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 PER YEAR
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.
6 of 24 total reports mention: air bags.
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. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20210121
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, 20200706
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, 20200526
2 of 24 total reports mention: seat belts.
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990922
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, 20130102
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, 20120410
2 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system.
1 of 24 total reports mentions: visibility.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20060621
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 99V227000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V227000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V026000 (air bags) has been completed.
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 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Acura RL have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.