The 2011 Acura RL is Honda's flagship sedan with available SH-AWD, powered by a 3.7L V6. While well-equipped and smooth-driving, 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 and the Takata airbag crisis.
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse), Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0306), Knocking or ticking noise from engine, especially cold start, Sudden loss of compression in one or more cylinders
Fix: The VCM system deactivates cylinders 1, 4, and 6 under light load, causing oil control ring fouling and eventual piston scuffing. Requires engine rebuild with updated pistons/rings or short block replacement. Labor 18-25 hours for full rebuild, 12-16 hours for short block swap. Many owners disable VCM with aftermarket tuning to prevent recurrence.
Estimated cost: $5,500-9,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink fluid puddle under vehicle (ATF mixing with coolant), Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Engine overheating or transmission overheating warnings, Milky pink transmission fluid or strawberry milkshake-colored coolant
Fix: Internal transmission cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix—this destroys the transmission within days if driven. Requires new radiator, complete transmission flush (sometimes replacement if contamination is severe), and all cooler lines. Labor 6-10 hours depending on transmission damage. Preventive radiator replacement recommended at 100k mi.
Estimated cost: $1,800-6,500
Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk
Common · high severity
Symptoms: NHTSA recall notices (multiple campaigns), SRS airbag light may or may not illuminate, No symptoms until deployment, when inflator can explode and send metal shrapnel into cabin
Fix: Critical safety recall affecting driver and passenger airbags. Inflators degrade over time (especially in humid climates) and can rupture violently during deployment. Replacement is FREE at any Acura dealer—do not skip this. Takes 2-3 hours per side. Check NHTSA.gov/recalls with VIN before purchasing any used RL.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall repair)
Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, especially with AC on, Visible engine movement when accelerating or braking, Drivetrain noise over bumps
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount deteriorates, allowing excessive powertrain movement. Common on all J35/J37 Hondas/Acuras of this era. Replacement requires supporting the engine and transmission. Labor 2-3 hours. OEM mount strongly recommended over aftermarket—cheaper mounts fail within a year.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Power Steering Pump Whine and Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or groaning noise when turning, especially when cold, Stiff or heavy steering, intermittent or constant, Power steering fluid leak from pump or high-pressure line, Squealing on startup
Fix: Hydraulic power steering pump develops internal wear, causing noise and eventual failure. High-pressure hose connections also weep. Requires pump replacement and sometimes rack replacement if contamination has occurred. Labor 3-4 hours for pump, 6-8 hours if rack is involved. Flush system thoroughly to prevent repeat failure.
Estimated cost: $800-2,200
SH-AWD Rear Differential and Transfer Case Fluid Neglect
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or humming from rear axle, speed-dependent, Clunking when turning or accelerating, SH-AWD warning light, Vibration during acceleration
Fix: SH-AWD models have rear differential and transfer case that require Honda Dual Pump Fluid (DPS-F) every 30,000 mi—most owners skip this. Leads to bearing and clutch pack wear. Fluid change is 1.5 hours labor preventively; if damage has occurred, rear diff rebuild or replacement is 8-12 hours. This is NOT a Toyota—fluid service is critical.
Symptoms: Navigation screen freezes or goes black, GPS shows incorrect location or won't acquire signal, No audio from radio or backup camera, Climate control interface unresponsive
Fix: Integrated navigation and tech interface unit fails due to age and software corruption. Updates are no longer available from Acura for 2011 maps. Replacement with used/refurbished unit is typical solution. Labor 2-3 hours for dash disassembly and module swap. Aftermarket Android head units are popular upgrades.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
Owner tips
Check engine oil level every 500 miles—VCM engines burn oil by design, and running low accelerates failure
Disable VCM with a VCMuzzler or ECU tune immediately after purchase to prevent piston damage
Inspect radiator and transmission cooler lines yearly; replace radiator proactively at 100k mi to avoid catastrophic trans contamination
SH-AWD models: change rear diff and transfer case fluid every 30k mi with Honda DPS-F—not negotiable
Verify all Takata airbag recalls completed before purchase; use NHTSA VIN lookup
Use Honda/Acura 0W-20 synthetic oil and OEM filters—this engine is sensitive to oil quality
Avoid unless VCM has been disabled and you can verify religious fluid maintenance—engine failure risk and trans cooler issue make this a minefield for uninformed buyers.
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: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 · 18V662000
2018-09-27 · EA15001
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the 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.
Lastly, if not included above, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2011 Honda Element, 2010-2012 Acura RL and 2010-2013 Ridgeline vehicles 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 air bag 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 November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are H2H and S2I.
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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