Safety ratings
2000 Acura RL 4-DR. w/SAB
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (4)
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 20V026000 · 17/01/2020
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 20V027000 · 17/01/2020
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHCampaign 02V119000 · 14/05/2002
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.
Risk: EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERCampaign 03V239000 · 02/07/2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY HAVE INTERNAL CORROSION, RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Risk: THE CORROSION COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE A COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- AIR BAGS26
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
- POWER TRAIN9
- SERVICE BRAKES8
- HYDRAULIC6
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
- SEAT BELTS5
- VISIBILITY5
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/23/2021· AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V027000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
- 12/16/2002· AIR BAGS
SRS MALFUNCTION 6 DIFFERENT TIMES AFTER BEING FIXED EACH TIME. 2000 ACURA 3.5RL VIN # JH4KA9652YC007814
- 11/13/2015· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BOLT PREMATURELY FRACTURED INTERNALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE GEAR TRAIN DIFFERENTIAL FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE GEAR TRAIN DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V227000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
- 11/09/2004· SEAT BELTS
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THREE DAYS LATER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
- 11/09/2004· AIR BAGS
S.R.S LIGHT CAME ON AND TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER ON NOV. 4, 04'. THE DTC CODE REQUIERED TO HAVE THE LEFT SEAT BELT HOSTER REPLACED. ON NOV. 7TH THE S.R.S LIGHT CAME BACK ON, SO I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER (HOY FOX ACURA). THE DTC CODE THIS TIME WAS 15-3 WITCH INDICATES THAT THE OPDS SENSOR OR OPDS UNIT NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE ONLY THING IS THAT THIS TIME IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY LIKE THE SEAT BELT HOSTER (SINCE SEATBELTS HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTY). SO IT SEAMS TO ME THAT THERE IS DEFENETLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM SENSORS AND THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE SEND OUT FOR THIS. INSTEAD OF ONE HAVING TO PAY $532 FOR PARTS, $75 FOR LABOR AND $75 FOR DIAG., PLUS TAXES.*AK
- 11/08/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE SRS SENSOR JUS POP ON THE ABS SENSOR POP ON ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT POPS I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AND ALSO I HEARD TICKING AND TAPPING AND THE ENGINE STARTED JUMPING WHETHER I'M GOING SLOW OR FAST I REALLY NEED SOME SERIOUS HELP WHY IS BECAUSE I CAN POSSIBLY BE IN GREAT DANGER DO TO THE SENSORS THAT ARE GOING OUT IN MY VEHICLE .
- 11/05/2004· AIR BAGS
ACURA 3.5RL 2000, DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. *BF *JB
- 11/04/2016· AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA RL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 11/02/2004· VISIBILITY
WHILE DRIVING, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINED WHY THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. *JB
- 10/26/2006· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FAILURE OF REAR ABS WHEEL SENSORS. *NM
- 10/25/2001· STEERINGCrash
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH STEERING WHEEL FROZE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HIT A CONCRETE DIVIDER. CONSUMER SUFFERED FRACTURED RIB AND HAND, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK
- 10/17/2020· AIR BAGS
I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM AMERICA HONDA MOTOR COMPANY ON MARCH 2020 (NHTSA RECALL 20V-026) THAT THE INFLATOR INSIDE THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG MODULE MAY ABSORB MOISTURE, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION IN A CRASH WHERE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS. THE LETTER STATES "THE REPLACEMENT PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE, IF NECESSARY, ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND ACURA IS UNABLE TO INSPECT/REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE AT THIS TIME." I CALLED A LOCAL ACURA DEALER ON 9/1/2020 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY ARE EXPECTED MAY 2021. THIS TIMEFRAME SEEMS UNREASONABLE TO ME.
