2002 Acura CL recalls and problems
The 2002 Acura CL has 2 safety recalls and 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Acura CL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Acura CL recalls
Recall 20V-027: Air Bags
Problem: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
Recall 04V-176: Power Train
Problem: On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
Risk: Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
Fix: On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced if discoloration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line. The recall began on april 21, 2004, for pilot, odyssey, and mdx owners. Owners of the accord vehicles will start receiving letters on june 28, 2004, and on june 29, 2004, for owners of the tl and cl vehicles. Owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
2002 Acura CL problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 33 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Electrical System | 4 | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 3 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 3 | |
| Suspension | 2 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Equipment | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 28
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3
- Service Brakes, Air › Disc — 2
- Steering › Gear Box (Other Than Rack and Pinion) — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 Acura CL complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Acura CL years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Acura CL have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Acura CL: 20V-027 (air bags), 04V-176 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Acura CL?
Owners report power train problems most often (33 reports), followed by air bags (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,000 miles.
Are Acura recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Acura dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.