NHTSA vehicle safety data

2000 Acura RL Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2000 Acura RL has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 59 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Acura dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2000 Acura RL, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2000 Acura RL owner complaints

Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Acura RL, describing incidents dated July 15, 2000 to June 3, 2022.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 26 complaints
Electrical System 9 complaints
Power Train 7 complaints
Service Brakes 6 complaints
Seat Belts 5 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 4 complaints

Of the 59 complaints on file, 5 report a crash; across all 59 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11487695 · Filed October 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light, and the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to…
ODI #11444860 · Filed December 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V027000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer…
ODI #11395996 · Filed February 12, 2021
THE SRS LAMP HAS REMAINED ON SINCE PURCHASE IN 2009.

Read all 59 complaints

Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag

NHTSA #20V026000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 17, 2020 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 1,439,841 vehicles

Repair completion: 7.91% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign D8J, Z8G · Owners notified October 1, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag

NHTSA #20V027000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 17, 2020 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 875,966 vehicles

Repair completion: 13.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign U6R, H6S · Owners notified October 1, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Manufacturer remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

HONDA/BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER

NHTSA #03V239000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported July 2, 2003 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Potentially affected: 814 vehicles

Owners notified July 28, 2003 · Vehicles built August 4, 1999 – September 8, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY HAVE INTERNAL CORROSION, RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Safety consequence

THE CORROSION COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE A COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY, RESERVOIR, AND BRAKE FLUID. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 28, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

HONDA/BRAKE STOP SWITCH

NHTSA #02V119000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported May 14, 2002 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Potentially affected: 25,765 vehicles

Owners notified May 16, 2002 · Vehicles built February 14, 2000 – March 7, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL CLEAN ANY EXCESS OIL FROM THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE THE STOP SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2000 Acura RL 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

59 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Acura RL.

Service Brakes, Air; Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ODI #11487695

Incident: June 3, 2022 · Filed: October 3, 2022

The contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light, and the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11444860

Incident: January 7, 2021 · Filed: December 23, 2021

The contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V027000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags

ODI #11395996

Incident: May 14, 2009 · Filed: February 12, 2021

THE SRS LAMP HAS REMAINED ON SINCE PURCHASE IN 2009.

Air Bags

ODI #11364787

Incident: March 1, 2020 · Filed: October 17, 2020

I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM AMERICA HONDA MOTOR COMPANY ON MARCH 2020 (NHTSA RECALL 20V-026) THAT THE INFLATOR INSIDE THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG MODULE MAY ABSORB MOISTURE, WHICH MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION IN A CRASH WHERE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS. THE LETTER STATES "THE REPLACEMENT PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE, IF NECESSARY, ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND ACURA IS UNABLE TO INSPECT/REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE AT THIS TIME." I CALLED A LOCAL ACURA DEALER ON 9/1/2020 AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY ARE EXPECTED MAY 2021. THIS TIMEFRAME SEEMS UNREASONABLE TO ME.

Air Bags

ODI #11350678

Incident: February 1, 2020 · Filed: August 21, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ACURA OF MEMPHIS (2611 RIDGEWAY RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38119, (901) 630-4664) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. 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.

Air Bags; Seat Belts; Unknown or Other

ODI #11319538

Incident: March 26, 2020 · Filed: March 27, 2020

DEALERSHIPS INTENTIONALLY IGNORE TAKATA/NADI AIRBAG SAFETY OCCUPANT SAFETY RECALLS ON JAN 2019 THIS VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED TO MCCONNELL HONDA ALABAMA DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP FOR MALFUNCTION INDICATION LIGHTS "BATT" "BRAKE". THIS MALFUNCTION WAS A RESULT OF AUG 2018 PATTON HONDA GEORGIA, DEALERSHIP SHOP REPAIR DIAGNOSTIC (PARKING LOT BRAKE TORQUING) ABUSE WHILE IN CUSTODY TO DIAGNOSE, A SLIGHT HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION AND RUBBER SQUEAK NOISE NEAR FRONT LEFT WHEEL. NO REMEDY WAS PROVIDED AND VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND BATTERY CHARGING DISABLED BY PATTON HONDA GEORGIA. OWNER WAS CHARGED A $100 SERVICE CHARGE. MCCONNELL HONDA ALABAMA DID NOT TROUBLESHOOT MALFUNCTION, REMOVED AND REPLAC ED A GOOD ALTERNATOR, WHICH DOES NOT SOLVE THE BATTERY CIRCUIT CHARGING MALFUNCTION AND BILLED CUSTOMER $1320 INITIALLY THEN $920 AFTER CUSTOMER EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT WITH BAD REPAIR THAT WILL PROVE FAULTY. MCCONNELL HONDA ALABAMA LATTER ATTEMPTS TO RE-TITLE AND SELL OWNER'S VEHICLE TO AUCTION DESPITE CIVIL SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT FILED ON 25 MARCH 2020 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURT, ALA. NEITHER DEALERSHIP REFERENCED OR ADDRESSED THE OPEN RECALL SAFETY STATUS.

Air Bags

ODI #11020710

Incident: August 12, 2012 · Filed: August 30, 2017

TAMARA RECALL MY SRS LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUALLY. I AM CONCERNED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAGS. I NEED TO KNOW IF IT IS SAFE TO HAVE SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR IF THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE AND IS A RECALL. I DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR VERY OFTEN BUT NOW I HAVE TO BECAUSE I HAVE NO OTHER TRANSPORTATION.

Air Bags

ODI #10924206

Incident: February 25, 2009 · Filed: November 4, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 ACURA RL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Unknown or Other

ODI #10906733

Incident: September 14, 2016 · Filed: September 14, 2016

ODOMETER WAS TAMPERED WHICH I BELIEVE IS FRAUD IN THE US.

Air Bags

ODI #10888821

Incident: November 30, 2001 · Filed: July 26, 2016

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS, SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR

Other Acura RL model years

Check your 2000 Acura RL VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Acura RL at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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