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2012 Acura RL Base

The 2012 Acura RL Base is a 300-hp 3.7-liter with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $47,700 MSRP and is rated at 20 mpg combined.

It makes 300 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 271 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm, spinning to a 6,800 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (20 mpg combined).

The RL measures 195.8 inches long on a 110.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,099 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$47,700 ($67,520 *)
MSRP with Destination$48,595 ($68,786 *)
Destination Charge$895
Engine
Engine Type3.7-liter, 60-degree V-6
Displacement3.7 L
Horsepower300 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque271 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Redline6,800 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC, 24-valve, Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC)
Bore and Stroke90 mm x 96 mm (3.54 in x 3.78 in)
Compression Ratio11.2:1
Injection TypeDual-stage intake manifold with Drive-By-Wire throttle system, PGM-FI multi-point fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift, Grade Logic Control and Hill Start Assist
1st Gear3.359 (43 mph **)
2nd Gear2.095 (69 mph **)
3rd Gear1.485 (98 mph **)
4th Gear1.065 (136 mph **)
5th Gear0.754 (192 mph **)
6th Gear0.556 (261 mph **)
Reverse2.269
Final Drive3.72
Fuel Economy
City17 MPG
Highway24 MPG
Combined20 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium Unleaded
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent double-wishbone with coil springs
Rear SuspensionIndependent multi-link with coil springs
Front Stabilizer Bar1.18 in (30 mm) diameter hollow, 0.25 in (6.5 mm) wall thickness
Rear Stabilizer Bar0.75 in (19 mm) diameter solid
Brakes
Front Brake Calipers4-piston aluminum
Front Brake DiscVentilated 12.6 in (320 mm) diameter
Rear Brake DiscVentilated 12.2 in (310 mm) diameter
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front18x8-inch, 15-spoke cast aluminum alloy
Wheels Rear18x8-inch, 15-spoke cast aluminum alloy
Tires FrontP245/45R18 96V Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
Tires RearP245/45R18 96V Michelin Pilot HX MXM4
Dimensions & Weight
Length195.8 in
Width72.7 in
Height57.2 in
Wheelbase110.2 in
Front Track62 in
Rear Track62.4 in
Ground Clearance5.7 in
Cargo Volume13.8 ft³
Curb Weight4,099 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
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (9.7 % risk)
Tested variant: 2012 Acura RL 4 DR 4WD

Recalls

6 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Acura RL. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

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

Sep 27, 2018 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

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 air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are H2H and S2I.

NHTSA campaign 18V662000

Jan 9, 2018 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of 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, Honda is recalling certain 2010 Acura RL, 2010-2011 Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of 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." If not included in zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of 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 or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain 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.

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 air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are U0H, and G0I.

NHTSA campaign 18V041000

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

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

1 owner complaint to NHTSA for the 2012 Acura RL

Owner Complaints

1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Acura RL. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Exterior Lighting1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Nov 25, 2012 · Exterior Lighting
“CANNOT SEE BEYOND ABOUT 50-60 FEET ON DARK ROADS USING LOW BEAMS ONLY. *TR”

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 2012 ACURA RL. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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