The 2012 Acura RL is Honda's flagship sedan with SH-AWD and generally solid build quality, but suffers from catastrophic transmission cooler failures and a widespread engine piston/ring defect (VCM cylinder deactivation system) that can grenade the motor if ignored.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Leading to Transmission Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Milky/strawberry-colored transmission fluid indicating coolant cross-contamination, Check engine light with transmission-related codes, Overheating transmission or engine coolant loss
Fix: The internal transmission oil cooler (inside the radiator) leaks, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the transmission. Fix requires replacing radiator, flushing entire cooling system, replacing transmission fluid cooler lines, and often a complete transmission rebuild or replacement. 12-18 labor hours if transmission needs rebuilding.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
VCM Piston Ring Failure and Cylinder Scoring (Variable Cylinder Management Defect)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-1000 miles), Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Misfires on cylinders 1, 4, or 6 (the VCM-disabled cylinders), Rough idle and loss of power, Spark plugs fouled with oil
Fix: The VCM system causes uneven wear on cylinders that deactivate, leading to piston ring collapse and cylinder wall scoring. Requires engine rebuild with new pistons, rings, honing/boring cylinders, and often new head gaskets. Some techs install VCM disable devices preventively. Complete rebuild is 25-35 labor hours; short block replacement is 20-28 hours.
Symptoms: NHTSA recall notice received by owner, SRS airbag light may or may not be illuminated, No drivability symptoms but inflator can explode during deployment
Fix: Both driver and passenger Takata inflators are subject to recall due to explosive rupture risk that can send shrapnel into cabin. Replacement is free at Acura dealers. Verify recall completion before purchase—many used RLs still have unfixed inflators. 1-2 hours dealer labor, covered under recall.
Estimated cost: $0
Transmission Mount Failure (Especially Rear Mount)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in Drive, Visible engine/transmission movement when revving in Park, Harsh engagement into gear
Fix: The rear transmission mount (also called torque mount) deteriorates and allows excessive drivetrain movement. This is exacerbated by the SH-AWD system weight. Replace all engine/trans mounts as a set for best results. 3-4 labor hours for rear mount alone, 6-8 hours for all mounts.
Estimated cost: $600-1,400
SH-AWD Rear Differential Fluid Contamination and Bearing Wear
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or humming from rear axle that increases with speed, Vibration during acceleration, SH-AWD warning light in some cases, Clunking from rear during tight turns
Fix: The rear differential in the SH-AWD system runs hot and requires 30k mile fluid changes (often skipped). Bearings wear, and metal contamination accelerates failure. Repair requires rear diff rebuild or replacement unit. 8-12 labor hours including axle removal.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Power Steering Pump and Rack Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Power steering fluid leaking onto driveway (usually from high-pressure hose or pump), Groaning or whining noise when turning at low speed, Heavy steering effort when cold, Low fluid warnings or steering lamp
Fix: High-pressure power steering hoses crack and leak; pump seals also fail. Rack leaks less common but expensive. Pump replacement is 2-3 hours; rack is 6-8 hours and requires alignment.
Estimated cost: $700-2,500
Owner tips
Install a VCM disable device (VCMuzzler or similar) if engine still healthy—prevents piston ring failure
Change rear differential fluid every 30k miles religiously—SH-AWD runs hot
Inspect transmission fluid color every oil change; any pink/milky tint means immediate cooler replacement to save the transmission
Verify Takata airbag recall completion before purchase—dealership records required
Use Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 fluid only in the transmission; aftermarket fluids cause shift issues
Avoid unless the engine has confirmed VCM delete and transmission cooler has been preemptively replaced—otherwise you're gambling on two $5k+ grenades; SH-AWD is great but maintenance-sensitive.
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.
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2012 Acura RL
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
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 · 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: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.
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.