1996 Acura RL: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility; the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* contact owns a 1996 acura rl. While driving 40 mph, a strong burning odor was noticed coming from the front of the vehicle. The instrument panel lights dimmed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2016
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1996 acura rl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“When driving normally, the engine will completely die, as if the ignition had been turned off. The code set indicates misfire on all cylinders. Starts again immediately, but does not always continue to run. This will happen numerous times then not again for days. Electrical system tests ok, fuel pressure test ok, too. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“When driving normally, the engine will completely die, as if the ignition had been turned off. The cose set in obd ii indicated misfire on all cylinders. It starts again immediately, but does not always continue to run. This will happen numerous times per day, several days in a row, then not happen again for several days. The electrical system tests completely ok. Fuel pressure tests are ok too. Car is at goss' garage in seabrook, md, phone 301-577-9200. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 acura 3.5rl. On october 22, 2007, the contact entered the vehicle and smelled smoke. She then heard a popping sound and noticed smoke coming from the dashboard. The odometer and speedometer lights were not illuminated. She was able to drive the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the circuit board burned out and needed to be replaced. The purchase date and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 125,500.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2007
“When I first start vehicle I hear a noise in the engine compartment near the firewall. The noise sounded for a 20 to 30 seconds, the ABS light came on and the ABS systems went out. When the noise was short the ABS system went out after a mile or two drive. During the mile or two drive. I heard the same noise off and on until the ABS system eventually went out. This first occurred on september 24, 2006. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2006
“While pulling out of a parking space brakes failed, causing the consumer to strike a post. Dealer stated that this was a common problem with the brakes on this vehicle. Manufacturer did not agree.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2004
“The window regulators on my 1996 acura 3.5 rl are broken on the left and right rear windows. Before the regulators broke, the window would come up slowly and stop almost to the top. After a little while, I had to pull the window up the rest of the way. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · May 2004
“2 weeks after purchasing this previously-owned rl, I heard a squealing noise that I thought was coming from the a/c and reported it to my dealer who couldn't find any problem. The next time I heard this noise my windows were down and the noise was so loud, it echoed off surrounding buildings. I hit my brakes to pull over and investigate and the noise stopped. Reported to dealer but they couldn't find any problem. This noise still pops up from time to time, but goes away when brakes are applied. Noise is a squealing/hissing sound that eminates from the ABS area under my hood next to the firewall on the passenger side, ABS lights haven't illuminated during the evet at any time, yet.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Jun 2003
“After recall#99v227000 was performed, the vehicle remained experiencing transmission problems. Ph there was a loud noise when driving, vehicle wouldn't move, extension shaft and secondary drive gear was worn. A transmission was added, and the broken door handle was replaced. Scc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A TRANSMISSION CASE BOLT CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO DISENGAGE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact RL by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Acura RL reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Acura RL. The most complained-about area is visibility.
Does the 1996 Acura RL have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.