2008 Acura RL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2008 Acura RL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2008 Acura RL. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
13 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact stated that there was a progressing failure of which the brakes failed to function properly when applied. The dealer (dave white acura, 5868 monroe st, sylvania, oh 43560, (419) 885-3600) serviced the brake system but the failure continued. In…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact stated that there was a progressing failure of which the brakes failed to function properly when applied. The dealer (dave white acura, 5868 monroe st, sylvania, oh 43560, (419) 885-3600) serviced the brake system but the failure continued. In addition, the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who replaced various parts including the brake master cylinder but the repairs provided no solution. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available. ...Updated 11/15/17 *bf updated 11/27/2017*js
- Air bags
2008 acura RL. consumer writes in regards to recall notices 16v-344 & 16v-061 remedy not available within a reasonable time frame- over 60 days. *smd
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact stated that the dealer repaired the vehicle per nhtsa campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags). The dealer was unable to confirm for months if the front passenger side air bag recall would be completed or if the vin was excluded. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact stated that the dealer repaired the vehicle per nhtsa campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags). The dealer was unable to confirm for months if the front passenger side air bag recall would be completed or if the vin was excluded. The manufacturer was contacted concerning the front passenger side air bag recall and had not confirmed if the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 16v344000 (air bags). The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v061000 (air bags) and 16v344000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v061000 (air bags) and 16v344000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v344000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v344000 (air bags) and 16v061000 (air bags); however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v344000 (air bags) and 16v061000 (air bags); however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 acura RL. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. updated 06/10/16*lj updated 06/20/16.*jb
- Air bags
Received0 a notice about the air bag. call trying to get it replaced in march 2016. still have not heard anything about getting it replaced. it's now may 2016.
- Air bags
Takata recall: my car IS under the takata recall. When I contacted my local dealer, they informed me I had to bring the car in first and then they would issue an ron so a rental car could be obtained. They said I could then take my RL home and park it in the garage until the parts were obtained.…
Takata recall: my car IS under the takata recall. When I contacted my local dealer, they informed me I had to bring the car in first and then they would issue an ron so a rental car could be obtained. They said I could then take my RL home and park it in the garage until the parts were obtained. Since I bought the car at the dealer, they have serviced it, and I received an official safety recall notice from acura, why am I required to make a 40 mile round trip in a vehicle that acura admits driving the car can cause serious injury or death. It seems the dealership can simply supply the ron over the phone. Or am I missing something here?
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages
Three of the four door locks on the vehicle do not function electronically and must be manually actuated. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
My wife drives a 2008 acura RL. We live in las vegas, nevada. My wife noticed gas fumes inside the passenger cabin last summer (2009) and again this summer (2010) on hot days to the point she would become ill. I could smell strong gas fumes after she park the RL in the garage last summer (2009)…
My wife drives a 2008 acura RL. We live in las vegas, nevada. My wife noticed gas fumes inside the passenger cabin last summer (2009) and again this summer (2010) on hot days to the point she would become ill. I could smell strong gas fumes after she park the RL in the garage last summer (2009) and this summer (2010) on hot days. nothing was done last year (2009) because we were told there was no repair to the problem. this summer (2010) she drove the RL to our local acura service department and the staff at the service department also noticed the smell of gas fumes inside the car. After the inspection we were told that this was normal due to our summer heat here in las vegas. The afternoon temperature was around 107 degrees. The service manager said that he could fix the problem with his own type of repair, he said that was not an official repair from acura. the problem with the gas fumes inside the car seems to have been fixed by the local service managers repair but on hot days we still smell strong gas fumes in our garage. we were told verbally from acura to park the RL outside and not in the garage on hot days if we smell gas fumes coming from the RL. I asked acura to put that in writing if that was acura?s position, acura refused to put anything in writing regarding gas fumes and our acura RL. *Tr
- Equipment adaptive/mobility
Note: 2009 acura not yet available on "pull down" menu- so I listed 2008.... entering divided highway on "cloverleaf" entry, approx 38 mph, approx 4/5 of curved entry driven, car (2009 acura RL) began to fishtail, removed foot from accelerator, problem got worse, braking and steering…
Note: 2009 acura not yet available on "pull down" menu- so I listed 2008.... entering divided highway on "cloverleaf" entry, approx 38 mph, approx 4/5 of curved entry driven, car (2009 acura RL) began to fishtail, removed foot from accelerator, problem got worse, braking and steering ineffectual, "sh" handling, crash avoidance systems precluding driver initiated attempts or allowing driver to bring car under control. Resulting in damage in collision with guard rail, front and rear. manufacturer has performed "investigation" and carefully examined car/ downloaded computer "historic" info and says up to oem spec/ design. I say there IS still a problem that needs to be addressed. I hope a recall IS issued or changes made before serious injuries occur 2009 acura RL *tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 acura RL. the vehicle has michelin radial x tires. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact drove over a deep pothole and the tire pressure icon illuminated. the vehicle was driven to a dealer and the contact discovered that a tire was missing. the dealer could…
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 acura RL. the vehicle has michelin radial x tires. while driving approximately 35 mph, the contact drove over a deep pothole and the tire pressure icon illuminated. the vehicle was driven to a dealer and the contact discovered that a tire was missing. the dealer could not determine why the tire detached from the vehicle, but stated that the tire's distance from the ground played a role. the current mileage was 3,000 and failure mileage was 2,600. updated 04/25/08 *bf
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10237044Service News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in rollover of internal chip memory. The rollover occurred on January 1, 2022 at 12:00AM local time
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10211079Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
- 10208848Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
- 10207004ServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in "rollover" of the internal chip memory; the "rollover" will occur on January 1, 2022, at 12:00AM local time. As a result, the navigation date and time will be incorrect.
