Model year guide

2002 Acura RL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Acura RL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 20 on record.

2002 Acura RL — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Acura RL at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints59
Typical price$3,032

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 Acura RL recalls 2

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V027000 · 17/01/2020

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…

Fix: 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 Ce…

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #02V119000 · 14/05/2002

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.

Fix: 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…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 Acura RL common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

What's a 2002 Acura RL worth?

Low
$1,500
Typical price
$3,032
High
$5,200

From 19 comparable 2002 Acura RL listings.

2002 Acura RL trims & engines on record

Trims
3.5
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl 225 hp

2002 Acura RL vehicles on record

Other Acura RL model years

2002 Acura RL — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Acura RL have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2002 Acura RL. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Acura RL?

Based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, steering, suspension.

How much is a 2002 Acura RL worth?

Comparable 2002 Acura RL listings run roughly $1,500–$5,200, typically around $3,032 (from 19 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.