NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 2010 Acura RL. Most complaints involve air bags (7) and exterior lighting (1). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
7 reports
“TAKATA RECALL - WE RECEIVED AN "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" NOTICE, INFORMING US OF THE DEFECTS IN PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG INFLATORS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT IS SUCH THAT I WOULD NOT FEEL SAFE HAVING MYSELF OR A FAMILY MEMBER RIDE IN THE VEHICLE IN THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT SEAT. A SIMILAR RECALL NOTICE CAME OUT ABOUT THE DRIVER-SIDE AIRBAGS A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. THAT PART WAS AVAILABLE QUICKLY, AND THE REPAIR WORK FOR THE RECALL DONE EXPEDITIOUSLY. I HAVE TO ASSUME THAT IS BECAUSE MY DEALERSHIP (OR AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CORPORATION) WAS PAYING FOR MY RENTAL CAR IN THE INTERIM. I THINK IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG FOR THIS REPAIR/RECALL TO BE ADDRESSED, AS I RECEIVED THE NOTICE AND CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE TWO MONTHS AGO. IT IS DECIDEDLY INCONVENIENT TO HAVE TO USE TWO VEHICLES TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY PLACES, AS NO ONE CAN RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT AND BE ENSURED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THE RISK OF DEATH OR GREAT BODILY INJURY WOULD NOT OCCUR. PLEASE TELL ME HOW I CAN GO ABOUT GETTING THIS REPAIR DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AS I THINK THAT THE PRICE OF A RENTAL VEHICLE TO USE IN THE INTERIM SHOULD ABSOLUTELY…”
Owner complaint to NHTSA·Filed Sep 21, 2016·Air bagsODI 10908600
Exterior lighting
1 report
“2010 ACURA RL. CONSUMER STATES FAULT WITH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT DESIGN WHICH RESULTS IN A SERIOUS LACK OF VISION BEYOND 30 YARDS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEARLY HAD AN ACCIDENT ON A RURAL ROAD AS HE WAS UNABLE TO SEE A DETOUR SIGN DUE TO ROAD FLOODING UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST TOO LATE TO STOP. IT APPEARED AS THOUGH THE TOP OF THE FENDER DESIGN SEEMED TO ACT AS A HOOD WHICH OBSCURED ALL OF THE ROADWAY BEYOND THIRTY FEET. *JB”
Owner complaint to NHTSA·Filed Nov 17, 2010·Exterior lighting, StructureODI 10366295
7 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2010 Acura RL problems?
Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (7), exterior lighting (1), structure (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Acura RL get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Acura RL at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).