- 10/15/2011· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I AM HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH MY IGNITION SWITCH NOT WORKING AT TIMES. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START MY VEHICLE AFTER TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, IT WON'T START. WHEN I TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND PLACE IT BACK IN ABOUT THE THIRD OR FOURTH TIME TO TRY AND START IT, IT EVENTUALLY STARTS. I JUST RECENTLY REPLACED MY STARTER AND BATTERY THINKING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM, BUT IT IS NOT. PLEASE HELP! *TR
- 10/05/2004· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,BACK OVER PREVENTION
THE CAR ALARM WOULD WENT OFF INTERMITTENTLY DURING INCLEMENT CONDITION. DASHBOARD/INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS REMAINED ON WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. ALSO, SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WOULD CONTINUOUSLY MOVE BACK AND FORTH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER ON 9 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BUT THE PROBLEMS RECURRED.*AK
- 10/03/2022· SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light, and the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
- 09/29/2014· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, UPON ACCELERATION. ENGINE STALLED. VEHICLE PLACED IN PARK AND CAR WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN AWAY. MAIN FUEL RELAY WAS REPLACED. PER ACURA SERVICE BULLETIN 01-044, THE INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED COULD BE DUE TO A FAILED POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. PER ACURA SERVICE BULLETIN 01-044, THERE WAS AN UPDATED POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE, BUT THIS PART HAS SINCE BEEN DISCONTINUED AND IS NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED BY ACURA. I HAVE CALLED ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES PER TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 01-044, THERE IS NOTHING THEY ARE ABLE TO DO TO REPAIR THE CAR. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE DUE TO THE RISK THAT THE VEHICLE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CONTINUE TO STALL AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED. *TR
- 09/29/2000· STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ON TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS I WAS PREPARING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED IN EITHER INSTANCE. AS I PROCEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR LOCKED UP. THERE WERE NO BRAKES AVAILABLE AND NO POWER STEERING. TO AVOID BACKING INTO ANOTHER CAR I SOMEHOW GOT THE CAR INTO "PARK" AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THIS PROBLEM WAS IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE ACURA DEALERSHIP. NOTES ON THE INVOICE READ "BRAKE LIGHT ON DASH CAME ON WHEN BACKING UP, CAR SEEMED TO "LOCK UP" 80 CHECK MASTER CYLINDER CAP CONNECIONS. FLUID LEVEL IN SPEC. TEST DROVE, LIGHT NOT COMING ON, NOT 'LOCKING UP'. PARTS 0.00, LABOR 0.00. I WAS SENT HOME AND THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2000. IN MY ESTIMATION THIS PRESENTS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. A TELEPHONE CALL WAS MADE TO ME WHEN I INFORMED THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO PUT ME ON A CONFERENCE CALL WITH AN ENGINEER IN CALIFORNIA WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO SPEAK WITH ME DIRECTLY; APPARENTLY THEY ARE ONLY DIRECTED TO SPEAK WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THEY ASKED ME ABOUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES; I RELAYED THEM. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEPTEMBER 27. ON SEPTEMBER 28, I RECEIVED A TELEPHONE CALL STATING THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. DO WE WAIT UNTIL THE CAR IS IN "DRIVE" AND THE BRAKES FAIL BEFORE ANYTHING IS DONE? I AM UNAWARE OF THE IDIOSYNCRACIES OF THE LEMON LAWS; HOWEVER, I WOULD NOT LIKE TO BE IN ACURA'S POSITION SHOULD STILL ANOTHER INSTANCE OCCUR. SINCE THE DEALERSHIP CAN FIND NO PROBLEM I SHALL BE BEHIND ITS WHEEL IN HOPES A MORE SERIOUS INCIDENT DOES NOT OCCUR. THANK YOU. *AK
- 09/27/2000· POWER TRAIN
WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR DECELERATING VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. DEALER SAID THEY NEED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. COMMON PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION WAS ON BACK ORDER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
- 09/21/2004· VISIBILITY,AIR BAGSCrash
VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEMS MAY HAVE CAUSE ONE CRASH. BF THE CONSUMER HIT A VEHICLE WHICH WAS STOPPED IN A TURNING LANE AT 35 MPH. WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THROTTLE BODY WAS BENT. FAULTY WINDOW REGULATOR CAUSED THE WINDOW TO NOT CLOSE. *NM
- 09/14/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ODOMETER WAS TAMPERED WHICH I BELIEVE IS FRAUD IN THE US.
