2002 Acura RL

Routine

Owners filed 43 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Acura RL years to avoid. Which Acura RL years to avoid →

Most common 2002 Acura RL problems

18 of the 43 complaints (42%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags18
000
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission5
000
Tires2
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
000
Service Brakes · brakes2
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine2
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control2
000
Electrical System2
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V027000
Filed Jan 17, 2020875,966 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. 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.

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.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch02V119000
Filed May 14, 200225,765 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. 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.

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

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.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 23, 2024GA

About 2013 the 2000 acura rl vsa and abs lights came on then the tilt on the steering wheel up and down stop working then the srs lights and seat belts light came on and want go off. So from then till now I have spent about 15k to correct the vsa and abs issues. Replace rotors bearing wheel sensor tires rack and pinion ball joints and power steering pressure hose. But I found out that the problem is the driver side motor mount. Cost is 100 for the part. The part to fix the issue is discontinued. I talk to daisy at acura corporation relations and disagreed with the answer because the motor mount is a common problem for acura 3.5rl because the angle sensor can not be connected with out replacing the driver door side motor mount I gave her the part number from acura warehouse parts and she couldn't the part and told me it was discontinued part number 50815-sz3-033. There is no refund for the trouble that this part has cost me. The high pressure power steering switch is also discontinued. The navigation and security door locks are also not working no communication with onstar.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 17, 2024GA

This is a continuation complaint with national cemter for dispute settlement to fix safty issues and discontinued parts. The car is not 40 years old and i cannot find a maintenance repair book. The power door locks are coming on and off and the fob key do not work Sutton acuta in macon said it needs the antenna but the antenna is discontinued. The navigation system doesn't work because the 6 chamger dvd in the trunk is not working with no electrical tech support from on star. ABS VSA TRACHION CONTROL IS ON for motr tan 3 years but the VSA switch is discontinued part. The SRS light was turn off at the nally acura in Marietta but they came back on and been on for 3 or 5 years. The car is not safe for driving after spending 10000 dollars to repair the same issue. This is my frustration with safty and no support.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 20, 2021TX

RACK AND PINION REPLACEMENT. EXTERIOR ISSUES: REAR BUMPER FELLED OFF; GASOLINE COVER WON'T CLOSED; DOOR HANDLES FALLING OFF; FUEL PUMP NEEDS REPLACEMENT

Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 2020KS

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.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 18, 2020PA

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. BOBBY RAHAL ACURA (6694 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050 (717) 790-6000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 2, 202060,000 milesNY

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?

Air Bags
Filed Jul 9, 2020207,678 milesDC

THERE'S A RECALL ON MY CAR AIRBAGS

Air Bags
Filed Jul 7, 2020SC

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 RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED ACURA OF AUGUSTA (1760 GORDON HWY, AUGUSTA, GA 30904, (706) 426 9817) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 1, 2020SC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jun 29, 2020MA

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 RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *LN*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 2020VA

I RECEIVED LETTER MARCH 2020 NOTIFYING ME OF SAFETY RECALL FOR AIRBAG MODULE AND INFLATOR- MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER H6S, NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 20V-027 FOR MY 2002 ACURA 3.5 RL. THE LETTER STATED I WAS TO WAIT FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS TO BE PREPARED AND I WOULD RECEIVE A FOLLOW UP LETTER WHEN SAID PARTS WERE AVAILABLE AND THEN I WAS TO CALL AN ACURA DEALERSHIP AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. IT IS NOW JUNE 2020 AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A FOLLOW UP LETTER. I'VE SEARCHED ON THE HONDA AND ACURA WEBSITE FOR ANY KIND OF REMEDIES, BECAUSE THE LETTER STATES 'THE AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE DURING DEPLOYMENT, WITH METAL FRAGMENTS POSSIBLY STRIKING THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.' I ENTERED MY VIN ON BOTH WEBSITES RECALL SEARCHES- WHICH TURNED UP NOTHING. THERE'S NO INDICATION OF A SOLUTION OR TIME FRAME. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT OF ANY KIND, BUT I DON'T HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO DRIVE- SO I'M JUST CROSSING MY FINGERS. IT'S BEEN 60 DAYS SINCE THIS LETTER, AND I WAS INSTRUCTED TO WAIT BEFORE CONTACTING A DEALER WITH THIS. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 16, 2020OH

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 RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. ACURA OF COLUMBUS (4340 DUBLIN GRANDVILLE RD, DUBLIN, OH 43017), WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 2020OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V056000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *JS

Air Bags
Filed May 18, 2020OR

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 RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ACURA OF SALEM (2475 COMMERCIAL ST SE, SALEM, OR 97302), AND WAS REJECTED TO BE SERVICED DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 22, 2020PA

