1996-2012 Acura RL Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1996-2012 Acura RL Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 3 Known Issues

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On the 1996-1999 Acura RL 3.5L V6 C35A, the first-gen RL's 3.5L C35A V6 is part of the Honda C-series V6 family, which is widely documented as interference design (valves and pistons share rotational space, separated only by timing belt synchronization). The published timing belt interval is 105,000 miles or 84 months per the maintenance schedule. The hydraulic timing belt tensioner on this generation has been reported by independent shops as a known failure point: the internal oil seal leaks, the tensioner loses pressure, the belt can jump a tooth or two, and valves can hit pistons. Multiple sources caution that aftermarket tensioners have a worse failure rate than OEM Honda or Aisin — pay for the OEM-equivalent kit. Note: belt replacement intervals are sometimes quoted as shorter (90,000 mi) by independent shops as a conservative buffer, but the manufacturer-published interval per Acura is 105k/84 months for this engine family.

Common Symptoms

Squealing or rattling from front of engine (tensioner bearing or pulley)
Coolant leak from timing cover (water pump weep)
Oil pooling at base of timing cover (failed crank seal)
Engine cranks but doesn't start after belt jumps a tooth
Loud metallic clatter on cranking (valves striking pistons after belt failure)

How to Fix

Replace the timing belt + hydraulic tensioner + water pump + all front seals + idler pulley as a complete kit. Aisin sells a TKH-022 complete kit covering all of these for ~$200-300 — vs $1,200-1,800 in labor at an independent shop. Insist on the OEM Honda OR Aisin tensioner specifically — cheap aftermarket tensioners are the #1 cause of premature post-replacement failures on this engine. Total at indie shop: $1,400-2,000. Dealer: $2,000-2,800. Never use a generic 'timing belt only' service — replacing the belt without the water pump or tensioner is a guarantee of a second teardown within 30,000 miles.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeAisin TKH-022 complete kit (belt + water pump + tensioner + all front seals + idler) — $200-300. The OEM-grade option that doesn't fail like cheap aftermarket kits do. (Aisin Acura RL C35A Timing Belt Complete Kit)
View on Amazon
NoteAftermarket tensioners (Continental, Dayco, no-name imports) have higher failure rates than Aisin or OEM Honda on the C35A. Pay the extra $40 — the labor cost dwarfs the parts price.
TipNever accept a 'just the belt' service quote. Replacing the belt without the water pump or tensioner is a 30,000-mile-deferred second teardown. Do it all once.

Typical repair cost:$1,400 - $2,800

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Manually Verified

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed May 2026

Community Reported

780 owners

On the 2005-2012 Acura RL, the 2nd-gen RL's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive uses a torque transfer unit (TTU) at the transaxle output plus a rear differential containing electromagnetic clutch packs for variable side-to-side torque distribution. With age and fluid breakdown, both can develop a low-speed grinding or moaning noise — most often the rear unit's electromagnetic clutches when SH-AWD fluid is contaminated or below spec.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Kia Sorento, Alfa Romeo Giulia

Common Symptoms

Grinding noise from rear during turns
Whining that increases with speed
AWD system warning light illumination
Clunking from rear during parking maneuvers
Reduced traction in slippery conditions

How to Fix

Drain and refill the rear differential with Honda Dual Pump II fluid — do NOT use conventional gear oil. If noise persists after fluid change, the rear differential unit needs rebuilding with new clutch packs. Replace the electromagnetic actuators if they are not engaging properly. Regular fluid changes every 30,000 miles prevent premature clutch pack wear.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 780+ owners who fixed this issue

TipChange the rear diff fluid to Honda Dual Pump II every 30,000 miles — this is the single most neglected maintenance item on the RL and the most common cause of SH-AWD noise. Most independent shops use the wrong fluid which accelerates clutch pack wear.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $3,000

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Community Reported

High Confidence780 reportsLast reported by owners Apr 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 1996-2004 Acura RL 3.5L V6 C35A, like every C-series V6 Honda used in the 1990s and 2000s (Legend, NSX, CL, TL, RL all share the family), the RL's 3.5L C35A V6 has a distributor mounted at the back of the head and driven directly off the camshaft. Inside the distributor housing, an oil seal isolates the cam-driven shaft from the cap/rotor/electrical assembly above. By 100,000 miles the seal hardens, oil pressure forces engine oil past the shaft, and the cap fills with oil. Result: misfires (typically P0300 random plus individual cylinder codes P0301-P0306 since this is a V6), rough idle, hesitation. RepairPal explicitly lists distributor O-rings as one of the most common Acura RL oil leak points. The figure-8 oil cooler seal and oil filter housing gasket are the other two common leaks on this engine — diagnose carefully before assuming distributor. The C35A engine remained in the first-gen RL through the entire 1996-2004 production run, so this issue affects all years.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Encore

