NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 Acura RL Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2008 Acura RL has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 13 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 2008 Acura RL, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2008 Acura RL owner complaints

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Acura RL, describing incidents dated February 16, 2008 to November 1, 2016.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 8 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1 complaint
Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1 complaint
Service Brakes 1 complaint

Of the 13 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11024767 · Filed September 21, 2017
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…
ODI #10920655 · Filed November 8, 2016
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
ODI #10915246 · Filed October 11, 2016
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…

Read all 13 complaints

Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #19V500000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 27, 2019 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 1,558 vehicles

Repair completion: 71.05% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign S5B, W59 · Owners notified August 12, 2019 · Vehicles built June 21, 2007 – December 3, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

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 remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #19V501000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 27, 2019 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 1,657,752 vehicles

Repair completion: 47.72% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign E5D, X5C · Owners notified August 12, 2019 · Vehicles built June 14, 2007 – December 11, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

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 inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #17V029000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 10, 2017 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 308,884 vehicles

Repair completion: 71.85% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign KD9, KE0 · Owners notified February 27, 2017 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

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, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #16V344000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 23, 2016 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 1,790,894 vehicles

Repair completion: 57.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign KA0, KA1, KA2, KA3 · Owners notified June 29, 2016 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

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, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #16V061000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported February 3, 2016 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 2,232,187 vehicles

Repair completion: 85.63% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign JY0, JY1, JY2 · Owners notified February 22, 2017 · Vehicles built June 12, 2007 – January 21, 2008 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

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 with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

POWER STEERING HOSE OIL LEAKING

NHTSA #07V551000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice

Reported December 4, 2007 · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Potentially affected: 43,200 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign Q65 · Owners notified December 12, 2007 · Vehicles built June 14, 2007 – November 16, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

HONDA RECALL NO. Q65.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2008 Acura RL 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

10% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional)

13 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Acura RL.

Service Brakes

ODI #11024767

Incident: October 5, 2015 · Filed: September 21, 2017

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

ODI #10920655

Incident: November 1, 2016 · Filed: November 8, 2016

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

ODI #10915246

Incident: May 2, 2016 · Filed: October 11, 2016

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

ODI #10899133

Incident: June 30, 2016 · Filed: August 29, 2016

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

ODI #10886009

Incident: July 19, 2016 · Filed: July 19, 2016

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

ODI #10882107

Incident: July 1, 2016 · Filed: July 1, 2016

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

ODI #10865123

Incident: February 3, 2016 · Filed: May 16, 2016

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

ODI #10862938

Incident: February 18, 2016 · Filed: May 4, 2016

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

ODI #10860313

Incident: April 16, 2016 · Filed: April 19, 2016

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

ODI #10478693

Incident: September 3, 2012 · Filed: October 5, 2012

THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE DO NOT FUNCTION ELECTRONICALLY AND MUST BE MANUALLY ACTUATED. *TR

Other Acura RL model years

Check your 2008 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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