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2008 Acura RL Technology Package

The 2008 Acura RL Technology Package is a 290-hp 3.5-liter with a sequential sportshift 5-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $49,900 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 256 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm, spinning to a 6,800 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The RL measures 193.6 inches long on a 110.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,076 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$49,900 ($75,325 *)
MSRP with Destination$50,660 ($76,472 *)
Destination Charge$760
Engine
Engine Type3.5-liter, SOHC, 60-degree VTEC V-6
Displacement3.5 L
Horsepower290 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque256 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Redline6,800 rpm
ValvetrainVariable valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) with 4-valves-per-cylinder, belt-driven, single overhead camshaft
Bore and Stroke89 mm x 93 mm (3.50 in x 3.66 in)
Compression Ratio11.0:1
Injection TypeProgrammed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAWD
Transmission
TransmissionSequential SportShift 5-speed automatic with paddle-shifters and Grade Logic Control
1st Gear2.697 (289 mph **)
2nd Gear1.573 (495 mph **)
3rd Gear1.071 (728 mph **)
4th Gear0.694 (1123 mph **)
5th Gear0.481 (1620 mph **)
Reverse1.889
Final Drive4.6
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway24 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium Unleaded
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent multi-link with coil springs and stabilizer bar
Front Stabilizer Bar1.14 in (29 mm) diameter
Rear Stabilizer Bar0.67 in (17 mm) diameter
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVentilated 12.6 in (320 mm) diameter
Rear Brake DiscVentilated 12.2 in (310 mm) diameter
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front18x8.0 in aluminum alloy
Wheels Rear18x8.0 in aluminum alloy
Tires FrontP245/680R460A 102V Michelin PAX run-flat
Tires RearP245/680R460A 102V Michelin PAX run-flat
Dimensions & Weight
Length193.6 in
Width72.7 in
Height57.1 in
Wheelbase110.2 in
Front Track62 in
Rear Track62.4 in
Ground Clearance5.7 in
Cargo Volume13.1 ft³
Curb Weight4,076 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)58% / 42%
Interior
Headroom Front38.5 in
Headroom Rear37.2 in
Legroom Front42.4 in
Legroom Rear36.3 in
Shoulder Room Front58.5 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.1 in
Hip Room Front55.1 in
Hip Room Rear54 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (9.7 % risk)
Tested variant: 2008 Acura RL 4-DR. w/SAB

Recalls

6 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Acura RL. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jun 27, 2019 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 19V500000

Jun 27, 2019 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 19V501000

Jan 10, 2017 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, 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, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered 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 inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 17V029000

May 23, 2016 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, 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, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, 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 inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V344000

Feb 3, 2016 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V061000

Dec 4, 2007 · STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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.

Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 07V551000

13 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2008 Acura RL

Owner Complaints

13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Acura RL (1 mention a crash). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags8
Electrical System1
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility1
Fuel System1
Gasoline1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 21, 2017 · Service Brakes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING FAILURE OF WHICH THE BRAKES FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN APPLIED. THE DEALER (DAVE WHITE ACURA, 5868 MONROE…”
Nov 8, 2016 · Air Bags
“2008 ACURA RL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICES 16V-344 & 16V-061 REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME- OVER 60 DAYS. *SMD”
Oct 11, 2016 · Air Bags
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM FOR…”
Aug 29, 2016 · Air Bags
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS…”
Jul 19, 2016 · Air Bags
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2008 ACURA RL. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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