Common Problems with the Acura RL

This video's purpose is to alert everyone of the common problems on the second generation of the Acura RL incase anyone is looking to buy one. So far I am enjoying this car and I hope it turns out to be reliable for me. So long as it doesn't give me many issues I will keep it for as long as I possibly can. If anyone has any questions about these cars feel free to ask!

[@Clintpoon]

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.

[@KushPizzaSleep]

these are all extremely minor issues. AFS is a 40 dollar part. Chrome can be painted to boy color. Timing belt is standard.

[@isnowyazn]

@@KushPizzaSleep Might as well replace the water pump and other pieces in that work area while you’re at it, I’m assuming.

[@martini_tre410]

Thats not really bad at all considering if it was kept up

[@snoozefest41]

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.

[@randolphstraughan5732]

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

[@noizeboy9692]

Have you had to change the timing belt yet?

[@agathahoward2479]

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.

[@westerndoughty2315]

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.

[@notbanksy8294]

Apparently only about 5,555 units were sold in the US for the 2nd gen.

[@stevelavender1421]

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...

[@Jenna-uf9sk]

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.

[@m.akbart3840]

Was it the transmission or did the fluid change work?

[@jessicastahl1377]

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

[@ksunofficial]

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.

[@SURENITY]

Congratulations to her! You got her a great car!

[@Stevenhiggles]

I'm picking up one, been driving it already as a loaner. Has nearly 300k miles with timing belt, waterpump, oil pan gasket, valve cover gas, trans fluid within the last 20k as well as diff. Only area of the car that shows its age is the leather. Dash and glove box lid are perfect. The car has had many owners but within the same family. They all maintained it and all shared it lol Plus new brakes and tires all around. Calipers are in good shape, it does have an emissions light but my state doesn't care, just an o2 sensor. Only issue I did find is that the "check charging system" light comes on but goes off when you drive and restart the car. It even shows proper charging amps while it's occurring. My friend claims it does that every once in a while. He nor anyone that's looked at it can figure it out but it hasn't done any harm to it. Just a gremlin I guess.

[@MelanieGenX]

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. 😊

[@RajSingh-ls8kd]

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.

[@mission7548]

Where do you disconnect that? i can’t find it

[@RajSingh-ls8kd]

@@mission7548 check passenger side door sill. Take if off and look under the glove box toward the right wheel. It's hard to see. It look closely. Y see a green box. Size of a credit card. Unhook it

[@mission7548]

@@RajSingh-ls8kd BRO THANK YOU SO MUCHH new battery new alternator still had the same problem i finally FOUND IT UNPLUGGED IT NOW MY CARS FINE THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@RajSingh-ls8kd]

@@mission7548 excellent. Same here. Just have to deal with my rust. This car is my money maker. It's so reliable.

[@ricardovelez2596]

What did you have to do to fix the water leak going into the cabin on the passenger side?

[@ginasorrentino6140]

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

[@theycallme4799]

03 and 05 are near completely different, computer options wise, in how it ties into the drive ability should something go 'out'.

[@dougB4454]

Same car. You are spot on. I did motor mounts at 200,000. Now have 235,000. The only thing that is too expensive to fix is the steering wheel wrap.

[@kingofuseddurablecars.ls6040]

What about the radio and screen?? Impossible to repair

[@suckthis1152]

@@kingofuseddurablecars.ls6040 easy fix buy used usually the DVD player goes bad in trunk buy used and it plugs in

[@powerblaze2u]

@@suckthis1152 just the dvd player or the whole set?

[@GETROBDTV]

The Bluetooth module will go bad and it will drain your battery. I own an 07 and have had it for about 7, 8 years. Great looking car and performs well but I think acura missed a few things with this one.

[@Lokstock220]

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

[@fademaster859]

What happen pall what was the issue with im planing to buy one

[@willcoen3462]

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

[@robbz214]

I got one for u

[@oncinaust5178]

My 2005 Acura RL had a weird problem with the door lock actuators. My driver's door locked and will not unlock. The door panel is not removable without breaking it, If the door is closed. I priced out door pannels, doors, and door skins and the cheapest "solution" I have found is cutting an access hole in the door's exterior and then after fixing the problem weld, bondo, and repaint the door myself. Beware of locking your doors.

[@oncinaust5178]

Even weirder is I have been climbing in/out the passenger door over the center console and the leather is just fine. So, it (the console's leather) can survive months of my whole body going over it but, can't hold up to your elbows....how big are your arms bro?

[@vinmarz]

Excellent review young man.

