Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
Fault profile
Every federal complaint on this vehicle, grouped by component family.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The largest complaint clusters, with common replacement parts for each.
Lighting
50 complaints1 crash report
"THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE 2005 ACURA RL DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHT UNLESS THE HIGH BEAM IS ENGAGED WHICH YOU OFTEN CANNOT DO. *NM..."- from a federal complaint filed against this model
Common replacement parts
Headlight Assembly
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Headlight Bulbs
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Tail Light Assembly
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Air bags
36 complaints1 crash report
"2005 ACURA RL. CONSUMER REQUESTS AN UPDATE ON AVAILABILITY OF DEFECTIVE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT PARTS. *SMD RECALL # 16V344000 AND 16V061000.*JB..."- from a federal complaint filed against this model
Common replacement parts
No purchasable parts are linked for this system.
Electrical system
18 complaints1 fire report
"HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN FLICKERING HERE AND THERE, GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. NOW THE DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT GOES OUT AND COMES BACK ON OCCASIONALLY. *TR..."- from a federal complaint filed against this model
Common replacement parts
Engine Control Module
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Mass Air Flow Sensor
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MAP Sensor
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Recall campaigns
Recall repairs are performed free of charge at any franchised dealer.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19V501000 | Air Bags | 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, 2007-20 | Free at dealer |
| 19V500000 | Air Bags | 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 2 | Free at dealer |
| 17V029000 | Air Bags | 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 ve | Free at dealer |
| 16V344000 | Air Bags | 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 Ridgelin | Free at dealer |
| 16V061000 | Air Bags | 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 Acur | Free at dealer |
| 14V700000 | Air Bags | American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2005 Honda Civic, 2003-2004 Civic CNG and Element, 2002-2005 CR-V, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2005 Accord, Pilot, Civic Hybrid, and Acura MDX, 2005 Acura | Free at dealer |
| 14V353000 | Air Bags | American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and Element, and model year 200 | Free at dealer |
| 13V092000 | Traction Control System | Honda is recalling certain model year 2005 Pilot vehicles manufactured July 29, 2004, through August 29, 2005; model year 2005-2006 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured September 16, 2004, through September 22, 2005; and mode | Free at dealer |
| 10V504000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ODYSSEY AND ACURA RL VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS A LUBRICANT FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT | Free at dealer |
| 07V551000 | Steering | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PROLONGED HIGH UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY CAUSING THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID. | Free at dealer |
| 07V097000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, A COIL WIRE INSIDE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START. | Free at dealer |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 11 recall campaigns on file. Every one is a free repair at a franchised dealer, but only if it has been done; an unrepaired recall is a bargaining chip, not a deal-breaker.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where this vehicle fails. A history with repeated repairs in exactly those systems tells you the car had the problem; a history with none of them tells you it may not have been fixed yet.
Every part on this vehicle
Filtered to this vehicle's configuration. Each link opens a live eBay search.
Brakes
| Front Brake Pads | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Brake Pads | Rear discs; economy cars may use drums/shoes instead | Buy it now on eBay |
| Brake Shoes | Rear drum brake vehicles only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Front Brake Rotors | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Brake Rotors | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Drums | Rear drum brake vehicles only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Front Brake Caliper | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Brake Caliper | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Master Cylinder | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Booster | EVs use electronic boost; vacuum boosters are combustion-era | Buy it now on eBay |
| Brake Hose | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Hardware Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| ABS Control Module | ABS became widespread early 1990s; standard by 2012 | Buy it now on eBay |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Parking Brake Cable | Electronic parking brakes replace cables on most vehicles after ~2015 | Buy it now on eBay |
| Brake Proportioning Valve | Function absorbed by ABS/ESC modules on later vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Brake Fluid Reservoir | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Brake Pedal Pad | Mostly universal fitment | Buy it now on eBay |
Suspension
| Front Struts | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Shocks | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Strut Mount | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Coil Springs | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Leaf Springs | Trucks and older RWD vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Upper Control Arm | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Lower Control Arm | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Control Arm Bushings | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Ball Joint | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Sway Bar Links | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Sway Bar Bushings | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Sway Bar | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Front Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Trailing Arm | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Torsion Bar | Mostly trucks/SUVs of the 1980s-2000s | Buy it now on eBay |
| Air Suspension Compressor | Luxury/SUV trims only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Air Suspension Spring | Luxury/SUV trims only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Camber Alignment Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Coilover Kit | Aftermarket performance upgrade rather than OE replacement | Buy it now on eBay |
Steering
| Steering Rack and Pinion | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Power Steering Pump | Hydraulic PS phased out for electric ~2005-2015 | Buy it now on eBay |
| Power Steering Hose | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Power Steering Reservoir | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | EPS-equipped vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Inner Tie Rod | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Outer Tie Rod End | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Idler Arm | Recirculating-ball steering; mostly trucks | Buy it now on eBay |
