1999 Acura RL problems
The 1999 Acura RL has 26 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (35%) concerns air bags. Next are wipers, windshield & visibility (15%) and seat belts (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 26 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Air bags 35% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 81,000 miles 17 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 17 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 81,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a fire; 2 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1999 ranks 6th most-complained-about out of 6 model years of the Acura RL with enough data (6 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
While feeding the fuel tank flames came out of fuel tank.consumer fast recaped the tank, and fire was put out. Consumer does not feel safe in vehicle.
99 3.5 rl rear view mirror leaking toxic material. Caused sickness. After contacting acura, they have refused to acknowledge problem. Their solution was to remove the rear view mirror (because of health issues) only. Therefore, I would not have a rear view mirror, which would attribute to a potential safety hazard while driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 acura rl. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, a gritty liquid began to secrete from the rear view mirror. The liquid splattered on the instrument panel, steering wheel and the front seats and began to disintegrate the leather where it was not wiped away. The liquid also caused irritation to the contact's skin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 144,000.
Dt*: the contact stated upon placing the key in the ignition, the airbag warning light illuminated and remained on. The contact referred to the owner's manual which indicated if the airbag warning light was illuminated, it was inoperative. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who determined the supplemental front airbags failed, and the buckle assembly for the right front passenger seat belt needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted.
SRS light illumimated. Took to acura dealer, stated opds sensor and/or opds unit failure. $1200-$1600 to replace 1 or 2 units. Airbags will not deploy in event of impact. This is totally a safety issue and should be covered by the manufacturer.