[@aaronsexton6434]

The glove box is cheap

[@MelanieGenX]

I believe it's an injected material for safety if the airbag deploys, but I read that you can remove the glovebox door and cover it with vinyl or leather etc. 😊

[@veelink6345]

I have a 06 RL and a 2020 Lexus RX350 and I still jump in the RL 90% of the time. The RL was ahead of its time because today in 2024 it is still keeping up with today's options and it drives so nice. I would love to find one with low miles and I would buy a 2nd. I've also put mine on some 19s with an accuair air ride system, level sensors and upgraded the stereo system and I am killing it at the car shows. the interior is starting to fall apart they used really thin materials, so it needs the inside redone. He is right about the chrome I replaced all mine, and it was hard to find the parts I had to buy them from 3 different places to get the complete set and there is absolutely zero no aftermarket parts available I have been looking for new headlights for years it seems an impossible task, I have found what I think are the last few left in the world but I just can't spend $3500 for a new set at this point.

[@jonnieboy70]

I have a question about the TPIM sensor...mine is alerting me everything I get into the car...is there a problem with all tire sensor?

[@NESADDICT]

Our navigation system and screen all together is completely malfunctioning on my 06. When we got it in 2017 it looked brand new. It’s really went down hill in the last 7 years.

[@dickydesai7609]

I have. the exact color combination of the interior and exterior of my '09 RL. Love driving it. My battery keeps draining when I don't driver for 3-4 days. Any suggestion on how to replace or repair bubbles on my glove compartment.

[@Ol4me]

it is the bluetooth unit that's draining your battery. You need to disconnect it. There are vids on youtube on how to do it I guess. I had the same issue with my 07 RL. As to the bubbly glove compartment cover, you can cover it with vinyl. There's a vid about it on youtube as well. Good luck!

[@brentshannon5048]

Had the exact one, cmbs n pax tires grrrr. Electrical gremlins, battery dying if not regularly driven. Sold in 17 for 5500. Do u still have it🤷🏻‍♂️

[@GTSam]

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

[@Lafoochen]

Where u from, do you see any of these in the market, can’t find any where I’m from

[@GTSam]

@@Lafoochen I'm in western PA area and there's like two for sale I saw recently.

[@TheIdkProject]

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 KZbin.

[@derek1213]

What was your purchase price? I need to get new front seats on the 05 I just bought

[@craiglawson6103]

But like you said. How many actually make it to the junkyard? None. Believe me I check. Would love to race a new type R. Hope that R can roll out to 160mph

[@timhaley6077]

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

[@josephcazzuto7198]

What's everybody doing about the chrome peeling off the trim pieces?

[@DivineSadist]

Nothing apparently lol

[@derekchisholm972]

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

[@naimshafeek2687]

What about one of these badged as honda legend, with 120.000 kms that never had good maintenance, is it safe to take the risk and buy it and now do all fluid changes?? With 120.000 kilometers

[@MidRiseLiving]

I wish I kept my silver 2005 with A spec package longer. I trader her in (and was upside down on the loan) for a g37s and definitely felt like a downgrade. The dealer recommended a brake flush which was a horrible idea. It led to the brake booster failing and it was going to be $1500 to replace. I should’ve just had an independent mechanic do it and probably would’ve been half the cost and kept it at least 2 more years. Yeah, timing belt was due as well, but I kept it in prestige condition. Other issue cosmetically was the A-spec wheels flaking and that was likely due to the prior owner using harsh wheel cleaner.

[@markmartindale7215]

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?

[@bradyknowzbest1149]

Get you some good chrome wrap, sand the old chrome flat and replace with the chrome vinyl. Looks good.

[@MrRondonmon]

The doors are not Leather, that's the problem. If they get wet the sun will wrinkle them, likewise the center console. I know, I left my driver side window down, it got wet, and I got a wrinkle, the other side is still perfect, thus those who use their arms on them and transfer sweat, that will cause it t wrinkle also.

[@suckthis1152]

Yes the interior material used in rl tl mdx and plastic thin garbage I wish they used vinyl

[@sherryberry1567]

I love my 2006 RL Black w tan interior. I drove mercedes, beemer and love my Acura more...unless of course it was a wayyyy expensive one that I couldn't afford anyway. So Kyle, where would you get the bumper guard chrome trim piece for a reasonable price?

[@jayjr0710]

Hi my name is Terri nd I recently purchased a 08 Acura RL. I'm having a few issues with it since I've had it for a few months already. I'm so glad I seen your videos. I actually have a few questions to ask you if you might be able to answer them due to this video and the fact of you owning one and in hopes that you have ran into these problems as well that you can tell me what to do!! Lol May I ask you a few questions?

[@Michael_Lorenson]

Well-done, thanks

[@pkfutureceo]

Can you tell me where is the RL 09 HFL located?

[@sirroundsound9104]

My dad has one of these with 250k miles and it's cosmetically lacking but runs and drives like new

[@china1013]

Thanks. Good upload.

