2007 Acura RL

The 2007 Acura RL is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, advanced technology for its time (such as SH-AWD), and reliability. It came standard with a 3.5L SOHC VTEC V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque. It was paired exclusively with a 5-speed automatic transmission. People generally appreciate the RL’s smooth power delivery, quiet cabin, and all-weather capability thanks to the SH-AWD system. Common dislikes include its somewhat dated styling, less engaging driving experience compared to some rivals, and fuel economy that isn’t particularly impressive for its class.

Engine

3.5L SOHC VTEC V6

• VTEC Solenoid Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the VTEC solenoid gasket, leading to oil consumption and potential damage to other components if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replace the VTEC solenoid gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: While not a frequent issue, if the timing belt is not replaced at the recommended interval (typically 105,000 miles), it can fail, leading to significant engine damage due to the interference design.
  • Solution: Replace the timing belt, water pump, and tensioner as a preventive measure at the specified interval. If the timing belt fails, engine repairs or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+ (depending on damage)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported torque converter issues, such as shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. This can also lead to the transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Flush Transmission Fluid or Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400 (fluid flush) or $800 - $1500+ (torque converter replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifts, or failure to shift into certain gears. The transmission may also get stuck in a gear and not shift out.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• SH-AWD Unit Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, while beneficial for handling, can experience issues. Some owners have reported noises (whining, clicking) from the rear differential or decreased effectiveness of the system.
  • Solution: Diagnose the SH-AWD system to identify the specific component(s) causing the issue. This may involve replacing the rear differential fluid, repairing/replacing the rear differential, or replacing other SH-AWD components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300 (fluid flush) to $1,000-$3,000+ (rear differential replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn struts or shock absorbers can lead to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and increased stopping distances.
  • Solution: Replace worn struts or shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+ (depending on parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system, while advanced for its time, can experience issues such as a blank screen, failure to boot up, inaccurate GPS readings, or software glitches.
  • Solution: Attempt software updates, check connections, or replace the navigation unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (Software Update) to $500 - $1,500+ (unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Seat Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats may fail to adjust properly or stop working altogether due to faulty motors, switches, or wiring issues.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the faulty motor, switch, or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent connectivity, difficulty pairing devices, or poor audio quality can be problems with the Bluetooth system.
  • Solution: Update the system software, check for compatibility issues with your phone, or replace the Bluetooth module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) to $100-$500+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing, leading to reduced visibility and potential damage to the headlight assembly.
  • Solution: Seal the headlight housing or replace the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 (sealing) to $200 - $500+ (headlight replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may not open or close properly, gets stuck, or makes excessive noise.
  • Solution: Lubricate the sunroof tracks, repair or replace the sunroof motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100 (lubrication) to $300 - $800+ (motor/regulator replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center Console Button Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: The buttons on the center console, particularly those controlling the audio and climate systems, can become worn or sticky over time, leading to difficulty in operation.
  • Solution: Replace the affected buttons or the entire center console panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$200+ (button replacement) to $300 - $800+ (console panel replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: While not all vehicles are affected, some 2007 Acura RLs have experienced cracking of the dashboard, especially in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Acura RL presents a mix of potential issues, ranging from relatively minor problems like VTEC solenoid leaks to more significant concerns like SH-AWD unit failures. Electrical gremlins within the navigation system and sunroof malfunctions could also be present. While some issues are relatively inexpensive to address, others can be costly, particularly those related to the SH-AWD system, transmission, or dashboard cracking. Thorough inspection and maintenance are key to mitigating these potential problems, as are proactive repairs when problems are identified.