2003 Acura RL
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
6 of 9 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
2003 Acura RL. Consumer writes in regards to driver frontal airbag safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the manufacturer did not make a reasonable attempt to assist with the 500 mile round trip to an authorized dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-11-19
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Acura RL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V027000 (Air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-29
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Acura RL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V027000 (Air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-15
Power train
1 of 9 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-25
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and engine
Fuel/propulsion system
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Engine
1 of 9 total reports mentions: engine.
Electrical system
1 of 9 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2020-10-01Air bags20V027000 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.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V027000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2003 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 2003 Acura RL?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Acura RL have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.