- 09/14/2004· AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SRS LIGHT WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELTS AND THE AIR BAGS MALFUNCTION. *AK *SC
- 09/13/2000· VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPERS LEAVE A OILY FILM ON WINDSHIELD THAT RESULT IN SEVERE STREAKING ON GLASS. THE DEALER REPLACED THEM IN JUNE AND TOLD ME AT THAT TIME THEY HAD EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME ACURA HAD GONE TO A SOFTER RUBBER ON THE BLADE AND IT WAS NOT HOLDING UP WELL. BOTH THE DEALER AND ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLD ME TO CLEAN THE WIPERS WITH ALCOHOL WHEN THE PROBLEM ARISES. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO DO THIS WITH ANY OTHER CAR. THERE ARE TWO OTHER PEOPLE IN MY OFFICE WITH 2000 TL'S AND THEY ARE BOTH HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. YOU CANNOT USE YOUR WIPERS TO CLEAN THE WINDOW UNLESS YOU WANT IT SMEARED. THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM IF YOU ARE DRIVING INTO THE SUN AS YOU CAN'T SEE THROUGH THE HAZE.*AK
- 09/12/2005· AIR BAGS
DT: 2000 ACURA RL. THE CONSUMER STATES HAS A SRS SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. HE FEELS IT IS DEFECTIVE BECAUSE IT IS ON. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM TO REPLACE THE SENSOR, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE WHOLE SEAT MUST BE REPLACED. IF THE SENSOR IS NOT REPLACED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT YET BEEN FIXED. THE MANUFACTURER PUT THE INFORMATION IN THEIR DATABASE. *AK
- 08/30/2017· AIR BAGS
TAMARA RECALL MY SRS LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUALLY. I AM CONCERNED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAGS. I NEED TO KNOW IF IT IS SAFE TO HAVE SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR IF THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE AND IS A RECALL. I DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR VERY OFTEN BUT NOW I HAVE TO BECAUSE I HAVE NO OTHER TRANSPORTATION.
- 08/30/2004· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCrash
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CURB. DROVE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT BE DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
- 08/28/2005· AIR BAGS
THE SRS LIGHT ON MY 2000 ACURA RL HAS COME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF...I SEE THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH HONDA VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM...DOES THE RECALL ALSO APPLY TO ACURA RL MODELS?...PLEASE ADVISE. *JB
- 08/25/2014· AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS INDICATOR CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
- 08/21/2020· AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ACURA OF MEMPHIS (2611 RIDGEWAY RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38119, (901) 630-4664) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 08/03/2012· VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA RL WITH A MAGNA DONNELLY REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LIQUID INSIDE THE MIRROR SPEWED OUT FROM UNDER THE MIRROR WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LIQUID HARDENED, DAMAGING THE SEATS AND DASHBOARD AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE MIRROR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE MIRROR WAS CONTACTED WHO EXPLAINED THAT WHEN THE MIRROR WAS MANUFACTURED, A SPECIFIC GAS WAS PUMPED BETWEEN THE TWO PIECES OF GLASS, WHICH HAD DETERIORATED AND ALLOWED THE GAS TO EXPAND AND BURST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000. UPDATED 09/05/12*LJ UPDATED 09/05/12
- 08/02/2005· STRUCTURE
A FRIEND OF MINE WAS SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT OF MY INTEGRA WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT WAS WET. IT WASN'T LONG AFTER THAT WHEN I OPENED THE TRUNK OF MY CAR AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS MOLD ON A PAIR OF SHOES THAT WAS IN THE TRUNK. I OPENED THE PART WHERE THE SPARE TIRE SITS AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LOT OF WATER IN THE WHEEL WELL. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE HAS BEEN ISSUES WITH MY MODEL WHERE THE TAIL LIGHT GASKETS WERE DEFECTIVE. RAIN WAS LEAKING INTO MY CAR AND FOR MONTHS I WASN'T EVEN AWARE OF IT. THIS RESULTED IN THEM HAVING TO COMPLETELY CLEAN MY CAR OF MOLD AND MILDEW BY LIFTING SEATS AND CLEANING UNDER THEM, REPLACE TAIL LIGHTS AND GASKETS, REPLACE CARPET IN BACK SEATS, AND THEN REPLACE THE MOTOR MECHANISM TO OPEN THE TRUNK. THE TOTAL COST WAS APPROXIMATELY $1,200.00. THE CAR STILL HAS AN ODOR TO IT. *NM
- 07/30/2001· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAVE HAD 5 INCIDENTS WHERE CAR HAS SHUT OFF AT LOW SPEEDS. 1ST TRANSMISSION REPLACED AFTER 5OOO MILES. AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS TO DEALER AND HELP FROM ACURA CLIENT SERVICES ACURA WANTS TO REPLACE ELEC CONTRO MODULE AND ANOTHER TRANSMISSION. I HAVE VOICED SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE ECAH TIME I HAVE TO SHUT OFF CAR AND GET OUT OF TRAFFIC ON MAJOR INTERSTATE. DEALER HAS HAD CAR FOR OVER 3 WEEKS AND STILL N COMMITMENT. I BELIEVE I HAVE A LEMON AND WILL NOT CONTINUE TO RISK MY LFE OR ANY PASSENGER.*AK
