2012 Acura RL

The 2012 Acura RL is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, standard all-wheel drive (SH-AWD), and refined interior. It only came with one engine and transmission option: a 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. People generally liked the RL’s smooth ride, quiet cabin, and standard features, but it was often criticized for its outdated styling, less engaging driving experience compared to competitors, and lower fuel economy.

Engine

3.7L V6

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported the 3.7L V6 engine consuming more oil than expected, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can manifest as the low oil light illuminating or noticing a significant drop in oil level on the dipstick.
  • Solution: Monitoring oil levels and using the correct grade of oil are essential. In more severe cases, potential repairs may include replacing piston rings or addressing valve seal issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ (depending on the severity and repair needed)
  • Recalls: None Found
• VTEC Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) solenoid can fail, leading to a loss of power and/or rough running. This is often accompanied by a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty VTEC solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between certain gears. This can be more noticeable at lower speeds.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid change, using the correct Acura/Honda ATF-DW1 fluid, may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, valve body issues or internal wear may require more extensive repairs or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300 (fluid change), $800-$2500+ (valve body or transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• SH-AWD Differential Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from rear differential, particularly during turning. Can also be accompanied by vibrations.
  • Solution: Differential fluid service may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, differential replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300 (fluid change), $1,500-$3,000+ (differential replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation/Infotainment System Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system screen can become unresponsive, freeze, or display errors. The infotainment system as a whole may exhibit glitches.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. However, hardware failures may require replacement of the navigation unit or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$200 (Software update), $500 - $2,000+ (Replacement unit)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing devices, dropped connections, or inability to make/receive calls through the Bluetooth system.
  • Solution: Start with checking for software updates and ensuring device compatibility. Component failure in the Bluetooth module may require replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software update), $200 - $500+ (Module Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• HID Headlight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or flickering HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights, or complete failure of one or both headlights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the HID bulbs or the headlight ballast (igniter).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300 per headlight (bulb and/or ballast)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failing and the sunroof will not open or close. Sometimes it will get stuck.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sunroof motor or complete sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Seat Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The power seats may experience issues such as not moving in certain directions, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: The possible solutions are motor replacements or track repairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Acura RL presents some potential issues, with the most concerning being the potential for engine oil consumption and SH-AWD differential problems. Electrical gremlins with the infotainment and Bluetooth systems can also be frustrating. While many issues can be addressed with relatively inexpensive repairs, some, like engine or transmission problems, could result in significant repair costs. Overall, a thorough inspection and maintenance history review are essential when considering a used 2012 Acura RL.