[@shane1957]

Do you know if there have been major issues with the driveshaft for the 2008 model year ?

[@don65]

Very informative. Thanks. I have a 2014 TL SH-AWD & I find what your discussing very relevant to me. I kept hearing a bubbling noise on start ups and went & got it checked out & was told my transmission filter needs to be replaced but it won't hurt anything if I don't. Have you experienced that problem with your TL?

[@KylePantano]

I had the exact same problem with my TL, I replaced the transmission filter myself and the noise went away.

[@don65]

@@KylePantano Thanks Kyle I appreciate you responding. I was hesitant on replacing it because I didn't know if that was really causing the problem. Will definitely replace now.

[@celticangel07]

Can you do a video on removing/changing the HFL on this car? I can find tons on the TL but not the RL. Mine has stopped working and is causing a parasitic drain on my battery. Is there a fuse that can be pulled to stop the drain?

[@KylePantano]

I don’t have the car unfortunately anymore but I believe you can just unplug the HFL module

[@RajSingh-ls8kd]

Yes passenger side fuse box. Right above. You will have to take out the bottom of the glove box and side door panel to get to it. Loom carefully. Black box with a green wire attached.

[@MrToddling]

Good commentary, Frankie Muniz -

[@alexweiss30]

thanks for the video im going to look at one later today for a friend

[@sayblaze]

I got a RL 2006 had it 2 years and my sh AwD keep coming on and now it rear make noises

[@smackerog]

did u figure it out?

[@tommys5007]

Great video! I was wondering how did u replace the arm rest/center console leather? Mine is torn to shreds lol.

[@kanisat8961]

There is a really good video I just found that I am going to follow to replace mine!!! I’ll post the link in a second!

[@DigitalLoom]

@@kanisat8961 would u be able to link the replacement video you followed ?

[@kanisat8961]

@@DigitalLoom here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2a2mIqmm7B-bM0 It’s on “Jon’s DIY” KZbin page.

[@poppybootz5894]

I need new seats where can i find them at ?

[@CashFlowLoso]

Does it have Aux?

[@FastlaneHero]

Great video brother! Very helpful. One question? Do theses car have bad trans like the 2004-2006 Acura TL?

[@suckthis1152]

No the trans are excellent and the whole car is made in Japan

[@FastlaneHero]

@@suckthis1152 oh nice that’s awesome! Definitely want to get me one of theses

[@D34dg1rldrawz]

I have a 2005 acura rl i noticed my power steering fluid is leaking out it doesn't seem to do it immediately but im having to put a bottle in everyday atleast. What do you think this might be?

[@smackerog]

did you figure it out?!

[@D34dg1rldrawz]

@@smackerog Yes it was the power steering pump and serpentine belt 😬

[@smackerog]

@@D34dg1rldrawz how much was that repair and at what mileage did that occur? looking to get one tommorow ! thanks for the info

[@amberdoan7897]

Thanks for the videos. I have a 2007 with tech package. have a little problem with the LED light on the driver door handle, any way to replace that?

[@KylePantano]

Unfortunately I think the whole handle has to be replaced

[@danmunive4777]

Hello from ohio .. i got a 06 rl .. my passenger headlight goes off sometimes while driving,, do you thnk its the front suspension struts that need changed ?????????

[@RebelLyfeBoxing80]

Probably a loose or failing HID bulb.they usually do that before they burn out

[@hededcdn]

Yes, bulb is getting ready to shit.

[@haydesgraham138]

I have the real deal 2006 legend, built to last! Problems like this exist, but not on Jdm made cars..there is no substitute! Lol

[@CarlosDiaz-nw6mz]

Hi I was wondering should I boy this car I’m going to look at a 2005 with 155000 miles on it

[@smackerog]

did u buy it ??

[@CarlosDiaz-nw6mz]

@@smackerog yes I already did it was well taken care of

[@nelace6481]

Wassup Kyle could you show how to test the afs blinking light situation? I have an 05 RL with that light blinking. Thanks!!!

[@thomasdearment3214]

ha just try and replace the fog lights and their bulbs you have to remove the front end, windshield wipers are a pain too, and do you know why you have to keep up on the trans fluid no fluid to the rear of the trans a design flaw all Acuras, and do everyone a favor and not by one with the run flat tires other than that I liked the RLs

[@malikcoleman8451]

How do I hook my Bluetooth up on 2006 rl

[@jihadturner1610]

Don’t do it, just buy a Bluetooth piece. When I did it in my 05 it killed my battery

[@RebelLyfeBoxing80]

Just replace the radio with an aftermarket with a navigation or car play

[@Hermiie]

You can buy a Bluetooth kit on eBay, it uses the screen display already in the car and it sounds better compared to using those adapters

[@Hermiie]

www.amazon.com/USA-BT45-ACU-Bluetooth-Select-2005-2009/dp/B00NUDEIWA This is the one I got

[@86mnillaman]

@@Hermiie considering buying the car. And dont want bluetooth issues. Is it easy to install yourself? Did your factory bluetooth drain your battery how long did it take to notice your battery drained by it?

