, THE DRIVERS WINDOW WILL NOT GO DOWN , YOU ARE LOCK IN FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. *TR | 17.7%ODI 10478693 · 75,000 miTHREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE DO NOT FUNCTION ELECTRONICALLY AND MUST BE MANUALLY ACTUATED. *TR | 112.5%ODI 11202827 · 130,000 miTHE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE STARTED SMOKING AND BURNING ON MY VEHICLE. IT MELTED PART OF THE DOOR HANDLE AND LEFT MOST OF THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT INOPERATIVE INCLUDING THE INABILITY TO START THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED/STATIONARY & OFF AT THE TIME OF OCCURRENCE. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 12.3%ODI 11404011RACK AND PINION REPLACEMENT. EXTERIOR ISSUES: REAR BUMPER FELLED OFF; GASOLINE COVER WON'T CLOSED; DOOR HANDLES FALLING OFF; FUEL PUMP NEEDS REPLACEMENT | 111.1%ODI 10730303 · 132,000 miWAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 71 NORTH, AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT (70) WHEN THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING. ALL DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, SO ALL OF THE POWER-ASSIST STOPPED WORKING. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR. I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY AND THE CAR STARTED AND RAN WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THIS HAS NOW HAPPENED 6 MORE TIMES. THE MOST RECENT TIME WAS AFTER 6PM ON MONDAY JUNE 22ND. THIS TIME, AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED … | 19.1%ODI 11040280 · 122,000 miTHE POWER STEERING LINE IS POURING OUT THE FLUID AND BURNS UNDER THE CAR CAUSING SMOKE | 32.4%ODI 10503180 · 40,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. | 13.1%ODI 10957812 · 61,000 miTORQUE CONVERTER FAILURE WITH 61000 MILES. SLIPPAGE AND RUMBLE NOTED AT 45MPH AND 1550 RPMS. LURCHES AT TURNS FROM STOPPED POSITION. | 15.0%ODI 11723509SH-AWD will randomly come on and I’ll lose power suddenly as it switches from awd to front wheel drive. It can be scary especially if you are accelerating to get up to speed for the freeway or trying to take a quick left hand turn. The whole car shutters while the awd kicks off. It happens randomly, it has probably happened 15-20 I’ve the last few years | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 112.5%ODI 10568056 · 73,320 miMY HUSBAND DROVE ONTO A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (UPHILL) AND LEFT THE CAR RUNNING, GOT OUT AND RANG THE DOORBELL TO OUR DAUGHTER'S HOUSE TO SEE IF ANYONE WAS HOME. THEY ANSWERED THE DOOR AND HE CAME BACK TO THE CAR AND MOTIONED FOR ME TO GET OUT OF CAR AND COME INTO HOUSE. HE REMEMBERED HE HAD LEFT THE CAR RUNNING, SO AS I GOT OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, HE REACHED IN AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I TURNED TOWARD THE BACK OF CAR TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE BACK SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WAS STILL OPEN ALL THE WAY. THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKW… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 54.0%ODI 10138476 · 10 miTHE ROAD NOISE PREVENTS THE USE OF THE HANDS FREE PHONE. THE PHONE WORKS FINE WHILE STOPPED AND CAN NOT BE USED WHEN DRIVING BECAUSE OF THE ROAD NOISE. THIS MAKES IT A SAFETY PROBLEM SINCE YOU MUST USE THE PHONE IN A NORMAL WAY. THIS ALSO BREAKS THE LAW IN NJ. ACURA CAN NOT FIX IT. *JB | 13.1% | 315.0%ODI 11093437 · 72,000 miDIGITAL DASH PULLS TOO MUCH VOLTAGE SO IT SHORTS OUT INTERMITTANTLY AND WORKS PROPERLY WHEN RESTARTED. NO CODES CONSISTENT BUT THE ONES PULLED WERE ALL LEVEL ONE ON THE HONDA ECM HIERARCHY IE: LOW OIL PRESSURE OR SIMILAR WARNING THEN BLACK DASH. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 43.2%ODI 10137826 · 10,000 miDT: THE CALLER WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT WHEN SHE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN , AND SHE TRIED THE BRAKE AND IT DID NOT WORK. SHE SAID THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT WORK, SHE TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE VEHICLE HIT A PARKED CAR. THE POLICE CAME AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. NO ONE WAS HURT. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE MANUFACTURER SAID A CASE WORKER WILL CALL HER THIS WEEK. THEY CALLED HER BACK AND SAID THE CASE WAS CLOSED, AND INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD HAVE TO HANDLE IT. TH… | 13.1%ODI 10190663 · 250 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COMES EQUIPPED WITH TWO DIFFERENT CRUISE CONTROL MODES: STANDARD AND RADAR (ACC). WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH IN THE ACC MODE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHEN HE REMOVES HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHEN THE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLES DECELERATES. