Owners have filed 24 complaints
about the 2007 Acura RL with NHTSA between 2007 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 15 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Acura RL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 99
58% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2007 Acura RL
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
729.2%
Median failure at 120,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
312.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 72,000 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
28.3%
Median failure at 15,000 miles
Lights
28.3%
Median failure at 34,450 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
28.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 35,000 mi
Electrical System
28.3%
Median failure at 20,166 miles
Engine & Cooling
28.3%
Median failure at 150,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
14.2%
Median failure at 45 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
14.2%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Brakes
14.2%
Median failure at 332 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
14.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
325.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
18.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
541.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
18.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
18.3%
150,000+ miles
18.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2007peak 3Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2007 Acura RL
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2017009428,641 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 2016046269,201 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. Note: Honda Canada has created a special Airbag Inflator Hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: For Honda Owners: 1-877-445-7754 For Acura Owners: 1-877-445-9844
Recall 201036434,360 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a seal in the brake master cylinder may be susceptible to damage which can result in a leak if certain conditions exist. The polymer content affects the amount of lubrication the brake fluid provides to brake system components that are exposed to brake fluid. If the brake fluid is replaced with a low polymer brake fluid, and the brake fluid is subsequently subjected to a manual brake fluid bleeding procedure, as opposed to an automated brake bleed procedure, it is possible for the seal at the end of the brake master cylinder primary circuit to become twisted within its retention groove. If this seal becomes twisted, it can result in a leak of a small amount of brake fluid each time the brake pedal is applied. Should a leak occur, after some time the driver will be alerted by the illumination of the low brake fluid indicator light on the meter panel before any effect on braking performance results. If the driver continues to drive the vehicle without refilling the brake fluid reservoir, the vehicle will eventually exhibit a soft or spongy brake pedal feel, requiring more stroke to achieve equivalent braking force. Eventually, if this continues un-remedied, braking performance will be affected, and will finally result in a low pedal and a loss of one braking circuit. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder seal cup and the master power assembly if brake fluid has leaked.
Recall 20073871,172 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the power steering hose may deteriorate prematurely, causing the hose to crack and leak. Power steering fluid leakage onto a hot catalytic converter, will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire, causing property damage and/or personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will install an updated power steering hose.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
SAN Ramon, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My RL 2007 had battery fire incident on 3/19. Car started smoke and fire after 5 min parked outside restaruant. RL was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11732612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesCharlotte, NCCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CAR ACCELERATES SPONTANEOUSLY WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND CAR IS SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC OR TRAFFIC LIGHTS, DIFFICULT TO STOP FORWARD MOTION WITH BRAKE PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #10255196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesFullerton, CA1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE CAR LOST POWER AND ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY. ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN, AND WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. ON THE CENTRAL MONITOR DISPLAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ONE, EMISSION FAILURE LIGHT, AND SH-AWD (SUPER HANDLING ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM) FAILURE NOTICES. I DIDN'T WANT TO WAITING 3-5 HOURS FOR TOWING (EARLIES THAT ACURA CAN PROVIDE) IN 115 DEGREES HEAT, SO I KEPT ON TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. IT STARTED AFTER LIKE 30 ATTEMPTS, BUT THE ENTIRE CAR, INCLUDING INSIDE CABIN, SMELLED LIKE FUEL. DEALER IS SAYING IT'S THE FUEL PUMP, BUT CAN'T GUARANTEE.
NHTSA complaint #10234009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
SAN Ramon, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My RL 2007 had battery fire incident on 3/19. Car started smoke and fire after 5 min parked outside restaruant. RL was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11732612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalamazoo, MI
POWER TRAIN
SH-AWD will randomly come on and I’ll lose power suddenly as it switches from awd to front wheel drive. It can be scary especially if you are accelerating to get up to speed for the freeway or trying to take a quick left hand turn. The whole car shutters while the awd kicks off. It happens randomly, it has probably happened 15-20 I’ve the last few years
NHTSA complaint #11723509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE
At low speed while driving on a parking lot of a local supermarket. The Car surged without accelerator being pressed , causing an unintended acceleration that was dangerous to pedestrians. No check engine or other safety information was displayed.
NHTSA complaint #11713589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
OIL SHOT OUT THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO SHOOT OUT, AND THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE CAR TO STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE ESSENTIALLY DIED, CAUSING THE BRAKE, THE GAS, AND STEERING TO LOCK AND NOT WORK.CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HR TO 5 MILESW, VERY SCARY Summary ON Certain Passenger Vehicles, Prolonged High Under-Hood Temperatures MAY Cause THE Power Steering Hose TO Deteriorate Prematurely Causing THE Hose TO Crack and Leak Power Steering Fluid. Consequence Power Steering Fluid Leaking Onto A HOT Catalytic Converter Will Generate Smoke and Possibly Lead TO AN Under-Hood Fire.
