repaired · 2022 Q3
Driver side: 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.
2002 Acura RLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 43 owner complaints about the 2002 Acura RL, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-027 the manufacturer reports only 8% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 23, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 Acura RL has problems
43 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
18Air bags
10Power train1 crash/fire/injury
5Electrical system
4Steering
3Suspension
3Engine and engine cooling
2Electronic stability control (ESC)
2Service brakes
2Tires
54 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 18 | 0 |
| Power train | 10 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2002 Acura RL recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Brake lights: switch
Risk. EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Acura.
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other RL year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RL median. How we score
'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'15
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2002 Acura RL safety ratings
2002 Acura 3.5 RL 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What RL owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
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.…
ACURA DEALERSHIP SAID TAKATA AIRBAG PART WOULD TAKE 1 YEAR TO COME IN. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE. WHAT IS THE WORKAROUND? IS THERE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?
Own a 2002 RL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.