MYRModel Year Report

2002 Acura RL

○ Not enough data
2002 Acura RL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:47:36.525Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
43
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

42% of complaints

Complaints per year

1996: 22 complaints 1996 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 11 complaints 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 59 complaints 2001: 12 complaints 2002: 43 complaints 2002 43 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 11 complaints 2005: 125 complaints 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 20 complaints 2008: 13 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2010: 9 complaints 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 1 complaint 2015: 2 complaints
1996: 22 complaints 1996 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 11 complaints 1998 1999: 24 complaints 2000: 59 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2002: 43 complaints 2002 43 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 11 complaints 2004 2005: 125 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2006 2007: 20 complaints 2008: 13 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2010: 9 complaints 2010 2011: 3 complaints 2012: 1 complaint 2012 2015: 2 complaints
1996: 22 complaints 1996 1997: 19 complaints 1997 1998: 11 complaints 1998 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 59 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2001 2002: 43 complaints 2002 43 2003: 9 complaints 2003 2004: 11 complaints 2004 2005: 125 complaints 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2006 2007: 20 complaints 2007 2008: 13 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2009 2010: 9 complaints 2010 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 1 complaint 2012 2015: 2 complaints 2015

2002: 43 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199622
199719
199811
199924
200059
200112
200243
20039
200411
2005125
200632
200720
200813
20098
20109
20113
20121
20152

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

42% · 18 reports
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, 2018-07-29

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, 2018-02-06

I saw on tv there is a possible recall on Takata airbags on my car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-11

Power train

23% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-10-25

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-07

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-08-07

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Electrical system

12% · 5 reports
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, 2024-04-17

Also filed under Suspension and service brakes

Steering

9% · 4 reports
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, 2014-06-30

Suspension

7% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing lower ball joint.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2002-05-16Exterior lighting02V119000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2020-10-01Air bags20V027000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V119000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 20V027000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.