Model year guide

1996 Acura RL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Acura RL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1996 Acura RL — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1996 Acura RL at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints24

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1996 Acura RL recalls 3

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E049000 · 24/05/2006

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #99V227000 · 19/08/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A TRANSMISSION CASE BOLT CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO DISENGAGE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #99V069000 · 10/05/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1996 Acura RL common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

1996 Acura RL trims & engines on record

Trims
3.5 Premium
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl 210 hp

1996 Acura RL vehicles on record

1996 Acura RL 1996 Acura RL 3.5 PremiumJH4KA9651TC000782

Other Acura RL model years

2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

1996 Acura RL — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Acura RL have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1996 Acura RL. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Acura RL?

Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, engine and engine cooling.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.