Most common 1996 Acura RL problems
Share of the 22 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura RL complaints by model year
Best RL years: 2012, 2003, 2011. Years to avoid: 2005, 2000, 2002, 2006. Compare all years →
1996 Acura RL recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
What 1996 Acura RL owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The window regulators on my 1996 Acura 3.5 RL are broken on the left and right rear windows. Before the regulators broke, the window would come up slowly and stop almost to the top. After a little while, I had to pull the window up the rest of the way.
Nar 1/15/2003. The left rear and right rear window regulator failed. The consumer stated he had used the window no more than 60 to 75 times since owning the vehicle and a window regulator should not fail in such a short period of time. The dealer did replace the right rear window regulator under warranty, which had since expired. The dealer was not willing to take any responsibility, even though they admitted the regulators were prone to failure.
Brakes
While pulling out of a parking space brakes failed, causing the consumer to strike a post. Dealer stated that this was a common problem with the brakes on this vehicle. Manufacturer did not agree.
When I first start my car, I hear a noise in the engine compartment at the fire wall. When the noise sounds for a 20 to 30 second period, the ABS light comes on and the ABS systems goes out. When the noise is short (5 second bursts of sound), the ABS system goes out after a mile or two drive. During the mile or two drive, I hear the same noise off and on until the ABS system eventually goes out. This first occurred on December 24, 2002.
Engine & cooling
When driving normally, the engine will completely die, as if the ignition had been turned off. The cose set in OBD ii indicated misfire on all cylinders. It starts again immediately, but does not always continue to run. This will happen numerous times per day, several days in a row, then not happen again for several days. The electrical system tests completely OK. Fuel pressure tests are OK too. Car is at goss' garage in seabrook, md, phone [phone].
When driving normally, the engine will completely die, as if the ignition had been turned off. The code set indicates misfire on all cylinders. Starts again immediately, but does not always continue to run. This will happen numerous times then not again for days. Electrical system tests OK, fuel pressure test OK, too.
1996 Acura RL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Acura RL a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 RL rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the RL at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Acura RL?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 5 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about power window devices and controls. Next are the brakes (5) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 1996 Acura RL have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Acura RL, the most recent from August 19, 1999 (automatic transmission). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura RL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2003 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2000, 2002 and 2006. See the full Acura RL years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Acura RL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 144,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.