NHTSA complaint #11487070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
OIL SHOT OUT THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO SHOOT OUT, AND THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE CAR TO STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE ESSENTIALLY DIED, CAUSING THE BRAKE, THE GAS, AND STEERING TO LOCK AND NOT WORK.CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HR TO 5 MILESW, VERY SCARY Summary ON Certain Passenger Vehicles, Prolonged High Under-Hood Temperatures MAY Cause THE Power Steering Hose TO Deteriorate Prematurely Causing THE Hose TO Crack and Leak Power Steering Fluid. Consequence Power Steering Fluid Leaking Onto A HOT Catalytic Converter Will Generate Smoke and Possibly Lead TO AN Under-Hood Fire.
NHTSA complaint #11487070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
OIL SHOT OUT THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO SHOOT OUT, AND THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE CAR TO STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE ESSENTIALLY DIED, CAUSING THE BRAKE, THE GAS, AND STEERING TO LOCK AND NOT WORK.CAR WENT FROM 65 MILES A HR TO 5 MILESW, VERY SCARY Summary ON Certain Passenger Vehicles, Prolonged High Under-Hood Temperatures MAY Cause THE Power Steering Hose TO Deteriorate Prematurely Causing THE Hose TO Crack and Leak Power Steering Fluid. Consequence Power Steering Fluid Leaking Onto A HOT Catalytic Converter Will Generate Smoke and Possibly Lead TO AN Under-Hood Fire.
NHTSA complaint #11487070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesLA, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DIGITAL DASH PULLS TOO MUCH VOLTAGE SO IT SHORTS OUT INTERMITTANTLY AND WORKS PROPERLY WHEN RESTARTED. NO CODES CONSISTENT BUT THE ONES PULLED WERE ALL LEVEL ONE ON THE HONDA ECM HIERARCHY IE: LOW OIL PRESSURE OR SIMILAR WARNING THEN BLACK DASH.
NHTSA complaint #11093437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA INFLATORS HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. 1ST NOTICE RECEIVED IN MARCH 2016. 2ND NOTICE JULY 2016. CONTACTED SONS ACURA IN MORROW, GA TO FACILITATE THE THE REPAIR PARTS STILL HAVE NOT ARRIVED. I AM THE TO DRIVE THE CAR. WHAT MUST I DO TO GET THIS REPAIR DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE?
NHTSA complaint #10934484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Myers, FL
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL: I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER (SCANLON ACURA) UPON RECEIPT OF NHTSA RECALL 16V-344. THIS WAS IN EARLY JULY 2016. I WAS TOLD WHEN THE PART CAME IN I WOULD BE CONTACTED. IT IS NOW EARLY SEPTEMBER 2016 AND I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. I FIND THIS DISTRESSING AS I DO NOT HAVE FULL FUNCTIONALLY OF MY VEHICLE AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THIS ISSUE WILL BE RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10903645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffton, IN
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10903050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, CT
AIR BAGS
NHTSA RECALL 16V-061 HELLO,I AM CONCERNED WITH THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALL.I WAS NOTIFIED IN MARCH OF 2016 ABOUT A RECALL THAT WOULD TAKE PLACE IN THE SUMMER OF 2016. TODAY IS AUGUST 14, 2016 AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY DOCUMENTATION IN REGARDS TO THIS MATTER. ALMOST 6 MONTHS HAVE PASSED AND NO AVAILABLE PARTS FOR THIS ISSUE. I AM NOT SURE IF I SHOULD DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURIES DOCUMENTED WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE.I AM ASKING FOR YOUR ADVICE AS TO WHETHER I SHOULD DRIVE IT OR NOT.I AM THINKING OF SELLING THIS VEHICLE BUT,WITH THIS CURRENT ISSUE I FEEL I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FIND A BUYER. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10895783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Novi, MI
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10893621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, MA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10863049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
ENGINE
HIGH LEVEL, ONE OF THE RODS THAT CONNECT TO THE ENGINE'S PISTONS SHOT OUT THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED ON THE FREEWAY, CAUSING ALL THE OIL TO SHOOT OUT, AND THE ENTIRE FUNCTION OF THE CAR TO STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE ESSENTIALLY DIED, CAUSING THE BRAKE, THE GAS, AND STEERING TO LOCK AND NOT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10819973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWilmington, DE
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 ACURA RL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 9/4/14
NHTSA complaint #10617625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesRichmond, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, THE DRIVERS WINDOW WILL NOT GO DOWN , YOU ARE LOCK IN FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10471484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesRichmond, TX
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, THE DRIVERS WINDOW WILL NOT GO DOWN , YOU ARE LOCK IN FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10471484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,500 milesBozeman, MT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2007 ACURA RL, 34,500 MILES, STARTING IN NOV. 2009 THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN I AM DRIVING. HAPPENED 5 TIMES SO FAR.. THE BULBS ARE FINE. HAD TO PULL OVER AND TURN LIGHTS ON AND OFF TO RESTART LIGHTS. I BELIEVE IT WAS RIGHT SIDE ONLY. NO REPAIRS MADE AT THIS TIME. CONTACTED DEALER, THEY SAID THEY HAVE HEARD OF SIMILAR HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS ON THE ACURA RL CARS.
