- The problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Acura TL Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 350 complaints about the 2002 Acura TL with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (234) and the airbags (42). Those complaints describe 25 crashes, 2 fires, 17 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in June 2019 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2001 has 162 and the 2003 has 397.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical TL year, for its age
#35 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 350
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 25
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 17
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2002 Acura TL problems
Share of all 350 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Acura TL recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
- The 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
- The problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- The 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 occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
- The problem
- On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
- The risk
- Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced if discoloration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line. The recall began on april 21, 2004, for pilot, odyssey, and mdx owners. Owners of the accord vehicles will start receiving letters on june 28, 2004, and on june 29, 2004, for owners of the tl and cl vehicles. Owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: the following vehicles were repaired with incorrect parts: 2002 acura 3.2Tl sedans with replacement buckles installed per recall 01v-166001; certain 2000 acura 3.2Tl vehicles with replacement buckles installed as product update repairs; and certain 2000-2002 acura 3.2Tl vehicles with replacement buckles installed as warranty or collision repairs. Repairs were made from march 9 through july 27, 2001. Some of the noncompliant buckles were mislabeled and redistributed to acura dealers to be used as recall repair parts. Honda also determined that incorrect front seat belt buckle replacement parts were used for some product update repairs of 2000 acura 3.2Tl vehicles, and warranty or collision repairs of 2000-2002 3.2Tl vehicles. These seat belt buckles may not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 209, "Seat belt assemblies."
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the front seat belt buckles. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. 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 1-800-999-1009.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 209, "Seat belt assemblies." Certain driver and passenger seat belt buckles were improperly manufactured.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the front seat belt buckles. Owner notification began may 9, 2001. 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 1-800-999-1009.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: sedans equipped with an "auto-up" power window feature on the driver's door. The driver's side power window control unit can fail, and depending on the failure mode, the window could become inoperative, open or close independent of switch activation, or the auto-reverse system may not operate.
- The risk
- The auto-reverse system failure could result in occupant injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the power window control unit. Owner notification began may 21, 2001. 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 1-800-999-1009.
What owners say
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350 complaints about the 2002 Acura TL
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 14.
The contact owns a 2002 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving under 10 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. During the crash the front driver's and front passenger's side air bags deployed. During the air bags deployment, the driver sustained a left-hand injury that later required medical treatment. The contact stated that prior to the crash, the SRS warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that due to the low-speed crash, the air bags should not have deployed. The failure mileage was 167,000.
The high pressure power steering hose on my car is leaking. Issues with Air bags
The "SRS" dashboard red light illuminated and stays on. On May 19, 2029 Acura "Replaced Driver S/B." Acura Dealer and Manufacturer are both telling me that my "Inflator" and "Airbag Module" is not covered again since there has been no recall by Acura or NHTSA. Please advise me as to warranty a second time at no cost to me?
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 won't turn over. Sometimes its just for a few minutes. Other times Im stranded for hours. A few times its been days. After it dies and i turn the key off and then back on but not over ill have power. I have a kid and we've...
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been stranded on an on ramp with cars going 60 all around us. The car just randomly shut off in the middle of the road. There's a lot of traffic around these parts and we were stuck, not even being able to get out of the vehicle with the cars going on each side of us. Ive done some research and ive seen thousands of other complaints about this issue since 2002. Ive had 3 different mechanics try to figure out what the issue was. Have had my car at the shop for weeks at a time. A few times even the mechanics couldn't get it started, and it had to sit for 3 days before it would start up again. The check engine light is on and all 3 different mechanics have fixed everything thats came up. After this started happening ive had to replace brakes and rotors several times. My car started shifting way to late. And feels like its starting to slip. This is a safety hazzard. Especially in larger cities.
Vehicle stopped accelerating on highway with kids in the car, due to the transmission.
Automatic/manually shifts, manual gears d4 shift stuck in gear and causing electrical and engine problems. Transmission failure occured.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 acura tl. While driving various speeds, the transmission warning indicator illuminated and the front driver's side window button failed to operate. Hinshaw's acura (5955 20th st e, fife, wa 98424, (253) 922-8830) was informed of the transmission indicator and stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 157,672.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 acura tl. While driving 65 mph, the air bag deployed when the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. There were no injuries. The contact continued to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 19v499000 (air bags). The contact called crown acura (located at 18911 us hwy 19 n, clearwater, fl 33764, (888) 642-5567) and notified them of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 acura tl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v182000 (air bags). However, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Garry force acura (1634 westgate cir, brentwood, tn 37027 (615) 377-0500) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but were not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. (Parts distribution disconnect).
