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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-ACURA-RL
2008 · Acura

Acura RL problems

1 safety recall. 13 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.6 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

airbags
8 reports · avg $1,100
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 RL · airbags
2008 ACURA RL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICES 16V-344 & 16V-061 REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME- OVER 60 DAYS. *SMD
11/08/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10920655.0
2008 RL · airbags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM FOR MONTHS IF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG RECALL WOULD BE COMPLETED OR IF THE VIN…
10/11/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10915246.0
2008 RL · electrical
THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE DO NOT FUNCTION ELECTRONICALLY AND MUST BE MANUALLY ACTUATED. *TR
10/05/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10478693.0
2008 RL · brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING FAILURE OF WHICH THE BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN APPLIED. THE DEALER (DAVE WHITE ACURA, 5868 MONROE ST, SYLVANIA, OH 43560, (419) 885-3600) SERVICED THE BRAKE SYSTEM BUT THE FAILURE…
09/21/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11024767.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 07V551000 04/12/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PROLONGED HIGH UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY CAUSING THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEAT RESISTANT POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 800-382-2238.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Acura RL reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Acura RL is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Acura RL?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 8 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Acura RL has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Acura RL?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 13 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Acura. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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