[@takuache338]

would this car make a good first car ?

[@onyebuchii2317]

Nope ! A learning experience definitely but please don’t put yourself or anyone through this with this car .

[@takuache338]

@@onyebuchii2317 is it too much problems ?

[@onyebuchii2317]

@@takuache338 Definitely bro .

[@NotLikeUs17]

@@onyebuchii2317 expensive too, huh? He mentioned something about replacing the timing belt every 7 years and I looked up the cost and it’s over 1k …lol

[@sportmills3578]

Great video

[@RebelLyfeBoxing80]

Is your car an AWD?

[@KylePantano]

Yes they all are

[@RebelLyfeBoxing80]

@@KylePantano ugh what was honda thinking 🤦

[@McMcMcSlim]

Great video Kyle, I have a '05 RL and was wondering what was causing the whining sound from my engine when I hit about 30 mph. Another issue I ran into recently was water getting into my trunk when it rained heavily. It turns out the rubber washers underneath the plastic gaskets in the trunk deteriorated. I took out the gaskets, and put some gasket sealant under the gaskets to seal them up, placed the gaskets back in and it has worked well so far. For other owners, to prevent this, make sure you clean the gutters about once a few months to keep debris from trapping dirt and water around the rubber washers. The dirt/water will make the washers degrade faster. As the car gets older, the weatherstripping that's supposed to keep water from contacting the rubber washers starts to degrade, and water gets in.

[@ramblin327]

Center drive shaft usually. If there is no play in the joints would leave it alone it’s $3,000 new.

[@georgec745]

Or the torque converter $2,000

[@sherryberry1567]

Me too! It just started happening on my 06 RL but I attribute it to being backed up to my garage and on a slight forward leaning slope. Not sure though. And I had a one time leak on the driver door that ran down inside the felt frame around the window and dripped on the floor beside my left leg and the door. Happened once only.

[@theearth0]

What ever happened to the RL?

[@dashcamjourney4599]

The TLX is the top trim now. Low sales lead to the RL being terminated permanently

[@tsxalex8370]

Yessssss

[@joshuamenjivar2616]

My dad just bought one for me 1500$ for my first car but it has 270k miles on it... I really love it and grateful for it but I don’t think it will last too much longer sadly

[@noizeboy9692]

Does it still run

[@yoosilvxrrrr]

Update?

[@DivineSadist]

Update? Lol

[@FERDABO1S]

The thing that makes you sound the most like a broken record is whenever you bring it up

[@vesbs5269]

Door dont open.... help

[@miaclaire4535]

Thank you cutie patootie for the info

[@josepena7983]

This cars ever good car ever cars He’s going to have problems with his car will last forever

[@Fyourfeelingz]

Huh ?? 😳

[@truthurtz8154]

I have/had n 2006 rl bought it in like 2014 with like 110000 miles wow the worst car n decision i made purchasing this vechile.3 batteries 3 alternators all 4 engine mounts shortage in trunk sun roof doesnt lock water leaking in by driver window 2 radiators 2 thermoatats its more thats just all i remembered now n thats ontop of regular maintenance n at 131 the transmission went 😑 honesty this was a big let down fron hOnda/acUra the biggest pOs i would of been better off with a skateboard

[@KeemTooCut]

I hope you asked about the car’s history & everything including paperwork before purchasing it you would’ve save money

[@eneos3795]

Bought a A-spec with 80k miles and drove it to 175k miles. Only problems I've had were alternator going out once, one motor mount replaced and more oil was burning later on. Other than that, car was reliable!

[@DCtheGod]

Good power, wonderful interior and tasteful backend design. However the front end of this car is hideous and has aged terribly. This is a much better deal than a TL from the same year considering you can find RLs for the same price. In my opinion the 3rd generation TLs have a much better exterior design

[@0believeinjesus9]

nano silver killed thee ebola virus, perhaps will also kill coronavirus Gods son Christ Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that by believing in him we can have life...belief in Christ Jesus be a free gift from the father, given to them [ through thee hearing of heth words ] whom he hath chosen for salvation .

[@mitsuoo1012]

LOL Little ignorant.

[@robertrosano1964]

Nice video sir but to late for me I had the trans cooler fail on my 2008 at 200k and subsequently contaminated my transmission. After many flushes of the trans it seemed ok for about 8k more miles but now starting to have some slippage during cold mornings. Don’t know what to do at this point.