RL (KA9)
Engine Reliability Comparison
VK56DE
5.6L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
4.2L
4.2L 8-cyl / 310 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L31
5.7L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
J32A1
3.2L 6-cyl / 225 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
K20A2
2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
C35A1
3.5L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Acura RL regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
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.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY HAVE INTERNAL CORROSION, RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, OIL WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT RUST. THIS OIL CAN LEAK INTO THE BRAKE STOP SWITCH AND CONTAMINATE THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2004 Acura RL problems?
The 2000-2004 Acura RL has accumulated 179 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Transmission, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Acura RL engine is most reliable?
The 2000-2004 Acura RL was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.474057568L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2000-2004 Acura RL a good used car?
The 2000-2004 Acura RL can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 179 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2004 Acura RL have?
The 2000-2004 Acura RL has 179 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2000-2004 Acura RL?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2004 Acura RL vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Acura RL?
Before buying a used Acura RL, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Transmission, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 179 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.