2003 Acura RL recalls and problems

The 2003 Acura RL has 1 safety recall and 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
9
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Acura RL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 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.

2003 Acura RL problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags6
Unknown or Other1
Engine1
Power Train1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 132,000 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 2003 Acura RL complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Mar 3, 2021
I received a recall notice in march and was told to park my car. I did for 9 months, forced to buy another car. Acura refused to provide a rental. We filed a class-action suit. Acura required an inspection of the airbags/inflator. I received an invoice I could not understand and called the dealer. They refused to return five messages, and when we I reached them they wouldn't tell me what items on the invoice meant, saying they were not allowed to, and that I had to call acura. I called acura and they told me to call the dealer. The invoice mentioned a disconnected air bag and a faulty module.…
Air Bags · reported Nov 19, 2020
2003 acura rl. Consumer writes in regards to driver frontal airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the manufacturer did not make a reasonable attempt to assist with the 500 mile round trip to an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was no longer authorizing local dealerships to complete recalls.
Electrical System · at 200,000 miles · reported Jun 6, 2016
The ignition immobilizer defective. When the car is in park and I try to start it I put the key in the ignition and wait for the green light in the shape of a key to go out on the panel - then I turn the key. The ignition does not always recognize the key and so the immobilizer is activated. When that happens the car either starts and shuts right off or it just will not start at all. On more than one occasion I have been alone after dark and unable to start my car and leave. I have a type 1 diabetic grandchild that I watch and I AM very fearful of not being able to get him what he needs…
Engine · at 132,000 miles · reported Jun 25, 2015
Was driving on interstate 71 north, at the posted speed limit (70) when the car stopped running. All dash warning lights came on. The engine stopped running, so all of the power-assist stopped working. I pulled to the side of the road, came to a complete stop, turned off the ignition and tried to restart the car. I turned the ignition key and the car started and ran without any problems. This has now happened 6 more times. The most recent time was after 6pm on monday june 22nd. This time, after restarting the car, the check engine light stayed on. I took the car to my local service garage and…
Air Bags · at 3,800 miles · reported Nov 25, 2009
Side airbag indicator goes on and stays on intermittently. Happens almost always. Reported to dealer several times. Dealer can't find anything wrong. Believe side air bags are not functional when light is on. Started after dealer servicing about sept., 2003 and continues to this day.

Other Acura RL years

Compare all Acura RL years · All Acura models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Acura RL have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Acura RL: 20V-027 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Acura RL?

Owners report air bags problems most often (6 reports), followed by unknown or other (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 132,000 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.