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2005 ACURA RL

11 recalls Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #13V092000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The VSA control module in your vehicle is a computer that helps your anti-lock brakes and traction control work properly. In some 2005-2006 Acura and Honda models, a small electrical component inside this module might be damaged, causing it to malfunction.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your vehicle could suddenly brake on its own, even if you're not pressing the brakes. This can be especially hazardous if the brake lights aren't coming on, making it harder for other drivers to know you're braking. You could lose control of your vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the VSA control module with a new one that includes a redesigned electrical component, and tighten the ground connection to prevent future issues. This repair is free of charge, and you should arrange it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles manufactured March 1, 2004, through June 29, 2005. An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application. However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop. Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Original — Remedy
Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Honda owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009, and select option 4 or go to www.recalls.honda.com; Acura owners may contact 1-800-382-2238, and select option 4, or go to www.recalls.acura.com.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #10V504000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Manufacturer
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
What Happened
The brake master cylinder is a critical part of your vehicle's brake system, responsible for sending brake fluid to the brake pads. In your 2005-2007 Odyssey or Acura RL, a special type of brake fluid is used to keep the seals lubricated and functioning properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wrong type of brake fluid is used, the seal at the rear of the brake master cylinder could dry out and curl, causing brake fluid to slowly leak into the brake booster. This could lead to a change in your brake pedal feel and eventually affect your vehicle's braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your authorized Honda dealer will replace the brake master cylinder seal with a new one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible after receiving the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #07V551000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Manufacturer
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
What Happened
The power steering hose in your vehicle is like a long, flexible tube that helps you steer smoothly. Over time, high engine temperatures can weaken this hose, causing it to crack and leak fluid.
Risk if Unfixed
If the power steering hose cracks and leaks fluid, it could drip onto your hot catalytic converter, causing a fire under the hood. This could lead to serious damage, injuries, or even a fire that spreads to other parts of your vehicle.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will replace the weak power steering hose with a new, heat-resistant one at no cost to you. They'll do this repair as soon as you schedule an appointment, and you'll be back on the road safely.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #07V097000 Plain English
Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Manufacturer
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
What Happened
The fuel pump relay in your vehicle is a small coil that helps the fuel pump work properly. It could break and cause a problem with your fuel pump.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fuel pump relay breaks, the fuel pump could lose power while you're driving, and your engine might stall without warning. This could cause a crash.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay for free. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, A COIL WIRE INSIDE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE FUEL PUMP LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING, AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V500000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The driver's side airbag in your vehicle is a safety feature that deploys in a crash to protect you. Unfortunately, in certain models, the airbag's inflator can deteriorate over time, especially in humid environments.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments flying into the driver's face or body, causing severe injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new, safer one – at no cost to you. This is a free repair, and you should schedule it as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V501000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The passenger airbag in your vehicle is designed to deploy in a crash to protect you. In certain models, the airbag's inflator could burst and send sharp metal shards into the passenger compartment, causing serious injury or even death.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator explodes, it could shoot metal fragments at you or other occupants, leading to severe injury or fatal consequences.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safe one, at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #17V029000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The airbag inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety component that deploys in the event of a crash. It's the part that fills the airbag to cushion you in case of a collision.
Risk if Unfixed
If this inflator ruptures in a crash, it could send sharp metal fragments flying into you, causing serious injury or even death. This is a life-threatening situation.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will swap out the faulty airbag inflator for a safe one, completely free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice and take care of it promptly.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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 Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #16V344000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The passenger side airbag inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety component that deploys in a crash to protect you. In some models, this inflator can deteriorate over time and rupture in a crash, causing sharp metal fragments to hit you.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator ruptures in a crash, you could be seriously injured or even killed by the sharp metal fragments. This is a life-threatening risk that we take very seriously.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new, safer one – at no cost to you. The repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #16V061000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
Your vehicle has a safety airbag system that protects you in the event of a crash. The airbag inflator is a crucial component that could be damaged by moisture, causing it to fail.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator fails, it could rupture and send sharp metal fragments into you or your passengers during a crash, leading to serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new one, absolutely free of charge. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — 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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #14V700000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The passenger side airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to protect you. In some models made between 2001 and 2006, this airbag may not work correctly in humid climates.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflates in a crash, it could burst apart and send sharp metal shards towards you, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will replace the faulty airbag with a safer one, free of charge. You should schedule this repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam, and American Samoa are addressed by this recall. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #14V353000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
Your vehicle has a type of airbag called a Takata inflator, which is located in the passenger side of your car. This inflator is used to deploy the airbag in case of a crash to keep you safe.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag deploys, there's a chance it could explode and send sharp metal fragments into the vehicle, potentially causing serious harm or even death to you or your passengers.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new, safer one, at no cost to you. You'll receive a notice in August 2014, and you should schedule the repair as soon as possible to prevent any potential risks.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 2005 Acura RL, and 2006 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in California, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

AIR BAGS
7 recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2 recalls
STEERING
1 recall
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 recall

Other ACURA RL Years

2012
6 recalls
2011
6 recalls
2010
7 recalls
2009
6 recalls
2008
6 recalls
2007
7 recalls
2006
8 recalls
2003
1 recall
2002
2 recalls
2001
2 recalls
2000
4 recalls

Related Pages

2004 ACURA RL Recalls 2006 ACURA RL Recalls All ACURA Recalls ACURA RL Recall History