Model year record

2002 Acura RL

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 54 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V027000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Vehicles affected
875,966
Reported to NHTSA
2020-01-17
Owners notified
2020-10-01

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V119000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
Vehicles affected
25,765
Reported to NHTSA
2002-05-14
Owners notified
2002-05-16

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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 SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Air bags1865,000 mi
Electrical system565,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission5
Steering488,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission3
Electronic stability control (ESC)255,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline2
Service brakes2
Structure: body2
Suspension2
Tires26,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1
Exterior lighting1
Power train1
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)146,059 mi
Seat belts185,500 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint175,500 mi
Unknown1

The 2001 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. The 2003 model has 5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.