RL
Acura RL: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditGenerations and technical specifications
Acura RL – Second generation2004–2012
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | KB1/KB2 |
| Production | August 2004–June 16, 2012 |
| Model years | 2005–2012 |
| Layout | Front-engine, all-wheel-drive |
| Engines | 2005–2008: 3.5L J35A8 V6 290 hp 2009–2012: 3.7L J37A2 V6 300 hp |
| Transmissions | 2005–2010: 5-speed automatic with sequential sport shift 2011: 6-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2005–2009: 2,799 mm |
| Length | 2005–2008: 4,917 mm 2009–2012: 4,973 mm |
| Width | 2005–2009: 1,847 mm |
| Height | 2005–2008: 1,450 mm 2009–2012: 1,453 mm |
| Designer | Toshinobu Minami (2002) |
Acura RL – First generation1995–2004
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | KA9 |
| Production | December 1995–2004 |
| Model years | 1996–2004 |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Engines | 3.5 L V6 C35A1 |
| Transmissions | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,911 mm |
| Length | 1996–1998: 4,956 mm 1999–2001: 4,994 mm 2002–2004: 4,996 mm |
| Width | 1996–1998: 1,811 mm 1999–2001: 1,814 mm 2002–2004: 1,821 mm |
| Height | 1996–1998: 1,384 mm 1999–2001: 1,435 mm 2002–2004: 1,384 mm |
| Designer | Mitsuhiro Honda Tamotsu Okamoto (1993) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2012 | 3.7 L, 6 cyl | 6-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2010 | 3.7 L, 6 cyl | 5-speed automatic | All-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2009 | 3.7 L, 6 cyl | 5-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2005–2008 | 3.5 L, 6 cyl | 5-speed automatic | Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2012 | 3.7 L, 6 cyl · 6-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 11.8 L/100 km | 13.8 L/100 km | 9.8 L/100 km |
| 2010 | 3.7 L, 6 cyl · 5-speed automatic · All-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km |
| 2009 | 3.7 L, 6 cyl · 5-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km |
| 2005–2008 | 3.5 L, 6 cyl · 5-speed automatic · Four-wheel or all-wheel drive | 12.4 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 9.8 L/100 km |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Midsize car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2005–2012 |
| Powertrains | Petrol |
| Engine displacement | 3.5–3.7 L |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission types | Automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive, Four-wheel or all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium) |
| Configurations listed | 8 |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 368–396 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,803 L |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2000–2012 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 131 | 2000, 2002, 2005 |
| Lights | 64 | 2000, 2005, 2006 |
| Electrical system | 52 | 2000, 2005, 2006 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 45 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Brakes | 28 | 2000, 2005, 2006 |
| Engine and cooling | 23 | 2000, 2002, 2005 |
| Speed control and cruise | 18 | 2000, 2005, 2007 |
| Steering | 16 | 2000, 2002, 2004 |
| Body and structure | 15 | 2000, 2002, 2005 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 13 | 2000, 2005, 2007 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2000–2012: 390 complaints, 22 with a crash and 5 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.