2002 Acura RL recalls and problems
The 2002 Acura RL has 2 safety recalls and 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Acura RL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Acura RL 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 02V-119: Exterior Lighting
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, during the manufacturing process, oil was applied to the brake pedal assembly to prevent rust. This oil can leak into the brake stop switch and contaminate the electrical contacts.
Risk: Eventually, the brake lights will not illuminate when the brakes are applied, which increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will clean any excess oil from the pedal assembly and replace the stop switch. Owner notification began may 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact acura at 1-800-382-2238.
2002 Acura RL problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 18 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Steering | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 5
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 76,500 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 RL complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Acura RL years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Acura RL have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Acura RL: 20V-027 (air bags), 02V-119 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Acura RL?
Owners report air bags problems most often (18 reports), followed by power train (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 76,500 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.