- 07/26/2016· AIR BAGS
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS, SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR
- 07/22/2011· STEERING
1. ELECTRIC TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO PRESENT TO SET POSITION FROM REST. 2. FREQUENCY IS IMMEDIATE UPON FAILURE. THE STEERING WHEEL RESTS AT THE TOP POSITION (RESTING WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED) 3. ACURA OFFERED TO REPLACE THE COLUMN AT A COST OF $3500. *TT
- 07/21/2014· AIR BAGS
SRS LIGHT ON DASH STAYS ON. DEALER CANNOT RESET TO GET LIGHT TO STAY OFF. ACURA OF DENVILLE, NJ SAYS OPDS (OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM) AND SENSOR ASSEMBLIES NEED TO BE RE-PLACED AT A COST OF $1349.65 (+ TAX). WITH SRS LIGHT ON AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. THE SRS FAILURE APPEARS TO BE THE FAILURE MOST DOCUMENTED IN THIS FORUM. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH SHOULD HAVE A RECALL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
- 07/20/2001· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN TRAVELING 60 TO 65 MPH AND HAVE TO COME TO STOP DUE TO TRAFFIC OR DECELERATING LANE CAR "SHUTS OFF". I HAVE HAD TO ROLL OFF ROAD, PUT ON FLASHERS AND SHUT OOF CAR TO RESART. I AM TERRIFIED AT THIS TIME TO CHANCE BEING IN CAR. I TRAVEL ON HIGHWAYS TO WORK WITH TRACTOR TRAILERS BEHIND ME. FOUR OCCURRENCES. ACURA OFFERING TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE NOW. THIS IS 2ND TRANSMISSION. THE FIRST ONE A T 6000 MILES. *AK
- 07/18/2012· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN RIGHT AT 20 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. AS A RESULT, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM MAY NEED TO BE FLUSHED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY BY ACURA. HOWEVER, ACCORDING AMFAM INSURANCE, WHEN THE DECODED THE VIN, THE RECALL FOR THE MASTER CYLINDER CAME UP FOR THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 108,000. UPDATED 8/21/12 *CN RECALL# 03V239000. UPDATED 08/23/12
- 07/11/2014· AIR BAGS
SRS LIGHT STAYS ON PROBLEM WITH SENSOR FOR AIRBAG. *TR
- 07/05/2016· AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA RL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
- 07/05/2001· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN CAR IS NOT DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL DAYS, THE BRAKES MAY INITIALLY FAIL, BUT CATCH WHEN PUMPED. THE MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
- 06/26/2008· VISIBILITY
VEHICLE WAS LOCALLY PARKED. THE INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR ON MY 2000 ACURA RL HAS LEAKED CORROSIVE MATERIAL FROM INSIDE THE MIRROR ITSELF. NOTE: IT IS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WHICH HAS AN AUTO DIMMER FEATURE. CURRENTLY IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF AND THE LIQUID IS CORROSIVE ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP. MOST NOTABLE: THIS MIRROR-ISSUE SEEMS TO BE WIDESPREAD THROUGHOUT THE ACURA COMMUNITY (EVEN ON NEWER MODELS) WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THE MIRRORS ARE DEFECTIVE. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE MIRROR. *TR
- 06/12/2008· ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA 3.5RL. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHT FAILED TO DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE SRS WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE SRS FAILURE HAS RECENTLY RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE SECOND TIME WITHIN A YEAR FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S STABILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $2,000. THIS REPAIR MUST BE PERFORMED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE MALFUNCTION IN THE SRS. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,685 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
- 06/06/2010· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HEADLIGHT (PASSENGER'S) ON MY 2000 ACURA RL GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY IT IS NOT THE BULB OR THE WIRING, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY INVERTER ACURA USED. OBVIOUSLY IT'S DANGEROUS. *TR
