2001 Acura RL Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2001 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2001 Acura RL has 1 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $700. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 1 Known Issues
On the 1996-2004 Acura RL 3.5L V6 C35A, like every C-series V6 Honda used in the 1990s and 2000s (Legend, NSX, CL, TL, RL all share the family), the RL's 3.5L C35A V6 has a distributor mounted at the back of the head and driven directly off the camshaft. Inside the distributor housing, an oil seal isolates the cam-driven shaft from the cap/rotor/electrical assembly above. By 100,000 miles the seal hardens, oil pressure forces engine oil past the shaft, and the cap fills with oil. Result: misfires (typically P0300 random plus individual cylinder codes P0301-P0306 since this is a V6), rough idle, hesitation. RepairPal explicitly lists distributor O-rings as one of the most common Acura RL oil leak points. The figure-8 oil cooler seal and oil filter housing gasket are the other two common leaks on this engine — diagnose carefully before assuming distributor. The C35A engine remained in the first-gen RL through the entire 1996-2004 production run, so this issue affects all years.
Common Symptoms
- Oil pooling inside the distributor cap when removed
- Engine misfires, especially under load or after warm-up
- Check engine light with P0300 random misfire or P0301-P0306 single-cylinder
- Rough idle that smooths out with throttle
- Visible oil at the rear of the engine, dripping down the back of the block
How to Fix
There is no replaceable seal inside the distributor — the seal is between the rotating shaft and the bearing inside the cast housing. The only fix is replacing the whole distributor assembly. OEM Honda runs $400-700; Cardone remanufactured runs $150-250. While the distributor is out, also replace the distributor cap, rotor, and ignition wires — they're cheap and you're already at the parts. Inspect the cap and rotor on the old unit for oil contamination to confirm distributor was the source. If you also see leaks elsewhere (figure-8 cooler seal, oil filter housing), address those at the same time — they share access path. Total job: 2-3 hours independent shop.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeCardone remanufactured distributor — $150-250, common Honda V6 fitment. OEM Honda is 2-3x the price and lasts about 50% longer. (Cardone Acura RL Distributor (remanufactured))
- TipReplace cap + rotor + ignition wires at the same time as the distributor. You're already there. Saves a future labor cycle.
- NoteDon't assume distributor without inspection. RepairPal also lists the oil cooler 'figure-8' O-ring and oil filter housing gasket as common RL leaks. Pull the cap and check for oil before buying the distributor.