The VERY first builds of the system had some issues. Acura addressed them quickly and to the point that I had not heard of a SH-AWD failure for the 3.5 years I've been on the RL board. It was only when someone asked about the initial issues that I researched back in history to find them. We have seen one rear differential crap out because it somehow developed a hole which drained the fluid and the owner didn't look into the tornado siren that was coming from beneath his car. Something had to have punctured the housing in that case, and he successfully replaced his diff with a used one. I have not seen another failure caused by the drive train or the system itself.

The car does have the protection systems in place should it detect an issue with the system. The SH-AWD light will illuminate, and the car will go into FWD mode to protect the diff. We see this occasionally because the RL eats batteries, and a weak battery will trip the system alarms.

 

That's MSW 6SP's (post 23).

 

007, pointed out some good points on the RL. Definitely get a 07+ if you can. I don't think I've ever heard of someone replacing the SH-AWD system, normally their problem deals w/ being in limped mode (FWD) as 007 mentioned.


I have an 07 RL and have not had any problems whatsoever. This is the only car that I plan on keeping until the wheels fall off. Good luck on your search and decision.

 

One thing to keep in mind that I haven't seen mentioned: there are some RLs that don't have SHAWD . To get sticker price down I think around y3 of G2, a two WD version was offered. Just remember to check.

 

Oops!!! Might have had a brain fart on previous comment, sorry. Can't find a record of 2wd model.