NHTSA complaint #10313327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,400 milesBozeman, MT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I HAVE A 2007 ACURA RL, ON APPROX. NOV. 22, 2009 AND 3 TIMES IN TOTAL SO FAR THAT WEEK THE HEAD LIGHTS START FLICKERING FOR NO REASON WHEN I WENT OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THIS MADE IT VERY HARD TO DRIVE AND I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO BE SAFE AS IT WAS DARK OUT. THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS IN THE NORMAL ON POSITION [ NOT AUTO ]. I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY OTHERS ADVISED THEY DID! I AM GOING TO CONTACT ACURA AS SOON AS I CAN. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED PLEASE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, AS SOME PEOPLE ADVISED THEIR HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF COMPLETELY.
NHTSA complaint #10293770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesCharlotte, NCCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CAR ACCELERATES SPONTANEOUSLY WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AND CAR IS SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC OR TRAFFIC LIGHTS, DIFFICULT TO STOP FORWARD MOTION WITH BRAKE PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #10255196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesFullerton, CA1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE CAR LOST POWER AND ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY. ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN, AND WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. ON THE CENTRAL MONITOR DISPLAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ONE, EMISSION FAILURE LIGHT, AND SH-AWD (SUPER HANDLING ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM) FAILURE NOTICES. I DIDN'T WANT TO WAITING 3-5 HOURS FOR TOWING (EARLIES THAT ACURA CAN PROVIDE) IN 115 DEGREES HEAT, SO I KEPT ON TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. IT STARTED AFTER LIKE 30 ATTEMPTS, BUT THE ENTIRE CAR, INCLUDING INSIDE CABIN, SMELLED LIKE FUEL. DEALER IS SAYING IT'S THE FUEL PUMP, BUT CAN'T GUARANTEE.
NHTSA complaint #10234009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 332 milesOrlando, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THIS COMPLAINT HAS ALREADY BEEN FILED AS #10198855. I SEE NO WAY TO ADD OR EDIT THAT COMPLAINT BUT NEEDED TO PROVIDE A VIDEO OF THE PROBLEM. BELOW IS A URL TO THAT VIDEO AND THE ISSUE RESTATED; I HAVE A CONSUMER FRAUD COMPLAINT AGAINST HONDA MOTOR CORP ? ACURA DIVISION, WHICH I?D LIKE FOR YOU TO REVIEW. HONDA MOTORS - MAKERS OF THE ACURA RL -- ARE SELLING THIS VEHICLE WITH A SAFETY FEATURE CALLED THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM (CMBS). IT IS $3000+ ADD-ON FEATURE AND IS DESCRIBED ON THEIR WEBSITE AND IN SALES LITERATURE AS A THREE STAGE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM. FULL TEXT CAN BE FOUND ON THEIR WEBSITE HERE; HTTP://WWW.HONDANEWS.COM/CATEGORIES/755/RELEASES/3766 I READ THE DESCRIPTION AND HAD TO HAVE IT FOR MY NEW TEENAGE DRIVER. IT SOUNDED GREAT FOR YOUNG INATTENTIVE DRIVERS AND EVEN FOR MYSELF ON LONG BUSINESS TRIPS AT NIGHT. PROBLEM IS, IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE DESCRIBED. NOT EVEN CLOSE. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIRS BUT ACURA TECHNICIANS TOLD ME IT'S WORKING AS INTENDED. ACURA CORPORATE REPS HAVE CONFIRMED IT. WHEN I ARGUED THE DISCREPANCY WITH THE SALES AND TECHNICAL LITERATURE, THEY SIMPLY SAID I'M MISINTERPRETING IT. WATCH MY VIDEO ON YOUTUBE, READ THE HONDA LITERATURE, AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. HONDA IS PLAYING ON CONSUMERS FEARS AND OVERSTATING THIS FEATURE TO SELL CARS. THEY NEED TO BE EXPOSED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE. HTTP://YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=VRMQB9DNNDU
