Does the 2002 Acura RL have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Acura RL, the most recent reported on January 17, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Acura RL?

Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (18 complaints), followed by power train (10).

How many 2002 Acura RL complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 43 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Acura RL recalls and problems

2 recalls and 43 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Acura RL.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Acura RL recalls

Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 20V027000 · reported January 17, 2020 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) · 875,966 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 02V119000 · reported May 14, 2002 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. · 25,765 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk: Eventually, the brake lights will not illuminate when the brakes are applied, which increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Air bags18
Power train10
Electrical system5
Steering4
Engine and engine cooling3
Suspension3
Electronic stability control (ESC)2
Service brakes2
Structure2
Tires2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 23, 2024 · Service brakes
About 2013 the 2000 acura rl vsa and abs lights came on then the tilt on the steering wheel up and down stop working then the srs lights and seat belts light came on and want go off. So from then till now I have spent about 15k to correct the vsa and abs issues. Replace rotors bearing wheel sensor tires rack and…

Apr 17, 2024 · Service brakes
This is a continuation complaint with national cemter for dispute settlement to fix safty issues and discontinued parts. The car is not 40 years old and i cannot find a maintenance repair book. The power door locks are coming on and off and the fob key do not work Sutton acuta in macon said it needs the antenna but…

Mar 20, 2021 · Structure
RACK AND PINION REPLACEMENT. EXTERIOR ISSUES: REAR BUMPER FELLED OFF; GASOLINE COVER WON'T CLOSED; DOOR HANDLES FALLING OFF; FUEL PUMP NEEDS REPLACEMENT

Oct 5, 2020 · Air bags
I RECIEVED A NOTICE OF RECALL ABOUT THE AIR BAGS MORE THAN 10 MONTHS AGO AND DEALER SAYS THEY DO NOT HAVE PART YET. WHEN WILL THE PART BE IN? WE DON'T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL THEIR IS A PROBLEM.

Sep 18, 2020 · Air bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BOBBY RAHAL ACURA…

RL model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	4	59	5	0
2001	2	11	0	1
2002	2	43	1	0
2003	1	9	0	0
2004	0	11	1	0
2005	11	125	4	1

Across all years, the 2005 RL has the most complaints (125). All Acura RL years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Acura RL have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Acura RL, the most recent reported on January 17, 2020 (Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Acura RL?: Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (18 complaints), followed by power train (10).
How many 2002 Acura RL complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 43 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 23, 2024.