We got an april 2019 letter for an important safety recall which came too late! My car was totaled in a accident in which both airbags deployed. It did cause hurtful pressure on my grandson's chest with an emergency bill over $500 and 2 days of losses wages. Ok for which we had no compensation. Car was in motion on highway street in which the other party was ticketed on an illegal u turn.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 acura tl. The contact stated that the air bag indicator kept illuminating. Flow acura (425 silas creek pkwy, winston-salem, nc 27127, (336) 723-3524) initially diagnosed that the wires were malfunctioning. After a test was performed, the indicator remained off for approximately one month. When the air bag indicator illuminated again, the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who advised her to take it back to the dealer because it was still covered under warranty. Another...
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acura dealer (crown acura, 3908 w wendover ave, greensboro, nc 27407) changed the seat belt buckle, but the failure recurred. The second dealer had to order another part and repaired the vehicle again, but the failure recurred approximately six months later. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000. *Bf consumer stated srs light keeps coming on. Dealership file has a log/ histry of the vehicle maintenance plus multi repairs work done on the srs light but the problem still exists.*Jb
TAKATA RECALL
TAKATA RECALL
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 acura tl. The contact stated that the ignition switch key interlock failed. As a result, the vehicle backed out of the driveway on its own. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch key interlock failed. The dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Car will no longer function properly/ poor driving.
Violent shifting - purchased this vehicle from engles auto in sumner - same day drove this vehicle on the freeway and an hour into the road trip the vehicle began to suddenly apply the brakes. Following this it began shifting violently up or down. Found out there was a recall on the transmission and after talking with acura was told the problem was already addressed. Took the vehicle to a transmission shop and was told I needed to have the transmission rebuilt ($2500-$3000 estimate) immediately told car dealership I wanted to return the vehicle and get a refund and all I got from them was the run around.
My vehicle has a defected airbag. It has yet to deploy, however I was informed by the tk holdings inc. That the airbag on this particular model is defected.
My vehicle contains one of the defective takata airbags, even though I realize it is not currently under a recall.
AIR BAGS WAS NOT WORKING
TAKATA RECALL
Takata recall: problems occur on regular roads, local areas, cities. The car's window, the left passenger side behind the driver, is fail. It doesn't go up or down any more. It began couple years ago, and we had to to pay for the car repair person to pull it up only. Yet, it is automatically pulled down again and leaves a space that can't not protect passengers inside. Air, heat, any weather problem or any constructional objects injecting/flowing freely in/out. Other problem is "vsa" and "triangle" lights on....
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It started from last year when I had its tires replaced. Mechanics double checked and confirmed me that this car was too sensitive to do any tire job. Although they have tried to reset the sensor system, it still has the problem.
Takata recall I was in a car accident in june of 2014. I was pulling away from a stop sign. As I was driving a suburban (believe) turned in front of me. Tried to get out of the way but didn't quite make it. I hit the side or back of his vehicle . I felt like I hit a brick wall with my face. That was my face hitting the air bag.I was on the service road leaving the mall. I don't think the date I wrote in on this form is correct. I'm not sure of the day.
Air bag light keeps coming on & off while I'm driving & in idle .
Vehical slips out of gears while driving on the hwy also feels like the car wheels or maybe even the transmission locks up while on the hwy . A very bad jerk , it seems like the gears are locking up for a quick second after the jerk it will proceed on . The jerks. These jerks are starting to damage my suspension and also my gears.. There was asafety recall for the transmissoion gears .I have taken my vhical to acura of cerrittos and they refused to inspect and notify me of my vehical transmission gears status they...
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said there was a oil line that was added but they cant show me where the work was done. While driving my vehical home from the dealership acura of cerritos this transmission gears started locking up so bad that the jerks injured me my girlfriend and 3 of our kids and damaged my steering and suspension. Please help
Acura TL: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 247 | 6 | D |
| 2005 | 388 | 7 | F |
| 2004 | 551 | 6 | F |
| 2003 | 397 | 5 | F |
| 2002 | 350 | 7 | F |
| 2001 | 162 | 3 | C |
| 2000 | 248 | 6 | D |
| 1999 | 157 | 4 | D |
| 1998 | 26 | 2 | A |
2002 Acura TL vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Acura TL | 350 | 7 | F | |
| 2002 Acura MDX | 223 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Acura RSX | 93 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Acura CL | 61 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Acura RL | 59 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Acura NSX-T | 17 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Acura TL
Does the 2002 Acura TL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2002 Acura TL: inflator module (June 2019); inflator module (March 2019); inflator module (May 2015); automatic transmission (April 2004) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Acura TL?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (234), airbags (42), brakes (21).
How many complaints has the 2002 Acura TL had?
350 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 11, 2001 and the latest on September 21, 2026. Of these, 25 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 17 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2002 Acura TL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Acura TL year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Acura TL years have the most complaints?
2004 (551), 2003 (397), 2005 (388). See every Acura TL year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Acura TL has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data