The 2005 Acura RL has 9 recalls, the most serious being defective frontal airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Multiple recalls covering both the driver and passenger airbag inflators describe the same core danger: excessive internal pressure builds during deployment, the inflator ruptures, and sharp metal fragments can strike anyone in the front of the vehicle. In some cases the airbag module itself can be damaged in the process, which may prevent the airbag from deploying at all in a future crash. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue across all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist for what is essentially the same defect. Given the severity of the consequence, this is the most significant concern for owners.
On the fire risk side, the power steering hose can crack and leak fluid onto a hot catalytic converter. That contact can produce smoke under the hood and potentially cause a fire.
The remaining two recalls both concern the brake master cylinder. Brake fluid containing certain polymers can damage a seal inside the master cylinder, causing the fluid to leak. When brake fluid leaks, the pedal feel changes and braking performance can gradually degrade, making it harder to stop the vehicle in time. These two recalls describe the same underlying problem and together point to a real risk of reduced stopping power over time.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front airbag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front airbag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator can rupture during a crash due to chemical breakdown from long-term exposure to heat and humidity.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can seep into the dual-stage driver frontal air bag inflator over time, potentially causing it to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front airbag inflator may build up excessive pressure during deployment and rupture, sending fragments toward occupants or damaging the airbag module and preventing full deployment in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's front airbag inflator as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake fluid requires polymers to lubricate the master cylinder seal. If non-polymer or low-polymer replacement fluid is used, the rubber seal at the rear of the master cylinder can dry out and curl when the piston moves, causing brake fluid to slowly leak into the brake booster.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A seal in the brake master cylinder can twist during manual brake fluid bleeding with low-polymer fluid, causing small leaks when you press the brake pedal. Over time, brake fluid loss can lead to a soft pedal and reduced braking.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the brake master cylinder seal cup and master power assembly if brake fluid has leaked.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering hose can crack and leak prematurely. Leaking fluid dripping onto the hot catalytic converter may cause smoke and fire under the hood.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an updated power steering hose.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