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING FAILURE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN JANUARY OF 2006. ONE YEAR AND THREE MONTHS LATER, ACURA FINALLY SENT SOMEONE TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND VIDEOTAPE THE FAILURE. ACURA ACKNOWLEDGES T… | 210.0%ODI 10255196 · 35,000 miCAR ACCELERATES SPONTANEOUSLY WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND CAR IS SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC OR TRAFFIC LIGHTS, DIFFICULT TO STOP FORWARD MOTION WITH BRAKE PEDAL. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 225.0%ODI 10317137 · 17,000 miI HAVE A 2009 ACURA RL. WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. AFTER ABOUT 20 FEET I NEEDED TO BRAKE. THE CAR ACCELERATED INSTEAD OF BRAKING. WE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. ONLY THE DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED. NON OF THE DOORS WOULD OPEN EITHER FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN EITHER. I FEEL THAT BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, ONLY ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYING, AND THE DOORS REFUSING TO OPEN, THAT THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM OR SOMETHING GOING ON. *TR | 111.1%ODI 10297711 · 200 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA RL. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WAS MINOR VEHICLE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT HAS REPORTED THE FAILURE TO THE DEALER BUT NOT THE MANUFACTURER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT IF THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED A FATALITY COULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200. | 133.3%ODI 10979725 · 108,000 miON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MULTIPLE WARNING SIGNALS AT ONCE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON AVERAGE ROADS, ACC, CMBS, CHECK TRANSMISSION, CHECK AIR BAGS AND OTHERS. THE GREEN D THAT SHOWS THE GEAR SETTING BEGAN CONSTANTLY BLINKING. WHEN I STOPPED AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND STARTED AGAIN, ALL THE WARNING SIGNAL DID NOT REAPPEAR. WITHIN A PERIOD OF ABOUT 3 WEEKS, THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 7 TIMES. THE CAR RAN NORMALLY DESPITE ALL THESE WARNINGS. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 216.7%ODI 745170WHILE DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS, VEHICLE STALLED. TRANSIMMISON HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS ACCELERATING & DECELERATING. *AK | 37.0%ODI 100323722004 ACURA RL , CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH GEAR SHIFTER IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Steering | 18.3%ODI 10466785 · 140,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING PUMP WAS LEAKING ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OR THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 09/06/2012 … | 49.3%ODI 10607151 · 88,000 miI HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND UPON EXAMINATION NOTICED THAT THERE IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE TELESCOPING MECHANISM IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I DID A SEARCH OF THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON ISSUES WITH THESE VEHICLES AND MAY BE WELL KNOWN BY THE MANUFACTURE AS THEY DO NOT SELL THE INDIVIDUAL PIECE TO FIX THIS ISSUE BUT INSTEAD SELL THE WHOLE COLUMN AS A UNIT WHICH IS $2500. THE PROBLEM EXIST BECAUSE THEY MANAGED TO MERGE PLASTIC AND METAL TOGETHER TO CREATE A SCREW-DRIVE MOTOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 218.2%ODI 10945358 · 131,000 miFAILURE OF POWER STEERING TILT/REACH. POWER STEERING TILT/REACH STOPPED WORKING. THE GEARS ACURA HAVE USED ARE PLASTIC AND FRAGILE. ACURA DOES NOT SELL THE GEARS, THEY WANT PEOPLE TO BUY NEW STEERING COLUMN. ONE PERSON CAN GET STEERING POSITIONED AT COMFORTABLE PLACE BUT THEN IF A PERSON OF DIFFERENT SIZE HAS TO DRIVE HE/SHE GETS TIRED THAT CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENT AND FATALITY. SEARCHING WEB SHOWS THAT PROBLEM IS COMMON IN ACURA RLS. ACURA SHOULD FIX THIS ISSUE ASAP. