2000 Acura RL Problems
- Complaints
- 59filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles, 31 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Acura RL (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
What owners report
Most owner complaints about the 2000 Acura RL center on the SRS (airbag) warning light staying on, which owners link to the occupant position sensor or airbag control unit and which dealers often could not permanently fix. Electrical oddities tied to water entering the under-dash fuse box, and rare stalling or transmission trouble, also appear in the sample. Many complaints were filed years after purchase, often on higher-mileage cars.
- Air bags
SRS / airbag warning light stays on
- 19 complaints (32%)
- median 99,341 mi at 11.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2021
Owners describe the red SRS light illuminating on the dash at startup or while driving and staying lit. Dealers and independent shops variously pointed to the passenger-seat occupant position sensor (OPDS), the airbag control module, the seat belt buckle or a stability-assist module, and some owners report the light returning after repairs or after the dealer simply cleared the code. Several owners note that with the light on they were told the airbags may not deploy. Reported across a wide mileage range, from roughly 25,000 to 135,000 miles, with many complaints filed 10 or more years after purchase.
Recall 20V026000Recall 20V0270003 related service bulletins
What to check: Turn the key to on and confirm the SRS light goes out after the self-test; if it stays on, ask for the stored SRS trouble code and whether the OPDS sensor or airbag module has been replaced. Also check whether the open driver airbag inflator recalls were completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The srs sensor jus pop on the ABS sensor pop on also the check engine light pops I don't know what to do and also I heard ticking and tapping and the engine started jumping whether I'm going slow or fast I really need some serious help why is because I can possibly be in great danger do to the sensors that are going out in my vehicle .”
NHTSA complaint #10789136, filed 2015-11, 162,090 miles“In two separate instances srs light has come on. The first time was sometime in 2005. I repaired it with replacement seat belt parts. The second time was in april 2007. The light came on again. I have scheduled repairs during a normal service call this month.”
NHTSA complaint #10188564, filed 2007-04 - Transmission and drivetrain
Stalling and transmission concerns
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 80,000 mi at 14.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2015
Owners describe the engine quitting at low speed, at stop lights, or when decelerating, sometimes with the engine revving without the car moving. In several complaints the dealer recommended a transmission replacement, and in some cases stalling returned afterward or the cause was traced to items such as the main fuel relay or powertrain control module. Reported at low speeds and during stop-and-go driving, from very low mileage up to about 165,000 miles.
What to check: Ask about transmission service history and any replacement, and take a test drive that includes slow-speed stops and light acceleration. Check for any stored codes and whether the fuel relay or control module has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When traveling 60 to 65 MPH and have to come to stop due to traffic or decelerating lane car shuts off . I have had to roll off road, put on flashers and shut oof car to resart. I am terrified at this time to chance being in car. I travel on highways to work with tractor trailers behind me. Four occurrences. Acura offering to replace transmission and electronic control module now. This is 2nd transmission. The first one a t 6000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #748797, filed 2001-07“- the contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. While driving 20 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning and would not restart. The failure mileage was 80,000. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The vehicle stalled once before, but the vehicle restarted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10186584, filed 2007-03, 80,000 miles - Electrical system
Water leaks into dash electricals
Mentioned in 4 of 50 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the security alarm sounding by itself while parked, door locks cycling, instrument panel lights staying on with the car off, the speedometer needle wandering, and wipers running on their own. Owners and one described bulletin attribute this to water leaking past the front pillars or clogged drain channels into the under-dash fuse/relay box and multiplex connectors; some say repeated dealer visits did not resolve it. Reported from about 22,000 up to around 52,000 miles, often after rain or in wet conditions.
What to check: Look for water stains or dampness around the front kick panels, under-dash fuse box and A-pillar, and check that the sunroof and cowl drains are clear. Ask whether the fuse box or multiplex unit has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am writing to report a potentially serious safety issue with my 2000 Acura RL. This car seems to have a design flaw whereby the car's natural drain channels get clogged and water leaks in through alternate pathways into the vehicle's fuse box. This causes all of the car's electrical systems to go haywire, key safety systems like the airbags and traction control shut off, windshield wipers go on by themselves, and the speedometer needle moves randomly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10334250, filed 2010-06, 52,254 miles“The car alarm would went off intermittently during inclement condition. Dashboard/instrument panel lights remained on while the vehicle was turned off. Also, speedometer needle would continuously move back and forth while the vehicle was turned off. Vehicle had been to the dealer on 9 separate occasions, but the problems recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10095079, filed 2004-10, 22,339 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal going to the floor
Mentioned in 4 of 50 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking all the way down when the brakes were applied, in some cases leading to a curb strike or rear-end contact. Dealers could often not reproduce the problem; one owner was told the master cylinder was the likely cause and that the system may need flushing, and another described repeated rotor resurfacing and replacement. Reported from about 25,000 to 108,000 miles, typically during normal driving at low speed.