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 RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB

Electrical System
Filed Mar 26, 20208,600 milesTX

DOORS LOCK WHEN INSIDE, SITTING STATIONARY, AND CAN'T GET THEM TO UNLOCK FROM DRIVERS POSITION. PASSENGER MAY NEED TO GET OUT TO USE KEY TO UNLOCK FROM OUTSIDE.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 29, 201885,500 milesVA

"TAKATA RECALL" THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING IN CITY AT APPROXIMATELY 10MPH. I HAD JUST FINISHED GASING UP. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED THE SRS LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ONCE ARRIVING HOME, I BEGAN TO RESEARCH AND TROUBLESHOOT THE ISSUE. I CAME UP WITH 2 CODES. THE FIRST WAS 3-5, AND THE SECOND WAS 1-1. 3-5 WAS PERTAINING TO A GROUND FOR THE SEATBELT PRETENSIONER, DRIVER'S SIDE. 1-1 WAS PERTAINING TO A MODULE FOR AN AIRBAG. I CAN'T REMEMBER WHICH SIDE. AS AFOREMENTIONED, THE RESEARCH I DID CONFIRMED THERE WERE SOME RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. IF SOMEONE COULD PLEASE GET BACK TO ME REGARDING THESE MATTERS AS SOON AS FEASIBLE IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Air Bags
Filed Feb 6, 2018201,373 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED EIGHT TSBS ON THE AIR BAGS, BUT NO AIR BAG RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,373.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 11, 2017KY

I SAW ON TV THERE IS A POSSIBLE RECALL ON TAKATA AIRBAGS ON MY CAR.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 11, 2016100,000 milesFL

THE ADJUSTABLE STEERING COLUMN QUIT WORKING IN A POSITION THAT ISN'T GOOD FOR ME TO DRIVE, YOU CAN'T BUY A PART TO FIX THIS YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS A $2,500.00 REPAIR. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THE POSITION IT QUIT WORKING FOR ME. I FEEL ACURA SHOULD FIX THIS OR REPLACE IT WITH A COLUMN THAT CAN BE REPAIRED INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE WHOLE COLUMN. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN I TRIED TO ADJUST IT.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 9, 2016128,000 milesAL

INITIAL PROBLEM; SRS LIGHT , ADVISED BY ACURA TECHS PROBLEM WAS FAULTY OPDS OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM AND POSSIBLY OPDS SENSOR. (SAFETY ISSUE) 10/14/15. SINCE THAT TIME AIR BAG INOP LIGHT HAS ALSO DEPLOYED

Steering
Filed Jun 30, 201488,000 milesAZ

I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND UPON EXAMINATION NOTICED THAT THERE IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE TELESCOPING MECHANISM IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I DID A SEARCH OF THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON ISSUES WITH THESE VEHICLES AND MAY BE WELL KNOWN BY THE MANUFACTURE AS THEY DO NOT SELL THE INDIVIDUAL PIECE TO FIX THIS ISSUE BUT INSTEAD SELL THE WHOLE COLUMN AS A UNIT WHICH IS $2500. THE PROBLEM EXIST BECAUSE THEY MANAGED TO MERGE PLASTIC AND METAL TOGETHER TO CREATE A SCREW-DRIVE MOTOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 14, 2012130,000 milesGA

SRS INDICATOR IS ON AT DASHBOARD. CHECKED WITH THE DEALER , SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE. ITS A SAFETY ITEM, SHOULD WORK THROUGH THE LIFE OF THE CAR. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 19, 201065,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45-50 MPH WHEN THE SRS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED AN OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM. THE DEALER REPLACED THE OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN EIGHT MONTHS. THE DEALER THEN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CYCLE THE IGNITION FASTER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AND REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER TO DEACTIVATE THE SRS LIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERN THAT WITH THE REPROGRAMMING OF THE COMPUTER, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 01/03/11

Electrical System
Filed Jul 4, 201076,500 milesNY

CAR STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 24, 200855,000 miles00

