2005 Acura RL: doors won't lock, open or latch

6 of the 125 complaints about the 2005 Acura RL describe doors won't lock, open or latch.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 5%
typical mileage: 48,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Doors won't lock, open or latch by model year

2009
1
2008
1
2007
1
2006
1
2005
6
2004
2
2002
3
2000
1
1998
1
1996
1

What owners say

Filed Aug 29, 2021 · Electrical · PA · fire

Small electric fire in driver side door panel melted all the way through outside door handle . After this happened to me I looked through forums and this seems to be a common issue with this car and there has been no recall for this issue . Very unsafe

Filed Jan 15, 2017 · Electrical · 250,000 miles · OH

Door handle started smoking and will not let start GPS display screen does not work clock display does not work vsa light is on all the time car was stationary burnt outside door handle.

Filed Mar 7, 2015 · Body, Electrical · 25,790 miles · NC

When trying to use keyless access system when locking the 2005 acura rl I press the button on the door handle to lock the doors but it is not locking the car. The remote is in my pocket. The keyless access does let me unlock the door with the pull on the driver door handle. The problem is when trying to lock the vehicle with the driver door handle it will not lock the car. So now I have to just use the keyfob to lock the car with pressing the lock button on the remote. I have read and done all required to do what the manual says but it is still not working. I have just read a service bulletin saying that there is a problem with the door handles that weather like rain or moisture has gotten inside and damaged the door handle sensors.

Filed Sep 1, 2014 · Body · 40,000 miles · FL

I have been driving since 1980 and have had various vehicles from various manufacturers and I have never had a dashboard melt for any reason. I expected my car to have minor problems at 40,000 miles but melting was not one of them. The interior of my car is melting. Especially the glove compartment, the arm rest and the console. The glove compartment has melted and remain soft and sticky, to the point that anything coming into contact with the glove box leaves an impression or pock mar. The arm rest and center console have cracked and peeled. The drivers door handle came out in my hand as I was closing the door one day, that's when I realized it was made of 100 % plastic covered in vinyl. A car originally valued at $51k brand new and they install the cheapest door handle of any maker? They couldn't afford to put it together with screws, instead they glued it together. My glove compartment and dashboard is melting and sticky. It appears as though some type of glue had been poured on it. Yes you can ride in my car, but sit in you seat and don't touch the dashboard, it will stick to your hands. I complained to the acura dealer when the car was still under warranty and even now that I have purchased extended warranty, this is not covered. The rest of my car is in impeccable condition inside and out as I have taken care of it since the day I purchased it. However I am embarrassed for anyone to come inside the car and see the tattered condition it is in.

Filed Oct 27, 2012 · Body · 51,000 miles · NY

1st incident on february 25 2009 -door handle shorted out while vehicle was parked in garage. Replaced by dealer. 2nd incident on october 16,2012-door handle shorted out while vehicle was parked in garagefor 24-36 hours. We detected the smell of wires burning in the morning, but could not find the source. Later in the day the acura would not start. Nothing worked. Aaa got it started and I drove to acura dealer. Once again, the door handle shorted out. This recurring , and potentially dangerous , problem causes a safety risk. Particularly troubling due to the recent recall issue with some honda vehicles with a similar issue. Cost to owner--$503.

Filed Dec 2, 2009 · Electrical, Fuel system · 48,000 miles · MN

1) filling gas tank - repeat shut off at filling station immediately following incidence at filling station the nest day the following occurred to my vehicle: 2) remote keyless entry failure 3) navigation system failure 4) no heat or air conditioning $ 700 charge at dealer for them to replace: passenger side outer door handle for traced short to handle causing blown fuse which was (above listed ) resolved problems 2-4. $ 1700+ charge at dealer for them to replace fuel tank - problem unknown. Could there be a condition similar to mustang fuel tank problem in 2005,2006 & 2007 models? Condition may be due to the fuel tank vapor venting system inside the fuel tank, a heat-induced fuel vapor lock, or other gasoline fuel fill interruption situations.