CarBrief

NHTSA has 11 owner complaints for the 2004 Acura RL and lists no recalls for it[1][2]. EPA rates it at 18 MPG combined[3].

11owner complaints[1]
18MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on file for the 2004 RL[1]. One mentions a crash, 2 injuries are reported, and none mention a fire or a death[1]. These are owner reports and have not been verified.

The electrical system has the most complaints with 5, and none of them involve a crash, fire or injury[4]. In a sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe a few different things:

Air bags have 2 complaints, with 1 crash and 2 injuries[5]. In the two texts we read, one owner says the driver air bag did not deploy in a frontal crash while the passenger air bag did. The other describes an air bag warning light that was on[5]. Two complaints are too few to say how often this happens.

Steering has 2 complaints and no crashes, fires or injuries[6]. In the sample, one owner describes a power tilt and reach adjustment that stopped working. The other describes power steering fluid leaking from a line[6].

Five more groups have 1 complaint each: exterior lighting[7], equipment[8], engine[9], latches, locks and linkages[10], and electronic stability control[11]. One complaint is not a pattern.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2004 RL model year[2]. That is the count for this model year only.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2004 RL with the 3.5L 6-cylinder engine and an Automatic 4-spd transmission ... It uses premium fuel[3]., front-wheel drive, at 16 MPG city, 22 highway and 18 combined[3]. It uses premium fuel. EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $4,550[3].

Safety ratings

The 2004 RL has no NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating[12]. NHTSA lists it as not rated[12]. That means we cannot tell you how it did in crash tests.

Engine and size

The EPA listing is for a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine[3]. The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications for the 3.5 RL 4-door sedan[13], converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models[13].

Measure Value
Length[13] 197 in
Width[13] 72 in
Height[13] 55 in
Wheelbase[13] 115 in
Curb weight[13] 3,898 lb

How 2004 compares with other years

1996: 22 complaints, 2 recalls19961997: 19 complaints, 2 recalls1998: 11 complaints, 3 recalls19981999: 24 complaints, 2 recalls2000: 59 complaints, 4 recalls20002001: 12 complaints, 2 recalls2002: 43 complaints, 2 recalls20022003: 9 complaints, 1 recalls2004: 11 complaints, 0 recalls1120042005: 125 complaints, 11 recalls2006: 32 complaints, 8 recalls20062007: 20 complaints, 7 recalls2008: 13 complaints, 6 recalls20082009: 8 complaints, 6 recalls2010: 9 complaints, 7 recalls20102011: 3 complaints, 6 recalls2012: 1 complaints, 6 recalls2012
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each RL model year. The 2004 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1996222
1997192
1998113
1999242
2000594
2001122
2002432
200391
2004110
200512511
2006328
2007207
2008136
200986
201097
201136
201216

Among the Acura RL model years NHTSA lists, 2004 is the only one with 0 recalls[2]. 2003 has 1 recall and every other year has 2 or more[2].

Complaints are on the low side. The 2004 count of 11 matches 1998[2]. The 2004 count of 11 matches 1998[2]. Five years have fewer: 2003 (9), 2009 (8), 2010 (9), 2011 (3) and 2012 (1)[2]. The 2005 model year stands out with 125 complaints and 11 recalls, and 2000 has 59 complaints[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so read them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2004 RL?

The federal record for this model year is light, with 11 complaints and no recalls[1][2]. The 2005 model year has 125 complaints and 11 recalls[2]. The data is thin, though. There is no crash rating[12], and the one crash report on file involves an air bag that an owner says did not deploy[5]. Electrical complaints are the largest group, so check the lights, locks, key fob, battery and navigation before you buy[4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Acura RL?
Electrical complaints are the largest group, with 5 of the 11 on file[1][4]. Air bags and steering have 2 each[5][6].
Does the 2004 Acura RL have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2004 model year[2].
What gas mileage does the 2004 Acura RL get?
EPA rates it at 16 city, 22 highway and 18 combined MPG on premium fuel[3].
How safe is the 2004 Acura RL?
NHTSA lists it as not rated in its 5-Star program[12].
Is the 2004 the best year for the Acura RL?
It is the only year with 0 recalls, but 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2003 have fewer complaints[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Acura RL (1 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Acura RL model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for 3.5RL, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 2 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 1 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 1 complaints name the equipment component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 1 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 1 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3.5 RL 4DR SEDAN: length 197 in, width 72 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 115 in, curb weight 3,898 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.