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Acura · Known Issues

2010 Acura RL Problems: 1 Known Issue

2010 model year · 780+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 780+ owner reports, the 2010 Acura RL has 1 documented issue. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is SH-AWD Torque Transfer Unit / Rear Differential Clutch Noise with 780 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • RL Drivetrain1
  • Recalls8
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Drivetrain1
  • Recalls8
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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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

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 you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Honda Dual Pump Fluid II 08200-9007

    Verified repair fluid. Approved replacement: Honda Dual Pump Fluid II 08200-9007.

    eBay

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • 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

Research This Issue

Based on 780 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence780 owner reportsLast reported by owners Apr 2025Reviewed Mar 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: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.

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Other Acura Models

Acura Integra19Acura RDX17Acura TLX15Acura TL14Acura RSX14Acura MDX12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura RL problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 780+ owner reports, the 2010 Acura RL has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: SH-AWD Torque Transfer Unit / Rear Differential Clutch Noise. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Acura RL reliable?

The 2010 Acura RL has 1 known issue documented across 780+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. 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 $300 to $3,000, 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 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.

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.

Data sourced from 780+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #19V50000027/06/2019

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: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.