The 2009 Acura RL is Honda's flagship sedan with either a 3.5L or 3.7L V6, SH-AWD system, and a 5-speed automatic. While refined and loaded with tech, this generation suffers from catastrophic engine failures due to a VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) design flaw that starves cylinders of oil, plus transmission cooler leaks that can grenade the transmission if ignored.
VCM System Cylinder Deactivation Engine Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse), Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Misfires on cylinders 1, 4, or 6 (the ones that deactivate), Spark plugs fouled with carbon and oil, Eventually: catastrophic bearing failure, spun rod bearings, engine knock
Fix: The VCM system deactivates cylinders 1, 4, and 6 under light load, causing piston ring wear and oil control issues. Catch-can installation helps but doesn't reverse damage. Once oil consumption starts, you're looking at piston ring replacement (16-20 hours labor) if caught early, or full engine rebuild/replacement (25-35 hours) if bearings are damaged. Many owners opt for VCM disabler units ($300-500) on healthy engines as preventive measure.
Estimated cost: $4,500-9,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Internal Leak
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant contamination), Harsh shifting or slipping between gears, Transmission overheating warnings, Coolant level dropping with no visible external leaks, White residue on transmission dipstick
Fix: The transmission cooler inside the radiator develops internal leaks, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the transmission clutch packs within days if not caught immediately. Requires radiator replacement, full transmission fluid flush (or rebuild if contamination occurred), and all cooler lines inspected. If transmission was driven with contaminated fluid, add 18-22 hours for transmission rebuild. This is a check-immediately situation.
Estimated cost: $1,200-6,500
Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Recall notices from Acura (multiple campaigns), SRS light may or may not illuminate, No symptoms until deployment, when inflator can rupture and send metal shrapnel into cabin
Fix: This RL is covered under multiple Takata airbag recalls (6 campaigns documented for driver and passenger inflators). The propellant degrades over time, especially in humid climates, creating explosion risk during deployment. Dealers replace inflators free under recall, takes 2-3 hours. Check VIN at Acura recall site before purchase—some owners still haven't completed all recalls.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall repair)
Transmission Mounts Collapsing
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration felt through shifter and center console at idle, Excessive engine movement visible when revving in Park, Transmission hangs lower than normal when inspected on lift
Fix: The upper transmission mount (also called the torque mount) deteriorates and allows excessive drivetrain movement. More pronounced on SH-AWD models due to additional weight. Requires lifting engine/transmission slightly to access. Replace all three mounts (front, rear, and upper torque mount) at once—labor is 3-4 hours. OEM Honda mounts last longer than aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Active Damper System Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Ride becomes overly stiff or bouncy, Damper system warning light on dash, Different ride quality side-to-side, Clunking from strut tops over bumps
Fix: The RL's electronically controlled dampers (if equipped with Advance Package) leak fluid or the solenoid valves fail. Dampers aren't rebuildable—requires replacement with Acura OEM units ($800-1,200 each). Labor is 2.5-3 hours per corner. Many owners convert to conventional struts/shocks (Bilstein, KYoni) and live with the dash light, cutting costs significantly.
Estimated cost: $2,000-4,500
Fuel System Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle, especially when cold, Hesitation or stumble during acceleration, Reduced fuel economy (2-3 mpg drop), Engine misfires at startup that clear after warmup
Fix: While not true direct injection, the RL's intake design promotes carbon buildup on intake valves over time. Requires walnut blasting or manual scraping of intake ports with manifold removed. Labor-intensive: 5-6 hours to remove intake manifold, clean valves, replace gaskets, and reassemble. Should be combined with spark plug and throttle body service. Preventive: Italian tune-up (occasional highway pulls to redline) helps.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Owner tips
Check engine oil level every 500 miles—VCM engine oil consumption is your early warning system
Install a VCM Muzzler or VCMtuner device on any RL with under 100k miles to prevent cylinder deactivation damage
Inspect transmission fluid color every oil change—pink/milky means stop driving immediately
Verify all Takata airbag recalls completed before purchase (VIN lookup at owners.acura.com)
Use Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 fluid only—aftermarket 'equivalents' cause shift issues in the 5-speed auto
Budget $1,000/year for deferred maintenance on any RL over 100k miles
A luxurious sleeper with stellar SH-AWD handling, but the VCM engine time-bomb and transmission cooler issues make this a 'buy only with extensive service records' proposition—plan for a $5k-10k engine job at some point or walk away.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V500000
2019-06-27 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.
These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V501000
2019-06-27 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.
The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are E5D and X5C.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 18V041000
2018-01-09 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A."
Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010 Acura RL, 2010-2011 Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B."
If not included in zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
These vehicles are equipped with certain inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U0H, and G0I.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 17V029000
2017-01-10 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V344000
2016-05-23 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 16V061000
2016-02-03 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.
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