The 2006 Acura RL has 7 recalls, the most serious being Takata airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Prior repair attempts on these airbag inflators did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist for the same underlying defect. On the steering side, the power steering hose can crack and leak fluid onto a hot catalytic converter, generating smoke and potentially starting an under-hood fire. There is also a brake concern: certain brake fluid formulations can cause the master cylinder to leak, which changes how the brake pedal feels and can reduce stopping performance 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 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
High engine heat under the hood can cause the power steering hose to weaken and crack over time, allowing power steering fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering hose with a new heat-resistant hose at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
