Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Acura RL reliability
There have been some disappointments posted about the only "average" reliability of RL, according to the April Consumer Reports auto issue. TL and TSX, as well as all Lexus and Infiniti sedans, rate "much better than average" or "better than average". RL electrical and audio systems are below average, brakes and power equipment are just average, other systems above average. CR does recommend the RL overall.
I was planning to buy a 2007, maybe 2006 used, RL, but hesitated because of rumors about problems with the 2005 RL. I was hoping the problems would be fixed, so I could justify buying the expensive flagship model and holding it for many years with minimal repair problems - as was the case with our prior four Legends and three Integras.
I wrote Acura Customer Service about the above and got a call telling me Acura fixed all problems it was aware of, including by engineering changes. I challenged that, based on CR, but the rep refused any specific information, saying that was not for the public. I say, no help there.
So, should I accept average reliability in this supposedly premium flagship auto? I do like the looks and performance of RL. Or, should I look at Infiniti or Lexus now? I am reluctant to change makes after 20 years with Acura, but maybe it's time.
I will appreciate your comments.
I was planning to buy a 2007, maybe 2006 used, RL, but hesitated because of rumors about problems with the 2005 RL. I was hoping the problems would be fixed, so I could justify buying the expensive flagship model and holding it for many years with minimal repair problems - as was the case with our prior four Legends and three Integras.
I wrote Acura Customer Service about the above and got a call telling me Acura fixed all problems it was aware of, including by engineering changes. I challenged that, based on CR, but the rep refused any specific information, saying that was not for the public. I say, no help there.
So, should I accept average reliability in this supposedly premium flagship auto? I do like the looks and performance of RL. Or, should I look at Infiniti or Lexus now? I am reluctant to change makes after 20 years with Acura, but maybe it's time.
I will appreciate your comments.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Thanks for the comment. I'd like to see the favorable comments on the 2006, so please tell me where to find them.
For perspective, Lexus had 145 problems per 100 cars over three years, while Acura had 207 per 100; industry average was 216 per 100. Maybe not so earthshaking a difference.
But,this is more evidence that Acura quality control is slipping.
Does anyone know if a newer update is possible?
The only thing that makes sense to me is this scenario. You are requesting a 67 degree cabin. It is 55 degrees outside. If you use econ the computer might be smart enough to turn off the compressor somewhat and use outside air for the job. What else could it be?
The mechanic is attempting to claim innocence as his job was to just swap the engines which he did by dropping the engine and transmission out of the bottom of the car. The only thing that seemed strange to me was that he used the original old splined right side axil instead of using the axil that came with the new used engine. My thinking is that why wouldn’t he use the splined axil shaft that was already “worn in” with the replacement engine drive differential it came with? I’m wondering if the noise I was hearing was the meshing of the two dissimilar gears from two different engines and most likely from two different year cars.
My concern now is what froze up that caused the car to lock up the front wheels and what needs to be done to rectify the situation. The gearing I am talking about is located in the oil pan of the engine. Is that engine oil or are those gears in a separate compartment that is fed transmission oil? How about any metal filings that may have been created as a result of improper gear mesh? Ouch! I could be way off on my diagnosis what else could it be? Your advice or a post on the Acura forum is welcome. Love this car!
Regards,
JoeSax