| Pitman Arm | Recirculating-ball steering; mostly trucks | Buy it now on eBay |
| Steering Column | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Steering Wheel | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Clock Spring | Airbag-era vehicles; spiral cable behind wheel | Buy it now on eBay |
Engine
| Complete Engine Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Cylinder Head | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Head Gasket Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Valve Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Valve Cover Gasket | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Timing Belt Kit | Engine-specific: belt vs chain varies by engine not model year | Buy it now on eBay |
| Timing Chain Kit | Engine-specific: belt vs chain varies by engine not model year | Buy it now on eBay |
| Timing Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Camshaft | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Crankshaft | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Piston Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Connecting Rod | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Pan | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Pan Gasket | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Filter | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Cooler | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Engine Mount | EVs have motor mounts; keyword still works | Buy it now on eBay |
| Harmonic Balancer | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Flexplate | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Intake Manifold | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Intake Manifold Gasket | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Manifold | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Valve Springs | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rocker Arms | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Valve Lifters | Buy it now on eBay | |
| PCV Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Serpentine Belt | Pre-1985 vehicles often use multiple V-belts | Buy it now on eBay |
| Belt Tensioner | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Idler Pulley | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Turbocharger | Turbo-equipped engines only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Intercooler | Turbo-equipped engines only | Buy it now on eBay |
| Engine Splash Shield | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Engine Air Filter | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Air Intake Box | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Filler Cap | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Engine Oil Dipstick | Buy it now on eBay |
Engine Management
| Engine Control Module | Often VIN-programmed; note on page | Buy it now on eBay |
| Mass Air Flow Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| MAP Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Throttle Body | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Throttle Position Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Idle Air Control Valve | Replaced by electronic throttle control | Buy it now on eBay |
| Upstream Oxygen Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Downstream Oxygen Sensor | Post-cat sensor arrived with OBD-II in 1996 | Buy it now on eBay |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Oil Pressure Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Knock Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Camshaft Position Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Vehicle Speed Sensor | Buy it now on eBay |
Ignition
| Spark Plugs | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Spark Plug Wires | Coil-on-plug eliminated wires on most engines by mid-2000s | Buy it now on eBay |
| Ignition Coil | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Ignition Control Module | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Ignition Switch | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Ignition Lock Cylinder | Push-button start replaces the cylinder on most vehicles after ~2015 | Buy it now on eBay |
| Push Button Start Switch | Buy it now on eBay |
Cooling
| Radiator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Radiator Cap | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Radiator Cooling Fan | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fan Clutch | Mechanical fans; mostly RWD trucks | Buy it now on eBay |
| Water Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Thermostat | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Thermostat Housing | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Upper Radiator Hose | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Lower Radiator Hose | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Heater Hose | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Heater Core | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Coolant Reservoir | EVs have coolant loops for battery/electronics | Buy it now on eBay |
| Radiator Support | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Oil Cooler | Buy it now on eBay |
Fuel System
| Fuel Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Pump Module Assembly | In-tank module with sender | Buy it now on eBay |
| Fuel Filter | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Injectors | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Rail | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Tank | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Gas Cap | Capless fillers on many vehicles after ~2010 | Buy it now on eBay |
| Fuel Filler Neck | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Pressure Regulator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuel Level Sending Unit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| EVAP Purge Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| EVAP Charcoal Canister | Buy it now on eBay |
Exhaust
| Catalytic Converter | eBay requires EPA-compliant units; CARB-only rules for CA/NY/CO vehicles - flag on page | Buy it now on eBay |
| Muffler | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Resonator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Pipe | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Flex Pipe | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Gasket Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Hanger | Largely universal rubber hangers | Buy it now on eBay |
| Exhaust Heat Shield | Buy it now on eBay | |
| EGR Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Secondary Air Injection Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exhaust Tip | Accessory; sized by pipe diameter not vehicle | Buy it now on eBay |
Drivetrain
| Automatic Transmission Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Torque Converter | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Rebuild Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Mount | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Oil Pan | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Filter Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Shift Solenoid | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transmission Control Module | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Shifter Cable | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Shift Knob | Mostly universal threads | Buy it now on eBay |
