1999 Acura RL
Only 24 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 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1999
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1999: 24 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 22 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 24 |
| 2000 | 59 |
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 43 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 11 |
| 2005 | 125 |
| 2006 | 32 |
| 2007 | 20 |
| 2008 | 13 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
9 of 24 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window and sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
1999 Acura RL. Consumer writes in regards to airbag safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time completing the recall repair.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-01-21
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Acura RL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V026000 (Air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-06
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 1999 Acura RL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V026000 (Air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-05-26
Visibility
4 of 24 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing interior and rearview mirrors/devices.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Acura RL. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, a gritty liquid began to secrete from the rear view mirror.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-22
99 3.5 RL rear view mirror leaking toxic material. Caused sickness. After contacting Acura, they have refused to acknowledge problem. Their solution was to remove the rear view mirror (Because of health issues) only.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-06-21
Regulator for rear window is defective on two separate occasions.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-18
Seat belts
3 of 24 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The female part of the seatbelt is too low to meet the other side of the buckle. Dealer says needs extention for seats.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-22
Power train
2 of 24 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Acura RL. The contact stated that while accelerating from a traffic stop, the vehicle exhibited a loud noise and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-02
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Acura RL. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted a loud noise and stalled on the highway. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission would need to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-10
Electrical system
2 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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R
2020-10-01Air bags20V026000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020.
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V227000 · Power train
- Recall 20V026000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 1999 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 1999 Acura RL?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Acura RL have?
- 2 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.