- 06/02/2010· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I AM WRITING TO REPORT A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY 2000 ACURA RL. THIS CAR SEEMS TO HAVE A DESIGN FLAW WHEREBY THE CAR'S NATURAL DRAIN CHANNELS GET CLOGGED AND WATER LEAKS IN THROUGH ALTERNATE PATHWAYS INTO THE VEHICLE'S FUSE BOX. THIS CAUSES ALL OF THE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS TO GO HAYWIRE, KEY SAFETY SYSTEMS LIKE THE AIRBAGS AND TRACTION CONTROL SHUT OFF, WINDSHIELD WIPERS GO ON BY THEMSELVES, AND THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE MOVES RANDOMLY. FURTHERMORE, THE SECURITY SYSTEM CAN BE TRIGGERED AND THE HORN SOUNDS, POSSIBLY WHILE DRIVING. I PERSONALLY HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED MORE SERIOUS ISSUES, BUT I WON'T BE SURPRISED IF THIS LEADS TO A FIRE EVENTUALLY. I HAVE HAD MY CAR REPAIRED FOR THIS PROBLEM TWICE. THE FIRST MAJOR FAILURE WAS IN APRIL 2007 AT AROUND 52000 MILES, AND THE SECOND MAJOR FAILURE WAS IN MAY 2006 AT 72000 MILES. BOTH TIMES, THE FUSE BOX AND ASSOCIATED RELAYS, ETC. WERE CORRODED FROM THE INSIDE, AND THE CAR NEEDED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. IN BETWEEN THESE TWO FAILURE TIMES, THE CAR HAS SHOWN MINOR FAILURES DURING RAIN (RANDOM SECURITY ALARM, UNEXPECTED BATTERY DRAIN, ETC), WHICH HAVE CORRECTED THEMSELVES ONCE THE RAIN GOES AWAY AND THE ELECTRONICS HAS HAD A CHANCE TO DRY OUT. ACURA KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE, AND EVEN ISSUED A TSB TO FIX IT. I THINK THE PROBLEM IS SERIOUS AND WARRANTS A RECALL. WHEN I EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH MY CAR FOR THE SECOND TIME, I LEARNED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED ONLINE IN THE ACURA OWNER COMMUNITY. IT SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THAT PARTICULAR BODY STYLE, WHICH WAS USED FOR RL MODEL YEARS FROM 1999-2004. *TR
- 05/27/2014· POWER TRAIN
AT A RED LIGHT STOPPED. WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PRESSED ACCELERATOR TO GO AND IT JUST STALLED WITH THE ENGINE REVVING UP. FINALLY IT STARTED MOVING FORWARD SLOWLY. *TR
- 05/21/2015· AIR BAGS
SRS LIGHT ON THE DASH STAYS ON. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY WITH LIGHT ON. I HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINE THAT THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A REPAIR THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY A MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. BASED ON REVIEW OF THE SAFERCAR.GOV WEBSITE THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR.
- 05/19/2000· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I WAS COMING OFF A FREEWAY OFF RAMP, GOING ABOUT 35 MPH, HEADING SLIGHTLY UPHILL, WHEN MY TWO MONTH OLD ACURA 3.5 RL'S ENGINE DIED. I WAS IN MOTION, AND WITHOUT WARNING, NOISE OR SHAKING THE ENGINE DIED. I QUICKLY PUT THE CAR INTO PARK AND STARTED UP AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE QUICKLY AND PREVENTED BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. THE NEXT DAY, THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN AS I WAS TRAVELING 10 MPH IN A PARKING LOT. TWO DAYS LATER, THE ENGINE ZIPPED OUT FOR THE THIRD TIME IN FOUR DAYS, AS I WAS TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WHO CLAIMS THAT TWO OTHER CARS LIKE MINE HAVE COME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THEY CANNOT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY CANNOT IDENTIFY IT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS, LIFE THREATENING DEFECT AND I ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT DRIVE THAT CAR OR ANOTHER ONE LIKE IT. HAVE YOU HAD ANY COMPLAINTS OR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THESE CARS? WILL I BE ABLE TO OBTAIN REPORTS? THANK YOU. LINDA LOUIE. *AK
- 05/15/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 25MPH ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE IS STILL RUNNING. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE STOPS WORKING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
- 05/03/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
000 ACURA 3.2 TL STARTING ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO THE ENGINE SAFETY LIGHT CAME ON (8 TIMES). IT HAS BEEN SERVICED BY HINSHAW'S ACURA FOR EVERY INCIDENT AND HAVE NOT FOUND ANYTHING THAT CAUSES THIS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE LOST DAYS OF WORK BECAUSE OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN WORK AND HINSHAWS ACURA AND THEY WILL NOT GIVE HIM A LOANER CAR. THE FIRST SEVERAL TIMES THERE WAS A CHARGE, BUT RECENTLY, THE CONSUMER CALLED THE CONSUMER RELATIONS OFFICER AND STATED THAT THERE IS NO REASON TO CHARGE A FEE IF THEY CAN'T REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *JB
- 04/23/2007· SEAT BELTS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IN TWO SEPARATE INSTANCES SRS LIGHT HAS COME ON. THE FIRST TIME WAS SOMETIME IN 2005. I REPAIRED IT WITH REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT PARTS. THE SECOND TIME WAS IN APRIL 2007. THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I HAVE SCHEDULED REPAIRS DURING A NORMAL SERVICE CALL THIS MONTH. *TR
- 04/23/2001· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC VEHICLE STALLED OUT. WAS NO PRIOR WARNING GIVEN. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP, AND WAS ADVISED BY MECHANIC THAT WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN TO BRING VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED.*AK