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 13.1%ODI 10471780 · 120,000 miDRIVING DOWN STEEP "S" TURN IN MOUNTAINS WHEN BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTED AND ALL OF CAR'S SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN. NO BRAKES, NO STEERING, NO POWER. WORST PART WAS THAT DOORS LOCKED AND WE COULD NOT UNLOCK THEM NOR THE WINDOWS. EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING. THERE WAS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE WHERE WE WERE. IF NOT FOR FOREST RANGER WHO CAME ALONG, BECAUSE OF CAR BEING PARTLY INTO ONE OF THE LANES OF THIS TWO-LANE ROAD, WE WOULD HAVE ROASTED TO DEATH. NOBODY ELSE STOPPED IN SPITE OF "HELP" SIGNS. THERE WAS NO INSIDE MANUAL EXIT FROM CAR. RANGER HAD TO JI… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11207010 · 47,441 miWHILE DRIVING THE CAR MADE A LEFT TURN ON IT'S ON REAL FAST THEN ALL MY DASH LIGHTS LITE UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. THE STEERING WHEEL AS ALSO STUCK IN A RIGHT HAND TURN BUT STILL DRIVING STRAIGHT. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls | Too few reports for a range | 100,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10166540 · 100,000 miTHE WINDOW REGULATORS ON MY 1996 ACURA 3.5 RL ARE BROKEN ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR WINDOWS. BEFORE THE REGULATORS BROKE, THE WINDOW WOULD COME UP SLOWLY AND STOP ALMOST TO THE TOP. AFTER A LITTLE WHILE, I HAD TO PULL THE WINDOW UP THE REST OF THE WAY. *JB |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | Too few reports for a range | 144,000 mi | 3 (sparse) | ODI 10010178 · 92,300 miWHEN I FIRST START MY CAR, I HEAR A NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE FIRE WALL. WHEN THE NOISE SOUNDS FOR A 20 TO 30 SECOND PERIOD, THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THE ABS SYSTEMS GOES OUT. WHEN THE NOISE IS SHORT (5 SECOND BURSTS OF SOUND), THE ABS SYSTEM GOES OUT AFTER A MILE OR TWO DRIVE. DURING THE MILE OR TWO DRIVE, I HEAR THE SAME NOISE OFF AND ON UNTIL THE ABS SYSTEM EVENTUALLY GOES OUT. THIS FIRST OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 24, 2002. *NLM ODI 10103681 · 149,000 miWHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO STRIKE A POST. DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER DID NOT AGREE.*AK ODI 10190864 · 144,000 miWHEN I FIRST START VEHICLE I HEAR A NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR THE FIREWALL. THE NOISE SOUNDED FOR A 20 TO 30 SECONDS, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ABS SYSTEMS WENT OUT. WHEN THE NOISE WAS SHORT THE ABS SYSTEM WENT OUT AFTER A MILE OR TWO DRIVE. DURING THE MILE OR TWO DRIVE. I HEARD THE SAME NOISE OFF AND ON UNTIL THE ABS SYSTEM EVENTUALLY WENT OUT. THIS FIRST OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2006. *AK |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | Too few reports for a range | 193,200 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10442629 · 193,200 miWHEN DRIVING NORMALLY, THE ENGINE WILL COMPLETELY DIE, AS IF THE IGNITION HAD BEEN TURNED OFF. THE CODE SET INDICATES MISFIRE ON ALL CYLINDERS. STARTS AGAIN IMMEDIATELY, BUT DOES NOT ALWAYS CONTINUE TO RUN. THIS WILL HAPPEN NUMEROUS TIMES THEN NOT AGAIN FOR DAYS. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TESTS OK, FUEL PRESSURE TEST OK, TOO. *TR ODI 10442640 · 193,200 miWHEN DRIVING NORMALLY, THE ENGINE WILL COMPLETELY DIE, AS IF THE IGNITION HAD BEEN TURNED OFF. THE COSE SET IN OBD II INDICATED MISFIRE ON ALL CYLINDERS. IT STARTS AGAIN IMMEDIATELY, BUT DOES NOT ALWAYS CONTINUE TO RUN. THIS WILL HAPPEN NUMEROUS TIMES PER DAY, SEVERAL DAYS IN A ROW, THEN NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TESTS COMPLETELY OK. FUEL PRESSURE TESTS ARE OK TOO. CAR IS AT GOSS' GARAGE IN SEABROOK, MD, PHONE [phone removed]. *TR |
| Electrical System | Too few reports for a range | 179,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10882156 · 179,000 miTL* CONTACT OWNS A 1996 ACURA RL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A STRONG BURNING ODOR WAS NOTICED COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DIMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 179,000. |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | Too few reports for a range | 70,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | Too few reports for a range | 125,500 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10206675 · 125,500 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 ACURA 3.5RL. ON OCTOBER 22, 2007, THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED SMOKE. SHE THEN HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,500. |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2012: 1 complaints · 2015: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | Engine And Engine Cooling | Air Bags | Air Bags:Frontal | Electrical System | Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
1 patterns with matching reports.
1 mentions · 4.5% of complaints
Median mileage: 149,000 mi (1 usable records).
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO STRIKE A POST. DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER DID NOT AGREE.*AK
\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b