Summary
The Acura RL has 14 recalls spanning the 1996–2016 model years, with the most serious being Takata airbag inflator defects affecting both driver and passenger sides on 2005–2016 models, where the inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The airbag issue spans multiple campaigns and affected years. Passenger-side inflators on 2005–2012 models and driver-side inflators on 2005–2016 models are both subject to the same rupture risk. For 2010–2012 models registered in high-humidity states and territories including Florida, Hawaii, Texas, and others in the Gulf region, the passenger-side inflator risk is considered elevated due to moisture exposure accelerating the degradation. Earlier repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple recalls address the same underlying defect across overlapping year ranges.
The 2005 and 2006 model years have an additional concern: the power steering hose can crack and leak fluid onto the catalytic converter, producing smoke and potentially starting an engine compartment fire. The same years also have a brake master cylinder issue where contaminated brake fluid can damage the seals, leading to a gradual loss of braking performance over time.
Going back to the 2000 model year, internal corrosion in the brake master cylinder can reduce braking force and, over time, lead to complete brake failure. A separate issue on 2000 models involves oil from the manufacturing process migrating into the brake light switch, preventing the brake lights from illuminating when the pedal is pressed.
The 1999 model has a transmission case bolt that can loosen and fall out, disconnecting the driveline from the differential and cutting power to the wheels without warning. The 1996 model has an essentially identical transmission bolt issue with the same consequence.
