Are Acura RL expensive to maintain?

Not inherently expensive to maintain compared with many European luxury cars; however, as the RL models age, upkeep tends to rise with mileage, and occasional major repairs can appear. Overall, for a used luxury sedan with Honda reliability, maintenance costs are moderate when you stay on top of regular service.

What affects maintenance costs for the Acura RL

Several factors determine how much you’ll spend on upkeep, including model year, mileage, maintenance history, and local labor rates. The RL was produced in two generations (2005–2008 and 2009–2012); Acura later replaced it with the RLX in 2014. While parts may be shared across platforms, the RL today is a used car with aging systems that can influence costs.

• Model year and generation: Different engines and systems mean varying maintenance needs and parts availability.


• Reliability and parts availability: Honda-based reliability generally helps keep parts costs reasonable, though luxury-specific components can still be pricey.


• Labor costs and location: Shop rates vary by region; urban or specialized shops charge more.


• Mileage and driving conditions: High-mileage wear on brakes, suspension, cooling systems, and other components increases maintenance needs.


• History of preventive maintenance: Regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and timely replacements curb long-term costs.


• Major systems age: Transmission, cooling, electrical components, and suspension parts may require replacement as the car ages.

Maintenance costs are most manageable when the RL has a complete service history and timely care. Without proactive maintenance, the likelihood of unexpected repairs rises.

Typical maintenance costs and common big-ticket repairs

Costs vary by year, condition, and region, but the following ranges reflect common maintenance expenses for a well-kept Acura RL on the used market. These figures are rough estimates and can shift based on model year and shop.

• Routine maintenance and consumables (oil changes, filters, brakes, tires, fluids): 300–800 per year, depending on tire wear and brake service.


• Brake service and pad replacement: 150–400 per axle for pads; rotor resurfacing or replacement adds 200–500 per axle if needed.


• Tire replacement: 600–1,200 for a full set, depending on brand and size.


• Major drivetrain work (transmission service or replacement): 1,500–4,000, with variability based on failure and labor costs.


• Cooling system and water pump: 500–1,000 for typical water pump work, often bundled with other cooling system tasks.


• Suspension and steering components: 600–1,500 per repair (shocks/struts, control arms, alignments) as wear accumulates.


• Electrical and auxiliary systems (AC compressor, alternator, sensors): 300–1,500 for common issues; AC compressor replacement can run 1,000–1,800.

Most year-to-year costs stem from routine maintenance and wear items. Major repairs tend to occur at higher mileages, but diligent service can delay them and mitigate the financial impact.

Is it worth buying an Acura RL for long-term ownership?

For buyers who value reliability and relatively predictable maintenance costs compared with European luxury brands, the RL can offer a favorable balance—especially if a well-documented, low-mileage example is found and maintenance is kept up to date. Remember that the model line is aging, and some components may be harder to source or require dealer-specific parts. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and complete service history are essential to avoid surprise expenses.

Summary

In short, the Acura RL is not inherently expensive to maintain compared with many luxury rivals, but aging models do carry higher risk of upkeep as mileage climbs. Routine maintenance remains reasonable for a luxury sedan, and Honda-based reliability helps keep some costs in check. Prospective owners should plan for regular service, set aside a budget for occasional major repairs, and verify the vehicle’s service history before purchase.

Are Acura's high maintenance?

No, Acuras are generally not expensive to maintain, especially when compared to other luxury brands. Their annual maintenance and repair costs are often below the industry average, partly because they share many parts with Honda and are known for good reliability. For example, the average 10-year maintenance cost is significantly less than that of brands like BMW. 
Why Acuras are affordable to maintain

• Below-average costs: The average annual repair and maintenance cost is around $501, which is lower than the average of $652 for all brands. 
• Luxury value: Acuras are considered an affordable luxury brand, offering a high level of quality without the exceptionally high maintenance costs associated with some other luxury competitors. 
• Reliability: Acura has a high reliability rating, which reduces the frequency of major repairs and keeps ownership costs down. 
• Parts and service: Because Acura is a division of Honda, many Honda dealerships can service Acuras, which can make finding qualified technicians and parts easier and more affordable. 
• Durability: Acuras are built with durable, high-quality parts that are designed to last, which can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements. 

What to expect

• Synthetic oil: Most modern Acuras require synthetic oil, which can be more expensive than conventional oil, but is necessary for engine protection and performance. 
• Standard maintenance: Costs include routine services like oil changes, tire rotations, and air filter replacements. 
• Model variations: Maintenance costs can vary between models, but they are generally considered manageable for a luxury vehicle. 

What are the common problems with Acura Rl?

Top Acura RL Problems

• Sensor Problems May Cause SRS Light To Turn On.
• Reprogram computer to fix shifting problem in automatic transmission.
• Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting.
• Engine Stalls While Driving and WIll not Start.
• Acura extended automatic transmission warranty.

How many miles does an Acura Rl last?

If you're driving the average ~12,000 miles/year, another 60,000 miles over the next five years shouldn't be any problem. This generation RL shares the J-series engine of most every other Honda/Acura V6 of that time and they are solid. If it's in fact well-maintained, it will last a lot longer than that.

Is the Acura Rl reliable?

The Acura RL is generally considered a reliable luxury car, with a good reliability rating from sources like RepairPal and positive owner reviews, though some models have specific issues. Common problems can include minor electrical glitches, interior wear on leather components, and specific issues like hazy headlights or suspension problems, depending on the model year. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems with the Acura RL: 1mKyle PantanoYouTube · Dec 16, 2019
General reliability

• Strong reputation: The Acura RL is often praised for being a reliable car, especially with proper maintenance. 
• Positive rankings: It ranks well for its reliability in the luxury full-size car category. 
• Lower ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is lower than average for its class. 
• Longevity: Many owners have reported driving their RL for very high mileage with few major issues, particularly after addressing any initial problems. 

Common issues and model-specific concerns

• Interior wear: Leather on the center console armrests can tear, and other interior leather or vinyl can wear out. The glove box lid can also bubble from sun exposure. 
• Electrical problems: Some owners have reported issues such as an alarm that goes off without cause, fuses blowing, or the trunk release not working from inside. 
• Brakes: Some owners have experienced brake issues where they don't apply immediately, even with new pads and rotors. 
• Suspension and steering: Problems with shocks/struts and the steering adjustment control have been reported. 
• Electronics and lights: Newer models might have hazy headlights from the inside, and electronics and suspension components can be areas of concern for some owners. 
• Transmission: Some reviews mention a "questionable transmission," though many owners have found it reliable. 

Model year differences

• The later models (2009–2012) are considered by some owners to have been built better and have fewer mechanical issues, partially due to the shift to the 3.7L engine. 
• The 2005-2008 models were the first to feature the SH-AWD system, which is generally reliable, but some owners noted potential issues with lightweight drive shafts in early versions. 
• Early models may have original Pax tires, which are now less common and may have been converted to more conventional tires. 

You can watch this video to see what it's like to own an Acura RL with almost 200,000 miles: 44sKyle PantanoYouTube · May 11, 2020