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KA9 · Sedan

2002 Acura RL

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2002 Acura RL.

Recall campaigns
2
Owner complaints
59, mostly power train
Safety record

Recalls on the 2002 Acura RL

Recall·20V027000

Air bags: inflator module

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.

Recall·02V119000

Exterior lighting: switch

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, OIL WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT RUST.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 59 owners reported

Power train19
Air bags16
Engine and engine cooling7
Steering4

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2002 Acura RL at a glance

Engine
3.5L 6-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
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Other Acura RL years

2012201120102009200820072006200520042003200120001999199819971996

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2002 Acura RL?

Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2002 Acura RL with NHTSA, most often about the power train. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2002 Acura RL reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2002 Acura RL?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2002 Acura RL listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.