repaired · 2020 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2002 Acura TLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 333 owner complaints about the 2002 Acura TL, most often about the power train. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-499 the manufacturer reports only 22% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 21, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 Acura TL has problems
333 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
224Power train9 crash/fire/injury
42Air bags12 crash/fire/injury
15Vehicle speed control
13Service brakes, hydraulic
12Electrical system
9Visibility
8Equipment
8Structure
8Tires
5112 other systems8 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 224 | 9 |
| Air bags | 42 | 12 |
| Vehicle speed control | 15 | 5 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 13 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 4 |
| Visibility | 9 | 0 |
| Equipment | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 3 |
| Tires | 8 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 51 | 8 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2002 Acura TL 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.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other…
repaired · 2017 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
no report yet
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Show 3 more recalls
no report yet
Front: buckle assembly
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
no report yet
Front: buckle assembly
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
no report yet
Visibility: power window devices and controls
Risk. THE AUTO-REVERSE SYSTEM FAILURE COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
53kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 148 power train complaints. 76% were reported before 100,000 miles.
31under 30k miles113under 100k miles35100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other TL 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 TL median. How we score
'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2002 Acura TL safety ratings
2002 Acura 3.2 TL 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2002 Acura TL, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-668
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDEN DOWNSHIFTNo recall
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 13V-172
- RUPTURING DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATORSNo recall
In owners' words
What TL owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Slipping, shift feels like it’s losing power and jerks and sputter. Check engine lights is on now. Throwing a P0730 code.. transmission fluid level are where is supposed to be and clean
My car has been automatically shutting off while driving. Bringing my car to a halt, not a full on stop but to the point my wheels lock up. Sort of like im slamming on my brake but I can't press my brake. I lose power steering, the entire car shuts off. Then I have to try and restart it, but it…
AUTOMATIC/MANUALLY SHIFTS, MANUAL GEARS D4 SHIFT STUCK IN GEAR AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURED.
Own a 2002 TL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.