- 10172576Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passenger's airbag inflator only.
- 10172571Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
- 10169499Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
- 10141185Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
- 10141183Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement front passengers airbag inflator only.
- 10141150Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) would like to collect the driver?s airbag (healthy part) from certain 2007-2008 RDXs & 2005-2008 RLs which fit the criteria listed below.
- 10139586Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
- 10139576Dealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally.
- 10135109Tech line summary article - Can?t get past this screen when adding keys with the Immobilizer Setup Tool in the i-HDS? "Tester is not communicating with immobilizer unit". Here?s an easy workaround to restore communication. 1. Release the built-in key from the keyless access remote. 2. Remove the ignition switch cover. To do this, just insert the key into the slot in the bottom of the cover, push the key all the way in, then pull out on the cover and the key. 3. Insert the key into the ignition switch, then turn it to ON. 4. Select OK on the i-HDS screen to continue.
- 10129814Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) would like to collect the driver?s airbag (healthy part) from certain 2007-2008 RDXs & 2005-2008 RLs which fit a certain criteria.
- 10129519Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) would like to collect the driver?s airbag (healthy part) from certain 2007-2008 RDXs & 2005-2008 RLs which fit a certain criteria.
- 10129495Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) would like to collect the driver?s airbag (healthy part) from certain 2007-2008 RDXs & 2005-2008 RLs which fit a certain criteria.
- 10129468Dealer message - American Honda (AHM)would like to collect the driver?s airbag (healthy part)from certain 2007-2008 RDXs & 2005-2008 RLs which fit the criteria listed below.
- 10129431Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) would like to collect the driver?s airbag (healthy part) from certain 2007-2008 RDXs & 2005-2008 RLs which fit the criteria listed below.
- 10116789Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL) - attachment.
- 10116788Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL).
- 10116782Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL) - attachment.
- 10116768Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL) - attachment.
- 10116767Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation of inflators, on November 14th we will begin No VIN ordering on part numbers 04770-SWA-405 (07 to 11 CRV, 11-15 CRZ, 10-14 Insight, 07-12 RDX) and 04770-SJA-405 (05-12 RL).
- 10116763Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation on inflators, starting November 14th we?ll begin open ordering on certain part numbers
- 10116762Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation on inflators, starting November 14th we?ll begin open ordering on certain part numbers
- 10116761Dealer message - Due to our improving inventory situation on inflators, starting November 14th we?ll begin open ordering on certain part numbers
- 10115221Service bulletin - For any TPMS-related warranty repairs, all recorded DTCs must now be entered into the warranty claim. Make sure your repair order includes those DTCs.
- 10106701Dealer message - dealer q&a regarding 2005-2016 multi model driver's airbag inflator recall.
- 10106700"Dealer message - on friday, we informed you that acura IS putting in place a number of provisions and programs to support you and our clients affected by the 2005-2016 multi-model drivers airbag inflator stop sale/safety recall announced january 29, 2016 (service bulletin 16-010). Although were still building the systems to administer these programs, we wanted to share with you the program details as soon as they were finalized to put you in a better position to assist clients."
- 10106699"Dealer message - weve been working to address the questions and concerns weve received from the national dealer advisory board and members of advisory committees, as well as from many of you through our field representatives related to the driver airbag inflator stop sale and safety recall we announced this week. Thank you for your feedback; it has helped us better understand what american honda can do to assist you and our customers during this recall."
- 10106698"Dealer message - on friday, january 29TH, american honda no��fied nhtsa of a stop sale and safety recall for approximately 530,000 model year 2005-2016 acura vehicles. This recall IS due to the takata driver's side airbag inflators that may experience over-pressurization resulting in a rupture. At this time, were working to identify the root cause, but we do know that exposure to high temperatures and high humidity IS a contributing factor."
- 10106695Dealer message - on friday, january 29, 2016, acura notified nhtsa of a stop sale and safety recall for approximately 530,000 model year 2005-2016 acura vehicles.
- 10100462Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10099510"Stop sale/safety recall: acura 2005-2016 multi-model drivers airbag inflator dealer q&a updated 02.19.16"
- 10099509Dealer message - acura has updated the dealer q&a to provide you with the latest information regarding stop sale/ safety recall: acura 2005-2016 multi-model drivers airbag inflator (service bulletin 16-010).
- 10099508Dealer message - acknowledgement form to sell off-lease vehicle back to the originating lessee.
- 10099507Dealer message - acknowledgement form to sell off-lease vehicle back to the originating lessee.
- 10099472Video - this video from honda senior vice president bruce smith IS in response to a recall expansion that honda announced in january which applies to honda and acura vehicles equipped with certain takata psdi-5 driver front airbag inflators. Please let us know if you would like a copy of the video sent to you on a dvd or thumb drive.
- 10099422Dealer message - this video from honda senior vice president bruce smith IS in response to a recall expansion that honda announced in january which applies to honda and acura vehicles equipped with certain takata psdi-5 driver front airbag inflators.
Every Acura RL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.