How reliable is an Acura RL?
Overall, the Acura RL is a solidly reliable choice among used luxury sedans, especially when it has been well maintained. With proper care, many RLs reach high mileage without major drama. That said, reliability varies by model year and maintenance history, so check the specific vehicle’s records before buying.
The Acura RL sits in the Honda family of engineering—rebuilt around a durable V6 and careful attention to ride quality and comfort. It spanned multiple years with updates and ultimately gave way to the RLX in the mid-2010s. This article reviews reliability across generations, common wear items, and prudent buying tips to help you assess a used RL in today’s market.
Reliability by generation
The RL lineup began as a more luxurious counterpart to Acura’s TL, with successive refinements over its production run. Each generation brought incremental reliability improvements alongside typical wear-and-tear concerns common to aging luxury sedans.
- Overall durability: Many owners report dependable operation well into the 100,000–200,000 mile range with regular maintenance.
- Powertrain notes: The RL’s V6 is praised for smooth performance and longevity when it’s properly serviced.
- Maintenance considerations: Ownership costs tend to be higher than non-luxury sedans, reflecting parts and specialized service for a mid‑2000s luxury car.
- Year-to-year variation: Later refreshes often benefit from refinements, but every model year has its own recalls and service advisories to review.
Concluding takeaway: The RL’s reliability is generally favorable for its era, but prospective buyers should look at the specific year’s reliability record and obtain a full service history.
Common issues to watch
Because reliability is closely tied to how well a car has been cared for, buyers should scrutinize records and perform a thorough inspection. The following categories summarize the types of problems that have surfaced in RL ownership discussions and reviews, along with practical steps for inspection.
- Transmission and drivetrain: Look for smooth shifting and any hard shifts or delays; obtain a documented transmission service history if possible.
- Electrical components: Older electronics, warning lights, or infotainment quirks can appear with age; test all electrical systems and navigation (if equipped).
- Suspension and steering: Worn control arms, bushings, or noisy suspension components are common as mileage climbs; check for alignment and ride quality.
- Cooling and fluids: Regular coolant/oil maintenance is important; inspect for leaks and monitor overheating history.
Concluding note: These are common risk areas for aging RL models. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, plus a review of service records, is strongly recommended to gauge condition.
Ownership costs and maintenance outlook
Maintaining an RL typically costs more than a mainstream sedan, reflecting parts availability and the dealer-oriented service network for a luxury model. Routine maintenance, timing (oil changes, fluid services, brake work), and occasional repairs will influence total ownership outlay. Cars with meticulous maintenance histories tend to remain more dependable and command higher resale values.
Bottom line for costs: If reliability is your priority, a well-documented RL with its maintenance up to date generally offers a favorable ownership experience compared with many contemporaries in its class—provided you stay on top of preventive service.
Model-year considerations and buying guidance
Reliability can vary by year due to design tweaks, component sourcing, and recalls. When evaluating a used RL, review recalls and service campaigns for the exact year, verify a clean maintenance log, and consider a pre-purchase inspection that includes the transmission, electronics, and suspension.
Note on model lineage: The RL was eventually replaced by the RLX in the mid-2010s, which continued Honda’s reliability approach in a newer package. For buyers prioritizing reliability, comparing a well-kept RL to early RLX models can be informative, though they belong to different generations with their own issues to watch.
Bottom line for buyers
The Acura RL offers a credible reliability profile for a mid‑2000s luxury sedan, especially when the vehicle has a thorough maintenance history and a clean service record. If you are in the market, target well-documented early-to-mid 2010s examples and insist on a comprehensive inspection to confirm mechanical and electronic condition.
Summary
In summary, the RL can be a dependable used luxury sedan with Honda-level durability, provided it has been cared for and you choose a year with a solid reliability track record. Always review maintenance history, verify recalls have been addressed, and get a trusted pre-purchase inspection to maximize the chance of a reliable ownership experience. If reliability is your chief criterion, use year-specific data and inspection results to guide your decision.
