Is the 2006 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 2006 Acura RL?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Acura RL have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2006 Acura RL

○ Not enough data

2006 Acura RL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:29.688Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 32
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2006: 32 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

28% · 9 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Acura RL. While driving 70 MPH the vehicle hydroplaned on water, crashed into a rail, and then was struck by a semi-tractor trailer. The vehicle was completely destroyed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-11-05

Takata recall

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-10

Electrical system

25% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

In 2008 I bought a 2006 Acura RL that after 8 months caught fire while is parked overnight, the fire inspector deemed electrical due to faulty electric in door channel overhead.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-08-15

On 4 occasions since buying car in 2006 reported that intermittently car lurched forward when lifting foot off brake. Dealership found no defects on 4 separate checks. Aug 13HAD this sudden acceleration' occur in heavy traffic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-09-10

Front passenger door lock actuator was replaced less than two years ago. The exact same problem with the same door lock has reoccurred.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-21

Exterior lighting

16% · 5 reports

Show complaint excerpts

Headlights randomly quit working creating hazard driving at night and inclement weather. Sometimes one side and then randomly both lights discontinue working. According to owners on Acura owner website/forum, this is a common issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-24

Tires

13% · 4 reports

CRASH

Service brakes

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2006-08-02Equipment06V270000 On certain passenger vehicles and motorcycles, the owner's manuals contain incorrect contact information for the national highway traffic safety administration's (NHTSA) vehicle safety hotline.

Remedy: Honda will send a postcard to dealers and owners with the correct NHTSA vehicle safety hotline information and with instructions to insert the card into the "Reporting safety defects" Section of the…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-12-12Steering07V551000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-12-31Service brakes, hydraulic10V504000 Honda is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 odyssey and Acura RL vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as a lubricant for certain brake system components. If replacement…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2010. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-06-29Air bags16V344000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-22Air bags16V061000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-27Air bags17V029000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-08-12Air bags19V500000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-08-12Air bags19V501000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey,...

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2006 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V270000 · Equipment
Recall 07V551000 · Steering
Recall 10V504000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 16V344000 · Air bags
Recall 16V061000 · Air bags
Recall 17V029000 · Air bags
Recall 19V500000 · Air bags
Recall 19V501000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2006 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 2006 Acura RL?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Acura RL have?: 8 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.