2002 Acura RL
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 22 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 24 |
| 2000 | 59 |
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 43 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 11 |
| 2005 | 125 |
| 2006 | 32 |
| 2007 | 20 |
| 2008 | 13 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
42% of complaints: air bags — 18 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
"TAKATA RECALL" THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING IN CITY AT APPROXIMATELY 10MPH. I HAD JUST FINISHED GASING UP. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED THE SRS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ONCE ARRIVING HOME, I BEGAN TO RESEARCH AND TROUBLESHOOT THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180729
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED EIGHT TSBS ON THE AIR BAGS, BUT NO AIR BAG RECALLS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180206
I SAW ON TV THERE IS A POSSIBLE RECALL ON TAKATA AIRBAGS ON MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171211
12% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240417
9% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND UPON EXAMINATION NOTICED THAT THERE IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE TELESCOPING MECHANISM IN THE STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140630
7% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
2004 ACURA RL , CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH GEAR SHIFTER IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
NHTSA ODI report, 20030807
WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND HITTING THE BRAKES ENGINE WILL STALL. VEHICLE DOES THIS INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED, AND VEHICLE DID IT AGAIN. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010807
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 ELECTRIC
Remedy: 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
Campaign 02V119000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 20V027000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V119000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V027000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 Acura RL reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Acura RL?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Acura RL have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.