Common Problems with the Acura RL

1. Chrome pieces delaminate from the bumper 2. Adaptive front headlight sensors (leveler modules) 3. Smartkey access. Exterior door handles do not unlock for front doors 4. Timing belt needs to be done every 100000 miles (160000 km). Make sure tranny fluid and oil changes have been done as per schedule. 5. Transmission cooler is in good order. It is under the radiator for My 2005. 6. Listen to driveshaft for noises. Driveshaft is carbon Fiber and expensive to replace. 7. Notice the condition of the interior. This will give you an idea of how well the car was kept.

Thank you ,thank you i want this car from the moment i first understood it existed.There isnt a lot of info out there probably due to the fact that the car is very unpopular.Your video was extremely helpful to me as a potential buyer.

I owned a 1997 Acura RL and it was the greatest car ever. I have been in the market to find another finally looking at a 2008. Thanks for the video, it will help when I test drive it this weekend. Also, I asked why RL's are so hard to find and was told by a dealer that not many are produced.

I truly appreciate your videos . You were being very kind concerning the 2005 interiors. I purchase the 2005 in 2008 with 20k miles one owner. The so called leather on the door panels and side arm rest and the center console were showing signs of wear. Because it was still under the manufacture warranty they repaired them by the time I had 53k miles. Every time I meet an owner or see one parked I or peak in the window to see if the interior is flawed or I ask them if they have had the same problem with the interior the answer is always , yes. The glove box looked like it had a high fever it swoll so bad.The cushion in the seats even dry rotted. I don’t know who supplied Acura with the interior knob, or pleather ..we all received a horrible deal. Yes, I tried to have Acura replace my interior Ha!ha! We all know the answer. I loved this car so much I wouldn’t purchase anything else. I’ve owned the 87 and the 94 brand new. The 2005 was a lease . I wish I left it on the lot. I have spent more money repairing and maintaining this vehicle than any car I ever owned. All new the interior was impeccable . The 2005 was a sour lime.

Thanks Kyle. I also have a white 05 RL. I’ll get the transmission fluid changed immediately after watching your vid. I change the oil every 3k miles and I’m at 236k miles on the odometer now. No serious problems besides a new manifold cover to stop an oil leak. I do have the problem with the bubbling , melting glove box door and the torn leather arm rests. Feel free to make a vid on how to fix those problems! Ha! - Randy S in Raleigh NC

Great video my brother. Just picked up one of these for my partner for a steal. She loves it. Worth every penny considering these were very expensive when new.

The armrests (front center and front outer) are not leather. They are vinyl. They don't hold up well to certain types of lotions or other products that commonly are on our hands and arms. The vinyl delaminates from the cloth backing and soon will crack or tear. Fortunately the answer is inexpensive, though time consuming. Good quality leather replacements are available (see EBay) for very reasonable prices ($20 to $30 US). It is a bit of a job, but not bad. More difficult to fix is the bubbly glove box vinyl...

I love my 2006 Acura RL it only has 137273 miles.. I love the little screen in the back window.

Excellent review young man.

Chrome trim in the front really be like: I’m boutta head out

Great video, Kyle. I have an '06 RL3.5. Do you have any experience/suggestions for DIY high beam bulb replacement on the driver's side?

I love the RL I have an 05 Lakeshore Silver one with beige/gray interior. I love it. Would still take this car over a similar gen Infiniti m35 and a Lexus gs350. I appreciate the video. I hardly see anything about the RL on YouTube.

Omg my 03 acura RL I just bought off Facebook from an older gentlemen is mint! However- if this isnt the most complicated car! Lol great video

We have an 2006 Acura RL and everything you said is 100% spot on . The fading of the bumper on the front and inside the car the console ripped alittle . The car is having shifting problems. We think it needs a new transmission. It sucks because we do not want to get rid of the car because we just passed it down to my 21-year-old son, and he loves it. I did read the shifting and all the problems it was doing ,it could just be that it needs the transmission fluid changed and not rellacing the transmission ,so we are crossing our fingers lol.

Good info! I have a '04 TL that I love but if it ever got replaced or needed a second car, it's this.

Kyle, my 2009 RL has 163,500 miles & recently experienced an electrical short. I replaced the original alternator @ 150,000 and had to have it towed in search of the problem shorting the electrical system. Are you aware of any shorting problems? Thanks. Tim

Nice car man, super underrated, 300hp under there.. I've been trying to get my hands on one with around 100,000 miles.

I bought the exact car here (2008). Wish i saw this vid beforehand. For a car with 125K on it, it's the most unreliable car I've ever owned. Can't wait to get rid of it

I own a 2008 with 290 km. You forgot bad Bluetooth that drains battery. (I fixed by disconnecting it). A leaky roof from passenger side which leaks into the cabin. Bad hood sensor which causes alarm to randomly go off. I still love this car cause it built strong and will not die.

I believe it's a injected foam for safety if the airbag deploys and I've read that you can cover it with another material, leather,vinyl etc. 😊