NHTSA complaint #10200360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 332 milesOrlando, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
THIS COMPLAINT HAS ALREADY BEEN FILED AS #10198855. I SEE NO WAY TO ADD OR EDIT THAT COMPLAINT BUT NEEDED TO PROVIDE A VIDEO OF THE PROBLEM. BELOW IS A URL TO THAT VIDEO AND THE ISSUE RESTATED; I HAVE A CONSUMER FRAUD COMPLAINT AGAINST HONDA MOTOR CORP ? ACURA DIVISION, WHICH I?D LIKE FOR YOU TO REVIEW. HONDA MOTORS - MAKERS OF THE ACURA RL -- ARE SELLING THIS VEHICLE WITH A SAFETY FEATURE CALLED THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM (CMBS). IT IS $3000+ ADD-ON FEATURE AND IS DESCRIBED ON THEIR WEBSITE AND IN SALES LITERATURE AS A THREE STAGE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM. FULL TEXT CAN BE FOUND ON THEIR WEBSITE HERE; HTTP://WWW.HONDANEWS.COM/CATEGORIES/755/RELEASES/3766 I READ THE DESCRIPTION AND HAD TO HAVE IT FOR MY NEW TEENAGE DRIVER. IT SOUNDED GREAT FOR YOUNG INATTENTIVE DRIVERS AND EVEN FOR MYSELF ON LONG BUSINESS TRIPS AT NIGHT. PROBLEM IS, IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE DESCRIBED. NOT EVEN CLOSE. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIRS BUT ACURA TECHNICIANS TOLD ME IT'S WORKING AS INTENDED. ACURA CORPORATE REPS HAVE CONFIRMED IT. WHEN I ARGUED THE DISCREPANCY WITH THE SALES AND TECHNICAL LITERATURE, THEY SIMPLY SAID I'M MISINTERPRETING IT. WATCH MY VIDEO ON YOUTUBE, READ THE HONDA LITERATURE, AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. HONDA IS PLAYING ON CONSUMERS FEARS AND OVERSTATING THIS FEATURE TO SELL CARS. THEY NEED TO BE EXPOSED AND HELD ACCOUNTABLE. HTTP://YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=VRMQB9DNNDU
NHTSA complaint #10200360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45 milesOrlando, FL
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
I OWN A 2007 ACURA RL WITH THE COLLISION MITIGATION BRAKING SYSTEM. I WAS INTRODUCED TO THIS FEATURE WITH MY FRIENDS 2006 RL SO I KNOW HOW IT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK. MY 07 DOES NOT FUNCTION THE SAME. THE SYSTEM DOES NOT ALERT ME OF POTENTIAL ACCIDENTS WITH SUFFICIENT WARNING LIKE THE 06. I EXPERIENCED A NEAR COLLISION IN JULY 07 AND THE SYSTEM NEVER EVEN WENT TO 'STAGE 1', LET ALONE STAGE 2 OR 3. I TESTED IT MYSELF (INTENTIONALLY) SEVERAL MORE TIMES BUT COULD NOT GET THE SYSTEM TO GO TO STAGE 1. THIS IS THE FIRST STAGE AND SHOULD BE EASY TO REACH. THEY HAVE CHECKED THE CAR BUT CONCLUDED THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I KNOW ONE OTHER PERSON WITH AN 07 AND HE HAS THE SAME COMPLAINT. I'M AFRAID SOMETHING MAY BE WRONG WITH ALL THE 07'S IF THEIR COMPUTERS DON'T DETECT ANYTHING. I HAVE GIVEN UP MY PERSONAL ATTEMPTS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT I HOPE THE NHTSA CAN FORCE ACURA TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND DETERMINE IF A RECALL IS NECESSARY. BY THE WAY, ACURA CORPORATE CONFIRMED FOR ME THEY MADE NO INTENTIONAL CHANGES TO THE SYSTEM BETWEEN 06 AND 07. A DESCRIPTION OF THIS FEATURE CAN BE FOUND NEAR THE END OF THIS SAFETY PAGE; HTTP://WWW.HONDANEWS.COM/CATEGORIES/755/RELEASES/3766.
NHTSA complaint #10198855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.