2003 Acura RL Problems: 2 Known Issues
2003 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Acura RL has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Recall 20V027000: Moisture-Absorbing NADI Inflator in Replacement Driver Air Bags. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $700. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 2 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY HAVE INTERNAL CORROSION, RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Acura RL problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003 Acura RL has 2 documented issues. Documented issues include: Recall 20V027000: Moisture-Absorbing NADI Inflator in Replacement Driver Air Bags, Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0306) on 3.5L C35A. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Acura RL reliable?
The 2003 Acura RL has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Recall 20V027000: Moisture-Absorbing NADI Inflator in Replacement Driver Air Bags. 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 $700, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2000-2003 Acura RL Recall 20V027000: Moisture-Absorbing NADI Inflator in Replacement Driver Air Bags?
The 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL is one of the vehicles named in NHTSA recall 20V027000. The problem is not the air bag the RL left the factory with — it is a replacement driver frontal air bag module that some of these sedans received during a past vehicle repair. Honda reports a manuf… Severity: high.
What is the 1996-2004 Acura RL Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0306) on 3.5L C35A?
Like other Honda C-series V6 engines (Legend, NSX, 1996-1998 3.2TL and RL 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 fro… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.