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2003 Acura RLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 2003 Acura RL, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 20V-027 the manufacturer reports only 8% of affected cars repaired.

2003 Acura RL
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Lowest repair rate 8%Owner complaints90 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage4kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 8, 2021. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Acura RL has problems

9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags60
Electrical system10
Engine10
Fuel/propulsion system10
Power train10
Unknown10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2003 Acura RL recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

8%repaired · 2022 Q3

Driver side: inflator module

Recall 20V-027 · Jan 17, 2020 · 875,966 vehicles · 73,043 repaired

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Acura.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other RL year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RL median. How we score

'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 Acura RL safety ratings

2003 Acura 3.5 RL 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What RL owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
Complaint 11399697 · Mar 8, 2021
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH AND WAS TOLD TO PARK MY CAR. I DID FOR 9 MONTHS, FORCED TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. ACURA REFUSED TO PROVIDE A RENTAL. WE FILED A CLASS-ACTION SUIT. ACURA REQUIRED AN INSPECTION OF THE AIRBAGS/INFLATOR. I RECEIVED AN INVOICE I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND AND CALLED THE DEALER.…
Complaint 11398990 · Mar 3, 2021
2003 ACURA RL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT MAKE A REASONABLE ATTEMPT TO ASSIST WITH THE 500 MILE ROUND TRIP TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO LONGER AUTHORIZING LOCAL DEALERSHIPS TO COMPLETE…
Complaint 11375538 · Nov 19, 2020

Own a 2003 RL?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.