MYRModel Year Report

1996 Acura RL

○ Not enough data
1996 Acura RL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:44.794Z

Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
22

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1996: 22 complaints 1996 22 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 11 complaints 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 59 complaints 2001: 12 complaints 2002: 43 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 11 complaints 2005: 125 complaints 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 20 complaints 2008: 13 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2010: 9 complaints 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 1 complaint 2015: 2 complaints
1996: 22 complaints 1996 22 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 11 complaints 1998 1999: 24 complaints 2000: 59 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2002: 43 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 11 complaints 2004 2005: 125 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2006 2007: 20 complaints 2008: 13 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2010: 9 complaints 2010 2011: 3 complaints 2012: 1 complaint 2012 2015: 2 complaints
1996: 22 complaints 1996 22 1997: 19 complaints 1997 1998: 11 complaints 1998 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 59 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2001 2002: 43 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2003 2004: 11 complaints 2004 2005: 125 complaints 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2006 2007: 20 complaints 2007 2008: 13 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2009 2010: 9 complaints 2010 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 1 complaint 2012 2015: 2 complaints 2015

1996: 22 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199622
199719
199811
199924
200059
200112
200243
20039
200411
2005125
200632
200720
200813
20098
20109
20113
20121
20152

Known problem areas

Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Visibility

5 of 22 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.

Show complaint excerpts

Window regulator failure 5/2000 and 11/2002. Feel this is manufacturers defect. Dt

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-25

Service brakes

5 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Engine blew up as consumer was driving vehicle. Will send in more information.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-08

Power train

3 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing column shift and automatic transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

Speedometer defective.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-24

Electrical system

3 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* contact owns a 1996 Acura RL. While driving 40 MPH, a strong burning odor was noticed coming from the front of the vehicle. The instrument panel lights dimmed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-01

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 Acura 3.5RL. On October 22, 2007, the contact entered the vehicle and smelled smoke. She then heard a popping sound and noticed smoke coming from the dashboard. The odometer and speedometer lights were not illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-10-23

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1999-05-17Suspension99V069000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1999-08-30Power train99V227000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…

    Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V069000 · Suspension
  • Recall 99V227000 · Power train
  • Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 Acura RL reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Acura RL?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Acura RL have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.