Common Symptoms

Oil pooling inside the distributor cap when removed
Engine misfires, especially under load or after warm-up
Check engine light with P0300 random misfire or P0301-P0306 single-cylinder
Rough idle that smooths out with throttle
Visible oil at the rear of the engine, dripping down the back of the block

How to Fix

There is no replaceable seal inside the distributor — the seal is between the rotating shaft and the bearing inside the cast housing. The only fix is replacing the whole distributor assembly. OEM Honda runs $400-700; Cardone remanufactured runs $150-250. While the distributor is out, also replace the distributor cap, rotor, and ignition wires — they're cheap and you're already at the parts. Inspect the cap and rotor on the old unit for oil contamination to confirm distributor was the source. If you also see leaks elsewhere (figure-8 cooler seal, oil filter housing), address those at the same time — they share access path. Total job: 2-3 hours independent shop.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeCardone remanufactured distributor — $150-250, common Honda V6 fitment. OEM Honda is 2-3x the price and lasts about 50% longer. (Cardone Acura RL Distributor (remanufactured))
View on Amazon
TipReplace cap + rotor + ignition wires at the same time as the distributor. You're already there. Saves a future labor cycle.
NoteDon't assume distributor without inspection. RepairPal also lists the oil cooler 'figure-8' O-ring and oil filter housing gasket as common RL leaks. Pull the cap and check for oil before buying the distributor.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $700

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Manually Verified

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed May 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls8 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the 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. Lastly, if not included above, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2011 Honda Element, 2010-2012 Acura RL and 2010-2013 Ridgeline vehicles 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 air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V66200027/09/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #19V50100027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #19V50000027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of 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, Honda is recalling certain 2010 Acura RL, 2010-2011 Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of 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." If not included in zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of 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 or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V04100009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #17V02900010/01/2017

+ 3 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura RL problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 780+ owner reports, the 1996-2012 Acura RL has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine, SH-AWD Torque Transfer Unit / Rear Differential Clutch Noise, Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0304) on 3.5L C35A. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura RL reliable?

The 1996-2012 Acura RL has 3 known issues documented across 780+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura RL problems?

Repair costs for known Acura RL issues range from $150 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine, typically costs $1,400-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Acura RL is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Acura RL. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1996-2012 Acura RL with 3 documented issues documented across 780+ owner reports.

What is the 1996-1999 Acura RL Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine?

The first-gen RL's 3.5L C35A V6 is part of the Honda C-series V6 family, which is widely documented as interference design (valves and pistons share rotational space, separated only by timing belt synchronization). The published timing belt interval is 105,000 miles or 84 months… Repairs typically run $1,400-$2,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2012 Acura RL SH-AWD Torque Transfer Unit / Rear Differential Clutch Noise?

The 2nd-gen RL's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive uses a torque transfer unit (TTU) at the transaxle output plus a rear differential containing electromagnetic clutch packs for variable side-to-side torque distribution. With age and fluid breakdown, both can develop a low-speed gri… Repairs typically run $300-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 1996-2004 Acura RL Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0304) on 3.5L C35A?

Like every C-series V6 Honda used in the 1990s and 2000s (Legend, NSX, CL, TL, RL all share the family), the RL's 3.5L C35A V6 has a distributor mounted at the back of the head and driven directly off the camshaft. Inside the distributor housing, an oil seal isolates the cam-driv… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.

1996-2012 Acura RL Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

1996-1999 Acura RL: Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2005-2012 Acura RL: SH-AWD Torque Transfer Unit / Rear Differential Clutch Noise#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

1996-2004 Acura RL: Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0304) on 3.5L C35A#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Acura Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura RL problems?

Is the Acura RL reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Acura RL problems?

What year Acura RL is the most reliable?

What is the 1996-1999 Acura RL Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine?

What is the 2005-2012 Acura RL SH-AWD Torque Transfer Unit / Rear Differential Clutch Noise?

What is the 1996-2004 Acura RL Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0304) on 3.5L C35A?