2001 Acura RL recalls and problems

The 2001 Acura RL has 2 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Acura RL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Acura RL recalls

Recall 20V-027: Air Bags

Reported Jan 17, 2020 · 875,966 vehicles affected · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 02V-119: Exterior Lighting

Reported May 14, 2002 · 25,765 vehicles affected · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Eventually, the brake lights will not illuminate when the brakes are applied, which increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2001 Acura RL problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	5
Air Bags	5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Steering	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 2
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 113,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Acura RL complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Oct 9, 2020

I received a safety recall letter in the mail in march 2020. When I called the acura dealer in charlotte they told me that the part would be there in july, called in july they said august called in september and they said that the part is still not there

Air Bags · at 175,580 miles · reported Jun 2, 2015

I called acura to see if the type air bag inflator in my car used ammonium nitrate. My car is not on the recalled list but given the nature of the problem I was going to replace, at least the driver's side, if the inflator was using the unstable propellant. Acura would not provide me any information. I called NHTSA and they told me to provide information to this site to see if I can get the information to protect myself and family regardless of the corporate decision.

Steering · at 140,000 miles · reported Jul 20, 2012

The contact owns a 2001 acura rl. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, smoke started to emit from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering pump was leaking onto the catalytic converter or the engine. As a result, the power steering pump and hose needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 145,000. Updated 09/06/2012

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 110,000 miles · reported Sep 14, 2010

The contact owns a 2001 acura 3.5rl. The contact stated that the rear driver side tire became flat. The contact replaced the tire with the spare and within a couple of miles, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact then experienced a loss of braking power and the rear wheels were spinning abnormally at different rates. The contact then shut off the vehicle and when restarting, the vehicle resumed normal braking operation. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The failure and current mileage was 110,000.

Air Bags · at 85,663 miles · reported Feb 23, 2009

The SRS (Supplemental restraint system) light came on and I took the vehicle to the dealer. They found an error code 15-1 and they reset the light but said they did not find anything wrong with the SRS system. I found another complaint (#10251604) and have the same question why this is not regarded as a safety concern.

Other Acura RL years

2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 200220012000

Compare all Acura RL years · All Acura models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Acura RL have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Acura RL: 20V-027 (air bags), 02V-119 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Acura RL?

Owners report power train problems most often (5 reports), followed by air bags (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 113,000 miles.

Are Acura recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Acura dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.