1996 Acura RL Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 23%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Acura RL, 23% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I first start vehicle I hear a noise in the engine compartment near the firewall. The noise sounded for a 20 to 30 seconds, the ABS light came on and the ABS systems went out. When the noise was short the ABS system went out after a mile or two drive. During the mile or two drive. I heard the same noise off and on until the ABS system eventually went out. This first occurred on september 24, 2006.”
NHTSA complaint #10190864, filed 2007-05, 144,000 miles“When I first start my car, I hear a noise in the engine compartment at the fire wall. When the noise sounds for a 20 to 30 second period, the ABS light comes on and the ABS systems goes out. When the noise is short (5 second bursts of sound), the ABS system goes out after a mile or two drive. During the mile or two drive, I hear the same noise off and on until the ABS system eventually goes out. This first occurred on december 24, 2002.”
NHTSA complaint #10010178, filed 2003-03, 92,300 miles“While pulling out of a parking space brakes failed, causing the consumer to strike a post. Dealer stated that this was a common problem with the brakes on this vehicle. Manufacturer did not agree.”
NHTSA complaint #10103681, filed 2004-12, 149,000 miles“2 weeks after purchasing this previously-owned RL, I heard a squealing noise that I thought was coming from the A/C and reported it to my dealer who couldn't find any problem. The next time I heard this noise my windows were down and the noise was so loud, it echoed off surrounding buildings. I hit my brakes to pull over and investigate and the noise stopped. Reported to dealer but they couldn't find any problem. This noise still pops up from time to time, but goes away when brakes are applied. …”
NHTSA complaint #10028480, filed 2003-07“Consumer stated that as vehicle started he heard noise under the hood, where system-supplementing antilock brakes. The noise comes on every time the car is started, 10 days later anti lock brake light came on and stayed on continuously.”
NHTSA complaint #564316, filed 2002-02Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 25% |
| 2008 | 1 | 8% |
| 2007 | 1 | 5% |
| 2006 | 3 | 9% |
| 2005 | 8 | 6% |
| 2002 | 2 | 5% |
| 2001 | 1 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 10% |
| 1999 | 1 | 4% |
| 1998 | 1 | 9% |
| 1997 | 1 | 5% |
| 1996 | 5 | 23% |
Other parts of the 1996 Acura RL
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Acura RL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology