Anti-theft system ; locking system malfunctioning. Frequent alarms.
The worst 1996 Acura RL problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes5
- Visibility5
- Engine4
- Electrical3
- Transmission3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes5
- Visibility5
- Engine4
- Electrical3
- Transmission3
- Airbags2
- Body1
Recalls 2
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
- Risk
- The vehicle could lose power to the drive wheels without warning. Also, shifting the transmission into the park position would not lock the wheels, and a parked vehicle could move unexpectedly if the parking brake is not set.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.
Recall number 99V227000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Recall number 99V069000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Acura RL 69
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint
- Sending vehicle data to tech line.
- Navigation system information.
- Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- This bulletin updates the troubleshooting procedures for DTC P1456 (evap control system leakage [fuel tank...
- Acura: there are guidelines for various situations and procedures including: tire pressure valve stem...
- Speedometer shops CAN transfer odometer mileage
- Cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes
- Navigation system won't map match or gets lost
- Audio unit and navi anti-theft codes available on in
1996 Acura RL fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
What 1996 Acura RL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1996 acura rl. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v061000 (air bags); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* contact owns a 1996 acura rl. While driving 40 MPH, a strong burning odor was noticed coming from the front of the vehicle. The instrument panel lights dimmed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.
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 301‑577‑9200.
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.
Speedometer defective.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 acura 3.5rl. On october 22, 2007, the contact entered the vehicle and smelled smoke. She then heard a popping sound and noticed smoke coming from the dashboard. The odometer and speedometer lights were not illuminated. She was able to drive the vehicle to a mechanic and was informed that the circuit board burned out and needed to be replaced. The purchase date and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 125,500.
When I first start vehicle I hear a noise in the engine compartment near the firewall. The noise sounded for a 20 to 30 seconds, the ABS light came on and the ABS systems went out. When the noise was short the ABS system went out after a mile or two drive. During the mile or two drive. I heard the same noise off and on until the ABS system eventually went out. This first occurred on september 24, 2006.
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.
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.
Compare the 1996 Acura RL
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Questions about the 1996 Acura RL
Is the 1996 Acura RL reliable?
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 1996 Acura RL, 2.0 times a typical RL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Acura RL?
Brakes, with 5 complaints. Next is visibility (5).
How many recalls does the 1996 Acura RL have?
2 recalls, covering power train and suspension.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Acura RL get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Acura RL range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 23 highway.
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