VehicleVerdict

Acura RL years to avoid

The Acura RL years to avoid are 2005, 2000, 2002, 2006 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2012 is the cleanest year on record.

525

Total complaints

21

Recall campaigns

1996–2015

Years covered

4

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

RL years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2005High complaints + open investigation153
2000High complaint rate79
2002High complaint rate54
2006High complaint rate39

Every RL year

YearComplaintsRecalls
201530
201216
201136
2010107
2009146
2008146
2007247
2006avoid398
2005avoid15311
2004160
2003111
2002avoid542
2001122
2000avoid794
1999262
1998163
1997242
1996263

Common questions

What are the worst Acura RL years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the RL years to avoid are 2005, 2000, 2002, 2006. The cleanest year on record is 2012.

What is the best year for the Acura RL?

By complaint volume, 2012 has the cleanest NHTSA record among RL years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Acura RL have?

Across all model years, the RL has 21 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 525 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.