RoadVitals

2007 Acura RL Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
Latest Apr 21, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Acura RL, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags733.3%
  • Electrical314.3%
  • Engine29.5%
  • Driver assistance29.5%
  • Fuel system29.5%
  • Exterior lighting29.5%
  • Interior & seats14.8%
  • Brakes14.8%
  • Powertrain (other)14.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA INFLATORS HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. 1ST NOTICE RECEIVED IN MARCH 2016. 2ND NOTICE JULY 2016. CONTACTED SONS ACURA IN MORROW, GA TO FACILITATE THE THE REPAIR PARTS STILL HAVE NOT ARRIVED. I AM THE TO DRIVE THE CAR. WHAT MUST I DO TO GET THIS REPAIR DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE?

NHTSA ID 10934484 · filed Dec 10, 2016

TAKATA RECALL: I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER (SCANLON ACURA) UPON RECEIPT OF NHTSA RECALL 16V-344. THIS WAS IN EARLY JULY 2016. I WAS TOLD WHEN THE PART CAME IN I WOULD BE CONTACTED. IT IS NOW EARLY SEPTEMBER 2016 AND I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. I FIND THIS DISTRESSING AS I DO NOT HAVE FULL FUNCTIONALLY OF MY VEHICLE AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THIS ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED.

NHTSA ID 10903645 · filed Sep 5, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10471484 · filed Aug 20, 2012

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 STAGE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM. FULL TEXT CAN BE FOUND ON THEIR WEBSITE HERE; HTTP://WWW.HONDANEWS.COM/CATEGORIES/755/RELEASES/3766 I READ THE DESCRIPTION AND HAD TO HAVE IT FOR MY NEW TEENAGE DRIVER. IT SOUNDED GREAT FOR YOUNG INATTENTIVE DRIVERS AND EVEN FOR MYSELF ON LONG BUSINESS TRIPS AT NIGHT. PROBLEM IS, IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE DESCRIBED. NOT EVEN CLOSE. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIRS BUT ACURA TECHNICIANS TOLD ME IT'S WORKING AS INTENDED. ACURA CORPORATE REPS HAVE CONFIRMED IT. WHEN I ARGUED THE DISCREPANCY WITH THE SALES AND TECHNICAL LITERATURE, THEY SIMPLY SAID I'M MISINTERPRETING IT. WATCH MY VIDEO ON YOUTUBE, READ THE HONDA LITERATURE, AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. HONDA IS PLAYING ON CONSUMERS FEARS AND OVERSTATING THIS FEATURE TO SELL CARS. THEY NEED TO BE EXPOSED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE. HTTP://YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=VRMQB9DNNDU *TR

NHTSA ID 10200360 · filed Aug 21, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

At low speed while driving on a parking lot of a local supermarket. The Car surged without accelerator being pressed , causing an unintended acceleration that was dangerous to pedestrians. No check engine or other safety information was displayed.

NHTSA ID 11713589 · filed Jan 27, 2026

HIGH LEVEL, ONE OF THE RODS THAT CONNECT TO THE ENGINE'S PISTONS SHOT OUT THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO SHOOT OUT, AND THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE CAR TO STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE ESSENTIALLY DIED, CAUSING THE BRAKE, THE GAS, AND STEERING TO LOCK AND NOT WORK.

NHTSA ID 10819973 · filed Jan 13, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OIL SHOT OUT THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO SHOOT OUT, AND THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE CAR TO STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE ESSENTIALLY DIED, CAUSING THE BRAKE, THE GAS, AND STEERING TO LOCK AND NOT WORK.CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HR TO 5 MILESW, VERY SCARY Summary 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.

NHTSA ID 11487070 · filed Sep 29, 2022

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

NHTSA ID 10255196 · filed Jan 15, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OIL SHOT OUT THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO SHOOT OUT, AND THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE CAR TO STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE ESSENTIALLY DIED, CAUSING THE BRAKE, THE GAS, AND STEERING TO LOCK AND NOT WORK.CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HR TO 5 MILESW, VERY SCARY Summary 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.

NHTSA ID 11487070 · filed Sep 29, 2022

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 PUMP, BUT CAN'T GUARANTEE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10234009 · filed Jul 11, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10313327 · filed Feb 23, 2010

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 HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF COMPLETELY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10293770 · filed Nov 28, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10471484 · filed Aug 20, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 STAGE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM. FULL TEXT CAN BE FOUND ON THEIR WEBSITE HERE; HTTP://WWW.HONDANEWS.COM/CATEGORIES/755/RELEASES/3766 I READ THE DESCRIPTION AND HAD TO HAVE IT FOR MY NEW TEENAGE DRIVER. IT SOUNDED GREAT FOR YOUNG INATTENTIVE DRIVERS AND EVEN FOR MYSELF ON LONG BUSINESS TRIPS AT NIGHT. PROBLEM IS, IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE DESCRIBED. NOT EVEN CLOSE. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIRS BUT ACURA TECHNICIANS TOLD ME IT'S WORKING AS INTENDED. ACURA CORPORATE REPS HAVE CONFIRMED IT. WHEN I ARGUED THE DISCREPANCY WITH THE SALES AND TECHNICAL LITERATURE, THEY SIMPLY SAID I'M MISINTERPRETING IT. WATCH MY VIDEO ON YOUTUBE, READ THE HONDA LITERATURE, AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. HONDA IS PLAYING ON CONSUMERS FEARS AND OVERSTATING THIS FEATURE TO SELL CARS. THEY NEED TO BE EXPOSED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE. HTTP://YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=VRMQB9DNNDU *TR

NHTSA ID 10200360 · filed Aug 21, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SH-AWD will randomly come on and I’ll lose power suddenly as it switches from awd to front wheel drive. It can be scary especially if you are accelerating to get up to speed for the freeway or trying to take a quick left hand turn. The whole car shutters while the awd kicks off. It happens randomly, it has probably happened 15-20 I’ve the last few years

NHTSA ID 11723509 · filed Mar 11, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .