PROBLEM GUIDE

2005–2012 Acura RL Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated September 2026

2005–2012

Model years affected

$2,200 – $2,400

Typical repair cost, by problem

The most serious problem on this generation is an electrical fire in a parked vehicle, attributed by a fire inspector to faulty wiring in the door channel overhead. Another complaint describes a battery cable disconnecting while descending a steep mountain road, disabling brakes and steering simultaneously. This generation was also equipped with Michelin's PAX run-flat tire system, which Michelin has since discontinued manufacturing entirely, making replacement tires increasingly difficult to source.

Quick Scan: 14 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

Think this sounds like your Acura RL?

Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.

Get a Second Opinion

Compare estimates before authorizing major work.

Compare Estimates →

Talk to MyGearGuru

Answer a few questions and get a preliminary read plus shops near you.

Start my diagnosis →

PROBLEM DETAILS

Parked-vehicle electrical fire

Fire starting while the vehicle sat parked and unattended

Check engine light: Off

A 2008-model-year vehicle caught fire while parked overnight, with a fire inspector attributing the cause to faulty wiring in the door channel overhead.

↑ Back to the problem table

Battery cable disconnection disabling brakes and steering

Total loss of brakes and steering simultaneously

Check engine light: On

A battery cable reportedly disconnected while descending a steep mountain road, disabling all vehicle systems including brakes and steering simultaneously.

↑ Back to the problem table

PAX run-flat tire system sourcing difficulty

Specialty tires increasingly hard to find and service

Check engine light: Off

This generation was equipped with Michelin's PAX run-flat tire system, which Michelin has since discontinued manufacturing entirely — owners report needing specialty equipment and technician training to service or replace these tires.

↑ Back to the problem table

Engine mount and oil pump wear

Oil pump reseal and motor mount replacement

Check engine light: Off

Oil pump reseal and full motor mount replacement (all five mounts) reported.

$2,200 – $2,40067,000 – 97,000 mi

↑ Back to the problem table

Sensor Problems May Cause the SRS Light to Turn On

Sensor problems may cause the SRS (airbag) warning light to turn on

Check engine light: Off

Sensor problems may cause the SRS (airbag) warning light to turn on. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 154 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Reprogramming the Computer May Fix a Shifting Problem in the Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission has a shifting problem that may be fixed by reprogramming the transmission computer

Check engine light: Off

The automatic transmission has a shifting problem that may be fixed by reprogramming the transmission computer. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 76 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting

The check engine light illuminates for running rough and difficulty starting

Check engine light: On

The check engine light illuminates for running rough and difficulty starting. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 71 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Engine Stalls While Driving and Will Not Restart

The engine stalls while driving and will not restart

Check engine light: Off

The engine stalls while driving and will not restart. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 43 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Acura Extended Warranty Program for the Automatic Transmission

Acura extended the factory warranty covering the automatic transmission for affected model years

Check engine light: Off

Acura extended the factory warranty covering the automatic transmission for affected model years. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 39 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Electrical Smoke From the Steering Column With an Inoperative Gauge Cluster

Electrical smoke is noted from the steering column along with an inoperative gauge cluster

Check engine light: Off

Electrical smoke is noted from the steering column along with an inoperative gauge cluster. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Engine Clicks But Will Not Start

The engine clicks but will not start

Check engine light: Off

The engine clicks but will not start. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Recurring Trouble Starting and Engine Stalling

The vehicle has recurring trouble starting along with engine stalling

Check engine light: Off

The vehicle has recurring trouble starting along with engine stalling. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Check Engine and D4 Lights Flashing

The check engine light and D4 light flash

Check engine light: On

The check engine light and D4 light flash. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

Engine Idle Speed Is Erratic or the Engine Stalls

Engine idle speed is erratic, or the engine stalls

Check engine light: On

Engine idle speed is erratic, or the engine stalls. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.

↑ Back to the problem table

This generation has a confirmed Takata airbag recall (Campaigns 16V344000, 16V061000), with parts-unavailability delays exceeding 60 days, plus a service brakes campaign (Campaign 10V504000). Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

Free instant car diagnosisKnow what's wrong before you go to the mechanic — takes 1 minute.