| Front CV Axle | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear CV Axle | AWD/RWD independent-rear vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| CV Boot Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Driveshaft | RWD/AWD vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Universal Joint | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Differential Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Differential Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Transfer Case | 4WD/AWD vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Axle Shaft | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Wheel Studs | Buy it now on eBay |
Electrical
| Car Battery | 12V battery; group size specific | Buy it now on eBay |
| Battery Cable | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Battery Tray | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Alternator | Hybrids/EVs use DC-DC converters instead | Buy it now on eBay |
| Starter Motor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fuse Box | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Relay | Standardized ISO relays | Buy it now on eBay |
| Engine Wiring Harness | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Body Control Module | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Instrument Cluster | Mileage-programmed; note on page | Buy it now on eBay |
| Horn | Largely universal | Buy it now on eBay |
| Power Window Motor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Power Window Switch | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Lock Actuator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Key Fob Remote | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Parking Assist Sensor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| 12V Power Outlet | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Ground Strap | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Trailer Wiring Harness | Buy it now on eBay |
HVAC
| AC Compressor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Condenser | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Evaporator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Expansion Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Receiver Drier | Buy it now on eBay | |
| AC Hose Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Blower Motor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Blower Motor Resistor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Heater Control Valve | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Climate Control Module | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Cabin Air Filter | Rare before late 1990s | Buy it now on eBay |
| AC Pressure Switch | Buy it now on eBay |
Lighting
| Headlight Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Headlight Bulbs | Bulb size specific; model keyword still standard search | Buy it now on eBay |
| Tail Light Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Fog Light Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Turn Signal Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Side Marker Light | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Third Brake Light | Mandatory on US cars from 1986 | Buy it now on eBay |
| License Plate Light | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Dome Light Assembly | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Headlight Switch | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Dimmer Switch | Buy it now on eBay |
Body
| Hood | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Front Fender | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Front Bumper Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Bumper Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Bumper Reinforcement Bar | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Grille | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Side Mirror | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Mirror Glass | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Exterior Door Handle | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Hinge | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Hood Latch | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Hood Lift Struts | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Trunk Lid | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Liftgate | SUVs/hatchbacks | Buy it now on eBay |
| Liftgate Struts | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Tailgate | Pickups | Buy it now on eBay |
| Tailgate Handle | Pickups | Buy it now on eBay |
| Fender Liner | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Mud Flaps | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Running Boards | Trucks/SUVs | Buy it now on eBay |
| Roof Rack Cross Bars | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rear Spoiler | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Emblem Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Antenna | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rocker Panel | Rust repair staple for older vehicles | Buy it now on eBay |
| Quarter Panel | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Cowl Panel Grille | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Weatherstrip Seal | Buy it now on eBay |
Glass
| Windshield | Freight-heavy; local install more common but glass sells on eBay | Buy it now on eBay |
| Rear Window Glass | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Window Glass | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Window Regulator | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Wiper Blades | Size-specific but model search is the standard pattern | Buy it now on eBay |
| Wiper Arm | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Windshield Wiper Motor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Windshield Washer Pump | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Washer Fluid Reservoir | Buy it now on eBay |
Interior
| Front Seat | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Seat Cover Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Seat Belt | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Seat Belt Buckle | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Floor Mats | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Carpet Set | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Dashboard | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Dash Cover | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Glove Box | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Center Console | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Console Lid Armrest | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Door Panel | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Headliner | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Sun Visor | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Rearview Mirror | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Radio Head Unit | OE replacement; aftermarket DIN units are their own world | Buy it now on eBay |
| Car Speakers | Sized by diameter more than vehicle | Buy it now on eBay |
| Steering Wheel Cover | Universal sizing | Buy it now on eBay |
Wheels
| Wheel Rim | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Hubcaps | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Wheel Center Caps | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Valve Stems | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Spare Tire Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Jack Kit | Buy it now on eBay | |
| Lug Nuts | Thread/seat specific | Buy it now on eBay |
| Wheel Spacers | Bolt-pattern specific | Buy it now on eBay |
| Tires | Searched by tire size not vehicle; link the size from vehicle specs | Buy it now on eBay |