The 2006 Acura RL was built around a single powertrain — the 3.5L 3471cc SOHC V6 — in one trim, the Base Sedan 4-Door. This factory service and repair manual is matched to that exact year, engine and trim, so the specifications and sequences are the ones that apply to your car.
Engines
- 3.5L V6 — 3471cc (212 cu in), SOHC, naturally aspirated, gas
Trims
- Base Sedan 4-Door
Known issues on the 2006 Acura RL. Six recalls are on federal record for this model year: two driver-side frontal air bag inflator modules, one where an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants and one where, in a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture; three passenger-side frontal air bag inflator modules, one where an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants and two where an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants; and one hydraulic brake master cylinder recall, where a leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and, over time, a degradation in braking. Owners have filed 39 complaints and Acura has issued 55 technical service bulletins for the year. This manual carries the factory diagnostic and repair procedures behind each of those systems.
Whether you are chasing a supplemental restraint fault, working through a brake hydraulic repair, or servicing the 3.5L V6, it keeps you on the OEM procedure and the correct specification for your specific 2006 RL.
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
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 F
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
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 DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
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.
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEAT RESISTANT POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 800-382-2238.
Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.
Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Driver's Airbag Inflator for 2013-14 ILX Hybrid and Other Listed Years and Models.
Service News - The navigation clock and date are incorrect. This is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in rollover of internal chip memory. The rollover occurred on January 1, 2022 at 12:00AM local time
Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement d
Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement d
ServiceNews Article - The clock shows the incorrect time. This issue is due to a limited GPS receiver capacity resulting in "rollover" of the internal chip memory; the "rollover" will occur on January 1, 2022, at 12:00AM local time. As a re
Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement f
Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement d
Showing the 8 most recent of 79 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA RL. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED ON WATER, CRASHED INTO A RAIL, AND THEN WAS STRUCK BY A SEMI-TRACTOR TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CHECK AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, BUT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL ONLY DEPLOY IF THE DRIVER WAS IN GREAT DANGER. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE
ON 4 OCCASIONS SINCE BUYING CAR IN 2006 REPORTED THAT INTERMITTENTLY CAR LURCHED FORWARD WHEN LIFTING FOOT OFF BRAKE. DEALERSHIP FOUND NO DEFECTS ON 4 SEPARATE CHECKS. AUG 13HAD THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION' OCCUR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. TOTALLED CAR,DAMAGED 4 OTHERS. *TR
2006 ACURA RL WAS EASTBOUND, WHEN ITS RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONSUMER SLID OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY STRIKING A GUARDRAIL. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0676-91) *JB
IN 2008 I BOUGHT A 2006 ACURA RL THAT AFTER 8 MONTHS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IS PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE FIRE INSPECTOR DEEMED ELECTRICAL DUE TO FAULTY ELECTRIC IN DOOR CHANNEL OVERHEAD. I SUBSEQUENTLY BOUGHT ANOTHER OF THE SAME ACURA RL 2006 AS OF 6 WEEKS AGO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND BY THE ACURA DEALER DEEMED ELECTRICAL. NOW THE SAME CAR WHEN I STARTED LAST WEEK HAD ALL THE ELECTRICAL WARNING LIGHTS COME ON , ACURA TOLD ME UT WAS A LOW BATTERY SO ONCE I REPLACED THE BATTERY IMMEDIATEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED CREASES IN THE CORNERS OF HIS SUNROOF, WHICH EVENTUALLY LEAD TO PERMANENT DENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT IT WAS DUE TO OUTSIDE INFLUENCES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000.
TAKATA RECALL
MICHELIN RECENTLY DISCONTINUED THE MANUFACTURING OF THE PAX SYSTEM WORLDWIDE AND WILL NO LONGER OFFER IT. THERE IS ALSO SPECIAL TRAINING, CERTIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED TO INSTALL OR REPAIR PAX TIRES. THE ABSENCE OF ADEQUATE REPAIR FACILITIES AND PAX SYSTEM STOCK HAS RESULTED IN CONSUMERS HAVING TO TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES AND/OR BEING REQUIRED TO WAIT DAYS TO OBTAIN REPAIR TO DAMAGED TIRES, REPLACEMENT TIRES AND/OR THE PAX SYSTEMS THEMSELVES. THE PROBLEMS THAT CONSUMERS ARE EXPERIENCING WIT
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 10V504000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 16V061000 (AIR BAGS), AND 16V344000(AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TAKATA RECALL. AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE FROM AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR, ACURA AUTOMOBILE DIVISION, I CALLED THE DEALER, WEIR CANYON ACURA IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA, IN EARLY JULY TO SCHEDULE THE SERVICE. HOWEVER, UNTIL NOW, THE RECALL SERVICE HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS. IT'S BEEN MORE THAN 60 DAYS SINCE MY APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. THEREFORE, I FILED THIS COMPLAINT.
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WOULD FLICKER INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN GO OUT COMPLETELY. YOU HAVE TO TURN HEADLIGHT SWITCH OFF AND THEN BACK ON FOR THE HEADLIGHT TO COME BACK ON. I HAVE CONCERNS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL ORDER ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL, THANK YOU.
PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS ARE OFTEN POINTED FAR TOO LOW AND MAKE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE IN NORMAL CITY CONDITIONS, HIGHWAY CONDITIONS HOWEVER ESPECIALLY ON BACKROADS. ACCORDING TO AN ONLINE FORUM FOR OTHER ACURA OWNER'S, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT FACTORY STANDARDS DO NOT CORRECT.
DRIVING DOWN STEEP "S" TURN IN MOUNTAINS WHEN BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTED AND ALL OF CAR'S SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN. NO BRAKES, NO STEERING, NO POWER. WORST PART WAS THAT DOORS LOCKED AND WE COULD NOT UNLOCK THEM NOR THE WINDOWS. EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING. THERE WAS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE WHERE WE WERE. IF NOT FOR FOREST RANGER WHO CAME ALONG, BECAUSE OF CAR BEING PARTLY INTO ONE OF THE LANES OF THIS TWO-LANE ROAD, WE WOULD HAVE ROASTED TO DEATH. NOBODY ELSE STOPPED IN SPITE OF "HELP" SIGNS. THERE WAS
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WOULD FLICKER INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN GO OUT COMPLETELY. YOU HAVE TO TURN HEADLIGHT SWITCH OFF AND THEN BACK ON FOR THE HEADLIGHT TO COME BACK ON. I HAVE CONCERNS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY.
2006 ACURA RL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER LEARNED WHEN THE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE, THE DEALER WERE USING THE PARTS ON THEIR USED CAR INVENTORY, BEFORE MAKING PARTS AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA RL. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND NOTHING HAPPENED. HE THEN DROVE OVER ANOTHER POTHOLE AND THE TIRE DEFLATED. THE CONTACT REFILLED THE TIRE WITH AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE COMPANY, WHICH NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE TIRE AND REFILLED IT WITH AIR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RIM WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE TIRE AND RIM. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE BUBBLE IN THE TIRE AND T
Showing the 15 most serious of 32 complaints filed with NHTSA.
