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2005 Acura RL Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2005 Acura RL has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Headlight flickering and intermittent shutoff.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2005 Acura RL.

Reported to NHTSA

Headlight flickering and intermittent shutoff

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

50 NHTSA complaints · 2005-11 → 2020-01

“THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES ITS ONE AND SOMETIMES BOTH. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE LIGHTS OFF AND BACK ON AND THEY TURN BACK ON. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10957674
“MY 2005 ACURA RL HAS DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS. FOR NO REASON UNDERSTOOD THE HEADLIGHTS BEGIN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF THEN EVENTUALLY GO TOTALLY BLACK WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE NOW. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES. THIS IS INEXCUSABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10326094
“IN SEPT 2010, NOTICED FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT THE LEFT SIDE HEADLIGHT ON MY 2005 ACURA RL WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. AT THE DEALERSHIP, IT WAS WORKING AT FIRST, BUT THEN THEY NOTICED THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT HAD TO DO WITH THE INVERTER AND IGNITER. THE REPAIR QUOTE WAS $1,750”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10353988

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and Takata recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

35 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2019-11

“I HAVE RECEIVED TWO RECALL NOTICES CONCERNED WITH AIR BAG INFLATORS. I CONTACTD A DEALER APPROX. 3 MONTHS AGO AND HAVE BEEN BACK TO THEM 3TIMES STILL NO ACTION. I AM WORRIED WHAT SHOULD I DO???”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10893031
“TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED NOTICE FROM ACURA ON 7/5/16 TO CALL MY DEALER (ACURA OF OCEAN, NJ) TO SCHEDULE APPT. FOR REPLACEMENT OF (2) DEFECTIVE PARTS. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE ON "BACK ORDER"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10909876
“MY AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS PUTTING MARKS ON THE DASH WHERE IT WOULD DEPLOY AND I'M NOW FEARING IT WILL DO SO WHILE IN A DRIVING SITUATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10422889

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door handle electrical short and power loss

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2004-12 → 2021-08

“Small electric fire in driver side door panel melted all the way through outside door handle . After this happened to me I looked through forums and this seems to be a common issue with this car and there has been no recall for this issue . Very unsafe”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430934
“DOOR HANDLE STARTED SMOKING AND WILL NOT LET START GPS DISPLAY SCREEN DOES NOT WORK CLOCK DISPLAY DOES NOT WORK VSA LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME CAR WAS STATIONARY BURNT OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10945417
“I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH ON RUFE SNOW IN NORTH RICHLAND HILL, TX ABOUT 2:00PM, WHEN MY ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. ALL ELECTRICAL WAS SHUT DOWN. TRAFFIC WAS APPROACHING ME FROM BEHIND AND I WAS AFRAID OF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10551476

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake noise and unexpected engagement

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

7 NHTSA complaints · 2005-04 → 2014-06

“THE BRAKES RATTLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AND LOCK UP ON THEIR OWN AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHEN MAKING A TURN. I HAVE WENT TO THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10134819
“2005 ACURA RL BRAKE ASSEMBLY PARTS WERE NOT MADE TO FIT PROPERLY AND HAD TO BE RETROFITTED TO STOP LOUD RATTLING AND BANGING WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER UNEVEN OR ROUGH SURFACES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10148698
“AFTER INFORMING THE ACURA SERVICE CENTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AND BEING REASSURED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES, I REAR-ENDED ANOTHER CAR ON APRIL 5 BECAUSE THE BRAKES FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10118199

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Interior trim and glove box material degradation

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2012-04 → 2020-06

“MY VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD GLOVE BOX IS DEFECTIVE. I BELIEVE THIS HAPPENS TO MANY VEHICLES WHICH NO ONE BOTHERS TO REPORT. MY GLOVE BOX, WHEN IT'S HOT OR THE SUN IS OUT, THE EXTERNAL LEATHER OR MATERIAL THAT IT IS MADE OF, SOFTENS AND DETERIORATED LIKE IT'S MELTED PLASTIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11327339
“GLOVE BOX MATERIAL IS MELTING AND SAGGING. ITHE GLOVE BOX MATERIAL HAS ALSO "ORANGE PEELED". WHEN GOOGLED, THIS IS A WIDESPREAD AND COMMON PROBLEM WITH ACURA'S BETWEEN 2005-2007. A DEFECTIVE MATERIAL WAS USED ON THE GLOVE BOX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10811756
“I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SINCE 1980 AND HAVE HAD VARIOUS VEHICLES FROM VARIOUS MANUFACTURERS AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A DASHBOARD MELT FOR ANY REASON. I EXPECTED MY CAR TO HAVE MINOR PROBLEMS AT 40,000 MILES BUT MELTING WAS NOT ONE OF THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10629853

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering hose and column noise

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2006-10 → 2014-06

“WHEN BACKING CAR OUT FROM PARKING STALL, AFTER TURNING WHEEL BEYOND OTHER CAR AND READY TO GO FORWARD, I STOP COMPLETELY WITH FOOT ON BRAKE . AS I BEGIN TURNING STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION A LOUD SCRAPING NOISE COMES FROM AREA OF THE STEERING COLUMN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10171598
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V551000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). SHE WAS NOT GRANTED A LOANER VEHICLE TO USE DURING THE ALLOTTED REPAIR TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10215924
“WHILE I'M DRIVING FROM WORK I HEAD A SQUEAK NOISE. SO I TURN THE AC OFF THE NOISE STOP BUT STILL HEAR TIME TO TIME. I GOT HOME OK THEN I TOLD MY HUSBAND THE PROBLEM, HE TOOK THE CAR OUT FOR A TEST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10598080

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden stall or loss of acceleration

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2005-09 → 2019-11

“ACURA 2005RL ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. OCCURS OCCASIONALLY,ABOUT EVERY 2 WEEKS DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE CAR AND CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10307505
“WITH THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING, THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION. CYCLING IGNITION OFF/ON BROUGHT THINGS BACK TO NORMAL. REPORTED TO THE DEALER THROUGH HONDA, CA. DEALER SAID CAUSE WAS "LOOSE BATTERY CABLE." THE CAR HAS RUN FINE SINCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10730690
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL PUMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10524593

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter (Maintenance Minder A/B)

Every 8,000 mi

Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Timing Belt (3.5L V6 — MDX, TL)

Every 105,000 mi

J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transmission Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

SH-AWD Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 4)

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Sub-code 5)

Every 100,000 mi

Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

23 crashes 1990–2024

How the 23 occupant deaths break down

20

driver deaths

3

passenger deaths

23

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2005 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2005 Acura RL reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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