KnownCarProblems2002 Acura RL Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 43 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Acura RL, most often about the air bags (42% of complaints, typically around 128,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about RL model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2002 Acura RL problems
Air bags
18 complaints · 42%Half of these problems showed up before 128,000 miles.
Initial problem; SRS light , advised by Acura techs problem was faulty opds occupant position detection system and possibly opds sensor. (safety issue) 10/14/15. Since that time air bag inop light has also deployed
Srs indicator is on at dashboard. Checked with the dealer , switch is defective. Its a safety item, should work through the life of the car.
Transmission
10 complaints · 23%Parts named most often: manual transmission, automatic transmission.
The car has a known tsb that the car may stall and shut down if it is at very low speeds. This has happened to me twice and the last time it happened 3 days ago. I was in traffic waiting in traffic the car just stalled and rolled back and hit the guy in the back lucky for me it was sitting traffic. One other time the…
Electrical
5 complaints · 12%The contact owns a 2002 Acura RL. The contact was driving 45-50 MPH when the SRS light illuminated. The dealer advised that the vehicle would need an occupant position detection system. The dealer replaced the occupant position detection system. The failure recurred within eight months. The dealer then advised the…
Doors lock when inside, sitting stationary, and can't get them to unlock from drivers position. Passenger may need to get out to use key to unlock from outside.
Steering
4 complaints · 9%I have purchased this vehicle and upon examination noticed that there is a common problem with the telescoping mechanism in the steering column. I did a search of this problem online and found that this is a fairly common issues with these vehicles and may be well known by the manufacture as they do not sell the…
The adjustable steering column quit working in a position that isn't good for me to drive, you can't buy a part to fix this you have to replace the steering column. This is a $2,500.00 repair. It is not safe to drive in the position it quit working for me. I feel Acura should fix this or replace it with a column that…
Engine
3 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
Suspension
3 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: front.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Acura RL recalls
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: switch
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2002 Acura RL
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Acura RL?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (18 complaints, typically around 128,000 miles); transmission (10 complaints); electrical (5 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Acura RL have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 17, 2020 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Acura RL?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about RL model year since 2000, with 43 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.