Model year guide

2001 Acura RL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 Acura RL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

2001 Acura RL at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints25

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

2001 Acura RL recalls 2

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V027000 · 17/01/2020

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…

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Ce…

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #02V119000 · 14/05/2002

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL CLEAN ANY EXCESS OIL FROM THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE THE STOP SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1…

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.

2001 Acura RL common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

2001 Acura RL trims & engines on record

Trims
3.5
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl 210 hp

2001 Acura RL vehicles on record

2001 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA96541C002135 2001 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA96501C000463 2001 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA96551C001530 2001 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA96671C001540

Other Acura RL model years

2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996

2001 Acura RL — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Acura RL have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2001 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 2001 Acura RL?

Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, power train, steering.

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