HANI ANTON BRAMPTON, ONTARIO CANADA L6Y 4R4 ACURA 2002 RL PURCHASED NEW FROM ACURA 2000 BRAMPTON, ONTARIO, CANADA IN 2003 VSA (VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST) ACTIVATES PREMATURELY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF MY CAR. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED AND TYPE OF ROAD CONDITIONS (DRY OR WET PAVEMENT). I HAVE TAKEN THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALER AND THEY ARE OF NO HELP. NOTE THE VSA ACTIVATES AT ANY TIME AND WITH NO WARNING AND AT ANY SPEED INCLUDE HIGHWAY/FREEWAY SPEEDS. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Aug 16, 200675,500 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 ACURA 3.5 RL APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH (ROAD WAS FLAT AND STRAIGHT WITH NO POTHOLES, BUMPS, ETC.), THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SUDDENLY TWISTED OUTWARDS, WHICH LED TO THE CAR SKIDDING TO A STOP. THE CAR BASICALLY DROPPED ONTO THE LEFT FRONT TIRE (WHICH WAS FACING OUTWARDS - THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WAS VISIBLE WHILE STANDING IN FRONT OF CAR LOOKING TOWARDS BACK OF THE CAR). THE DAMAGE ESTIMATE IS BELIEVED TO BE GREATER THAN $4,000 PER THE BODY SHOP INSURANCE ESTIMATOR. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE SERVICE DONE 1 MONTH PRIOR AT AN ACURA DEALERSHIP. THERE WAS NO HISTORY OF ANY ACCIDENTS AND THE BODY SHOP THAT CURRENTLY HAS VEHICLE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF ANY PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH REGARDS TO ACCIDENTS, REPAIRS, ETC. INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THEY WILL NOT COVER THE PART WHICH FAILED (LOWER BALL JOINT) BUT WILL COVER DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF IT (MINUS $500 DEDUCTIBLE, REPAIRED WITH AFTERMARKET/RECONDITIONED PARTS AT THEIR PREFERRED LOCATION TO HAVE ANY SORT OF WARRANTY ON THE WORK DONE). I HAVE CONTACTED ACURA AND ADVISED THEM THAT IN THE YEARS 1996-1999, THERE ARE RECALLS FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. THE OFFICER ON SITE AND THE TOWING REPRESENTATIVE ALSO INDICATED THAT THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS ACCIDENT SINCE WE WERE ABOUT TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE IN A FEW MINUTES TO GO BACK HOME (WE HAD ALREADY DRIVEN ABOUT 80 MILES ON THE INTERSTATE TO GET TO THIS LOCATION). I DO NOT BELIEVE THE DEALER IS AT FAULT ON THIS, BUT MORE SO MANUFACTURER SINCE

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)Crash
Filed Oct 25, 200546,059 milesNY

THE CAR HAS A KNOWN TSB THAT THE CAR MAY STALL AND SHUT DOWN IF IT IS AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE AND THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED 3 DAYS AGO. I WAS IN TRAFFIC WAITING IN TRAFFIC THE CAR JUST STALLED AND ROLLED BACK AND HIT THE GUY IN THE BACK LUCKY FOR ME IT WAS SITTING TRAFFIC. ONE OTHER TIME THE CAR WAS MAKING A SLOW SPEED TURN AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AND LOST POWER. THE CAR HAS A KNOWN TSB THAT THIS HAPPENS DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONED PCM. ALSO THIS CAR HAS A TSB STATING THAT A DRIVE PLATE IS MISMANUFACTURED AND HAPPENS TO ALL CARS IN MY YEAR AND MODEL A GRINDING NOISE WHEN START UP INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IT THE WEBLINK FOR TSB FOR STALLING OF CAR PROBLEM HTTP://WWW.ACURHTTP://WWW.ACURAWORLD.COM/TSB/2002/B02-031.PDFAWORLD.COM/TSB/2001/B01-044.PDF AND THIS IS FOR THE GRINDING NOISE PROBLEM. *JB

Unspecified
Filed Sep 23, 2004IL

PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK

Tires
Filed Apr 28, 20046,000 milesNY

ALL FOUR TIRES DEVELOPED SIDEWALL BUBBLES, WHICH RESULTED IN A BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FRONT LEFT TIRE DEVELOPED SIDEWALL BUBBLES AGAIN.*AK

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 28, 2003AL

2002 BRAND NEW ACURA [XXX]. FRONT FOF LAMPS ARE MADE OF BREAKABLE GLASS. SO FAR I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TWICE. THIS GLASS ID HEAVY/LARGE CHUNKS THAT COULD CAUSE TIRE DAMAGE. THIS GLASS BREAKS IN SHARDS AND IT VERY DANGEROUS. A PIECE BLEW UP AND SCRATCHED PAINT. THE DEALERSHIP IS REPLACING THE FOG LIGHTS WITH SAME BREAKABLE. THE 2003 MODELS HAVE CHANGED TO A NON-BREAKABLE, BUT WILL NOT FIT THE 2002, THIS TELLS ME ENGINEERING SAW IT WAS A PROBLEM. SOMEONE COULD GET HURT@. I FILED VIA PHONE ( #1368) BUT THE LADY WHO TOOK MY INFO GOT IT ALL SCREWED UP. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 7, 2003NJ

2004 ACURA RL , CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH GEAR SHIFTER IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL BACKWARDS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Feb 5, 2003WA

PROBLEM IS WITH THE FILTRATION SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jun 28, 2002NJ

