2007 Acura RL: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
20 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
34,750 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2007 model year. Data snapshot: . 10 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 20 complaints (35.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 5 | 25.0% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 10.0% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 5.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 5.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 5.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 7 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Electrical System:Software | 1 |
| Equipment:Electrical | 1 |
Air Bags: 7; Unknown Or Other: 3; Engine: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Electrical System: 1; Electrical System:Software: 1; Equipment:Electrical: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 4 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2007: 2; 2008: 1; 2009: 2; 2010: 1; 2012: 1; 2014: 1; 2016: 7; 2018: 1; 2022: 1; 2026: 3
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10198855 · 2007-08-08 (August 8, 2007)
I OWN A 2007 ACURA RL WITH THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM. I WAS INTRODUCED TO THIS FEATURE WITH MY FRIENDS 2006 RL SO I KNOW HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK. MY 07 DOES NOT FUNCTION THE SAME. THE SYSTEM DOES NOT ALERT ME OF POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS WITH SUFFICIENT WARNING LIKE THE 06. I EXPERIENCED A NEAR COLLISION IN JULY 07 AND THE SYSTEM NEVER EVEN WENT TO 'STAGE 1', LET ALONE STAGE 2 OR 3. I TESTED IT MYSELF (INTENTIONALLY) SEVERAL MORE TIMES BUT COULD NOT GET THE SYSTEM TO GO TO STAGE 1. THIS IS THE FIRST STAGE AND SHOULD BE EASY TO R…
Owner-reported narrative. 45 miles reported. Look up ODI 10198855 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10200360 · 2007-08-21 (August 21, 2007)
THIS COMPLAINT HAS ALREADY BEEN FILED AS #10198855. I SEE NO WAY TO ADD OR EDIT THAT COMPLAINT BUT NEEDED TO PROVIDE A VIDEO OF THE PROBLEM. BELOW IS A URL TO THAT VIDEO AND THE ISSUE RESTATED; I HAVE A CONSUMER FRAUD COMPLAINT AGAINST HONDA MOTOR CORP ? ACURA DIVISION, WHICH I?D LIKE FOR YOU TO REVIEW. HONDA MOTORS - MAKERS OF THE ACURA RL -- ARE SELLING THIS VEHICLE WITH A SAFETY FEATURE CALLED THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM (CMBS). IT IS $3000+ ADD-ON FEATURE AND IS DESCRIBED ON THEIR WEBSITE AND IN SALES LITERATURE AS A THREE ST…
Owner-reported narrative. 332 miles reported. Look up ODI 10200360 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10234009 · 2008-07-11 (July 11, 2008)
THE CAR LOST POWER AND ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY. ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN, AND WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. ON THE CENTRAL MONITOR DISPLAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ONE, EMISSION FAILURE LIGHT, AND SH-AWD (SUPER HANDLING ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM) FAILURE NOTICES. I DIDN'T WANT TO WAITING 3-5 HOURS FOR TOWING (EARLIES THAT ACURA CAN PROVIDE) IN 115 DEGREES HEAT, SO I KEPT ON TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. IT STARTED AFTER LIKE 30 ATTEMPTS, BUT THE ENTIRE CAR, INCLUDING INSIDE CABIN, SMELLED LIKE FUEL. DEALER IS SAYING IT'S THE FUEL P…
Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10234009 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10255196 · 2009-01-15 (January 15, 2009)
CAR ACCELERATES SPONTANEOUSLY WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND CAR IS SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC OR TRAFFIC LIGHTS, DIFFICULT TO STOP FORWARD MOTION WITH BRAKE PEDAL. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10255196 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10293770 · 2009-11-28 (November 28, 2009)
I HAVE A 2007 ACURA RL, ON APPROX. NOV. 22, 2009 AND 3 TIMES IN TOTAL SO FAR THAT WEEK THE HEAD LIGHTS START FLICKERING FOR NO REASON WHEN I WENT OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THIS MADE IT VERY HARD TO DRIVE AND I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO BE SAFE AS IT WAS DARK OUT. THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS IN THE NORMAL ON POSITION [ NOT AUTO ]. I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY OTHERS ADVISED THEY DID! I AM GOING TO CONTACT ACURA AS SOON AS I CAN. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED PLEASE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, AS SOME PEOPLE ADVISED THEIR HEADLIGH…
Owner-reported narrative. 34,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10293770 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10313327 · 2010-02-23 (February 23, 2010)
2007 ACURA RL, 34,500 MILES, STARTING IN NOV. 2009 THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN I AM DRIVING. HAPPENED 5 TIMES SO FAR.. THE BULBS ARE FINE. HAD TO PULL OVER AND TURN LIGHTS ON AND OFF TO RESTART LIGHTS. I BELIEVE IT WAS RIGHT SIDE ONLY. NO REPAIRS MADE AT THIS TIME. CONTACTED DEALER, THEY SAID THEY HAVE HEARD OF SIMILAR HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS ON THE ACURA RL CARS. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 34,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10313327 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10471484 · 2012-08-20 (August 20, 2012)
THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, THE DRIVERS WINDOW WILL NOT GO DOWN , YOU ARE LOCK IN FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10471484 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10617625 · 2014-07-30 (July 30, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 ACURA RL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN
Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10617625 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
07V551000 · Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections
Reported: 2007-12-04 (December 4, 2007)
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PROLONGED HIGH UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY CAUSING THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID.
Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEAT RESISTANT POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 800-382-2238.
NHTSA campaign record ↗10V504000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder
Reported: 2010-10-22 (October 22, 2010)
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ODYSSEY AND ACURA RL VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS A LUBRICANT FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Consequence: A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V061000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2016-02-03 (February 3, 2016)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V344000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2016-05-23 (May 23, 2016)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V029000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2017-01-10 (January 10, 2017)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V500000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-06-27 (June 27, 2019)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V501000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-06-27 (June 27, 2019)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
NHTSA campaign record ↗