The 2006 Acura RL has 7 recalls, the most serious being a defect in both the driver and passenger frontal airbag inflators that can cause them to rupture and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, potentially killing or seriously injuring occupants.
The airbag inflator issue affects both sides of the front seat. In a crash that triggers deployment, either inflator can burst rather than inflate the bag normally, turning internal components into projectiles that can strike anyone in the front of the vehicle. Prior repair attempts for some of these filings did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple campaigns exist for what is effectively the same hazard on both sides.
There is also a fire risk tied to the power steering system. The power steering hose can crack and leak fluid onto a hot catalytic converter, producing smoke and potentially starting an engine fire. Drivers may notice a loss of power steering assist alongside the leak, but the more immediate danger is what happens when that fluid reaches hot exhaust components underneath the hood.
On the brake side, certain brake fluid formulations can cause the brake master cylinder to leak over time. As fluid escapes, the brake pedal feel can change noticeably and, if the leak continues, overall stopping performance degrades, raising the risk of a crash. This one only affects certain model years of the RL, so checking with a dealer using your vehicle identification number will confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
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.