ENGINE STALLS WHILE MAKING A TURN. VEHICLE RESTARTED AND TAKEN TO DEALER, AND WILL BE MAKING THE CORRECTION. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jan 10, 2002CT

GET A VERY BAD 'GRIND' GOING INTO 2ND GEAR, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLD. IT TAKES ABOUT 25 MINUTES OF DRIVING UNTIL IT STARTS TO SHIFT SMOOTHLY. THE COLDER THE WEATHER IS OUTSIDE THE WORST THE PROBLEM IS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL BEHAVIOR, YOU CAN FEEL THE GEARS GRINDING IN THE TRANSMISSION. YES, THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS BEING PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE SHIFTER IS BEING PULLED STRAIGHT BACK. I HAVE SPOKE WITH MANY ACURA RSX TYPE-S OWNERS AND THEY ARE ALL HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE A PETITION WITH OVER 60 SIGNATURES FROM OTHER RSX OWNERS WITH NAME VIN'S AND DESCRIPT OF THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE REPORT THIS PROBLEM TO ACURA IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET INTO 2ND GEAR AND THE TRANSMISSIONS IS GRINDING SO BAD IT LOCKS YOU OUT.*AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Nov 10, 2001PA

WHEN SHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION FREQUENTLY MAKES A CRUNCHING SOUND IN ADDITION TO HAVING A NOTCHY FEELING. OCCASIONALLY TRANSMISSION WILL POP OUT OF 2ND GEAR WHEN ENGAGING THE CLUTCH. AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO THE WILLOW GROVE SUSSMAN ACURA SERVICE CENTER, A TECHNICIAN CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL OPERATION FOR THE RSX TYPE-S'S 6 SPEED TRANMISSION SINCE ITS 1ST AND 2ND GEARS HAVE TRIPLE CONE SYNCROS. HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO FOR THIS TRANMISSION PROBLEM.*AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Nov 7, 2001KS

TRANSMISSION GRINDS WHEN UPSHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR INTO SECOND GEAR.*AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Oct 31, 2001NY

WHEN IT IS COLD OUT THERE IS A NOTCH GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. WITH THE CLUTCH FULLY DEPRESSED AS YOU SHIFT FROM THE 1ST GEAR GATE TO THE 2ND GEAR GATE THERE IS A SLIGHT GRIND AND DIFFICULTY GETTING INTO GEAR. THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY ONCE THE CAR IS WARMED UP.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 30, 2001CT

GETTING INTO SECOND GEAR IS VERY 'NOTCHY' AND GETS VERY BAD IN COLD WEATHER AND WHEN THE TRANMISSION IS NOT WARMED UP. AT TIMES IT CAN BE VERY HARD TO GET INTO 2ND GEAR AND IT GRINDS, THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OTHER RSX TYPE-S OWNERS I HAVE SPOKEN WITH. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET INTO SECOND GEAR AND YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO.*AK

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 24, 2001AZ

FRONT WHEEL WELL LINERS HAVE CRACKED UNDER THE MOUNTING SCREWS. PIECES OF PLASTIC ARE READY TO FALL OFF AND EXPOSE THE SCREWS, WHICH ARE LIKELY TO LOOSEN AND FALL OFF AS WELL. POSSIBLE FURTHER DAMAGE FROM FALLING OFF MOUNTINS SCREWS, AND, IN AN AGGRAVATED CASES, WHEEL LINERS. *AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Oct 15, 2001CA

6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION MISS-SHIFTING EASILY ON 3RD TO 4TH GEAR UPSHIFTS. 2ND GEAR ENGAGED WHICH CAUSED EXTENSIVE ENGINE DAMAGE. MANUFACTURE IS FAILING TO WARRANTY ENGINE DAMAGE. NUMEROUS CASES ARE NOW BEING REPORTED BY OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 7, 2001CA

WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND HITTING THE BRAKES ENGINE WILL STALL. VEHICLE DOES THIS INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED, AND VEHICLE DID IT AGAIN. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Tires
Filed May 1, 2001MN

CONSUMER STATES AFTER PARKING VEHICLE IN GARAGE, HE NOTICED AN AIR LEAK, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN TO BE INSPECTED AND WAS ADVISED THAT TIRE IS NOT REPAIRABLE TIRE HAS A HOLE IN THE SIDE. *JB

All 43 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20152000Routine
20121600Routine
20113600Routine
20109700Routine
20098610Routine
200813600Routine
200720710Routine
200632810Routine
20051251110Routine
200411000Routine
20039100Routine
2002 — this page43200Routine
200112210Routine
200059400Routine
199924210Routine
199811300Routine
199719200Routine
199622320Routine

Compare every RL year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 17, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.