1999 Acura RL: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags; the 1998 and 2001 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1999 acura rl. Consumer writes in regards to airbag safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair. *js”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 acura rl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called radley acura (5823 columbia pike, falls church, va 22041, (703) 824-5700) and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2020
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1999 acura rl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Courtesy acura (3701 nicholasville rd, lexington, ky 40503) was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Car had electrical malfunction the odometer keep having equal numbers alot of the time. Also acceleration kept changing on its own. As I was driving and also on the highway going towards oregon. In july of 2016. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2016
“Srs light illumimated. Took to acura dealer, stated opds sensor and/or opds unit failure. $1200-$1600 to replace 1 or 2 units. Airbags will not deploy in event of impact. This is totally a safety issue and should be covered by the manufacturer.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 acura rl. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, a gritty liquid began to secrete from the rear view mirror. The liquid splattered on the instrument panel, steering wheel and the front seats and began to disintegrate the leather where it was not wiped away. The liquid also caused irritation to the contact's skin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 144,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 acura rl. The contact stated that while accelerating from a traffic stop, the vehicle exhibited a loud noise and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 170,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 acura rl. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted a loud noise and stalled on the highway. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified, but the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 99v227000 (power train:automatic transmission). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 138,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2012
“Accura issued a warranty extension to correct problem if the srs (supplemental restraint system indicator) light stays on. When car brought in for what was described as a free of charge repair I was told only 2 of the 3 broken system components was covered and that the repair would cost $1,150. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2008
“Dt*: the contact stated upon placing the key in the ignition, the airbag warning light illuminated and remained on. The contact referred to the owner's manual which indicated if the airbag warning light was illuminated, it was inoperative. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who determined the supplemental front airbags failed, and the buckle assembly for the right front passenger seat belt needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
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 1999 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 1999 Acura RL reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Acura RL. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1999 Acura RL have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. 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.