Recall 03V2390001 related service bulletin
What to check: Check brake fluid level and condition, ask whether the master cylinder recall work was done, and test the pedal for firmness and any slow sink while held.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Constant repair and replacement of brake rotors. The rotors have to be resurfaced every 8 to 10,000 miles and then replaced. I have my car serviced regularly with the same garage and can't understand why these rotors continue to wear. I have a 1993 nissan max that has never needed rotor repair. Also, the srs and side airbag lights come on, I take it to the dealer and they clear the lights saying nothing is wrong. How are you to know if this is a serious issue when all they do is clear the lights???”
NHTSA complaint #10258542, filed 2009-02“While driving consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. This caused the vehicle to hit a curb. Driver was able to maintain control of vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic was not able to resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10059729, filed 2004-02
Buying note. This is an older luxury sedan where the airbag warning light and dash electrical quirks are the most commonly described problems, so verify the SRS system and that open airbag inflator recalls were completed. A pre-purchase inspection covering brakes, steering and transmission is worthwhile given the mileage on most surviving examples.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 50 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2000 Acura RL. 31 of the complaints include a mileage, and 19% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 27 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags26 44%
- Electrical system9 15%
- Brakes6 10%
- Seat belts5 8.5%
- Vehicle speed control4 6.8%
- Engine cooling3 5.1%
- Other or unknown3 5.1%
- Steering3 5.1%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Exterior lighting (1), Interior lighting (1), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I have received a notice from america honda motor company on march 2020 (NHTSA recall 20v-026) that the inflator inside the driver frontal airbag module may absorb moisture, which may cause the driver frontal airbag to malfunction in a crash where the airbag deploys. The letter states the replacement parts needed to repair your vehicle, if necessary, are not available and Acura is unable to inspect/repair your vehicle at this time. I called a local Acura dealer on 9/1/2020 and was told that the parts are still not available and they are expected may 2021. …”
NHTSA complaint #11364787, filed 2020-10, 100,000 milesElectrical system: “While stopped in traffic, upon acceleration. Engine stalled. Vehicle placed in park and car was restarted and driven away. Main fuel relay was replaced. Per Acura service bulletin 01-044, the incident that occurred could be due to a failed powertrain control module. Per Acura service bulletin 01-044, there was an updated powertrain control module, but this part has since been discontinued and is no longer being produced by Acura. …”
NHTSA complaint #10640035, filed 2014-09, 76,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “At a red light stopped. When light turned green I pressed accelerator to go and it just stalled with the engine revving up. Finally it started moving forward slowly.”
NHTSA complaint #10594340, filed 2014-05, 164,366 milesBrakes: “The contact owns a 2000 Acura RL. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light, and the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11487695, filed 2022-10, 79,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
19% of the 31 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 124,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2000 Acura RL. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RL · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V026000Jan 17, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Acura RL 1998–2000, Honda Civic 1996–2000, CR-V 1997–2000 +6 more
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL…
- 20V027000Jan 17, 2020Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Acura RL 2000–2003, Honda Odyssey 2000–2001, Acura TL 2000–2001 +5 more
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. These…
- 03V239000Jul 2, 2003Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Acura RL 2000
On certain passenger vehicles, some brake master cylinders may have internal corrosion, resulting in reduced braking performance and increased stopping distances.
- 02V119000May 14, 2002Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Acura RL 2000–2002
On certain passenger vehicles, during the manufacturing process, oil was applied to the brake pedal assembly to prevent rust. This oil can leak into the brake stop switch and contaminate the electrical contacts.
Recall details for the 2000 Acura RL → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 27 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10165333Jul 11, 2019Suspension. This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small. The outer diameter…
- 10130044Jan 10, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10127358Jan 10, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10118544Sep 26, 2017Equipment. Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10117869Aug 31, 2017Electrical system. Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
- 10193392Jan 1, 2017Equipment. Sending vehicle data to tech line.
- 10100462Nov 23, 2016Equipment. Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10211608Mar 18, 2016Equipment. Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10099960Dec 8, 2015Fuel system. "service bulletin - this bulletin updates the troubleshooting procedures for dtc p1456 (evap control system leakage [fuel tank system]) and dtc p1457 (evap control system leakage[evap canister…
- 10037486Nov 1, 2010Tires. Acura: there are guidelines for various situations and procedures including: tire pressure valve stem installation, trailer stability malfunction light is on, engine oil application guide, new…
Other model years of the Acura RL
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 9 | 20,100 | 7 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 8 | 45,160 | 6 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 13 | 18,177 | 6 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 20 | 34,750 | 7 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2006 | 32 | 46,000 | 8 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 125 | 73,000 | 11 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 11 | 104,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 9 | 80,818 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 43 | 76,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 12 | 112,200 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 59 | 77,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 24 | 92,751 | 2 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 1998 | 11 | 99,446 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 19 | 145,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 22 | 144,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
All Acura RL model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Acura RL?
Most owner complaints about the 2000 Acura RL center on the SRS (airbag) warning light staying on, which owners link to the occupant position sensor or airbag control unit and which dealers often could not permanently fix. The issues reported most often: SRS / airbag warning light stays on; Stalling and transmission concerns; Water leaks into dash electricals.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Acura RL have?
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2000 Acura RL as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Acura RL is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 26 complaints (44% of the total), followed by electrical system with 9.
Has the 2000 Acura RL been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Acura RL reported?
Among the 31 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,000 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 124,000 miles; 19% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.