ACURA TL · model year

2002 ACURA TL

403 NHTSA complaints, 38 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2002ACURATL carries 403 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 38 crashes, 2 fires, 30 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2002 TL is power train:automatic transmission with 175 filings, followed by power train (37) and air bags (31). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2002 TL, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

403
Complaints
38
Crashes
2
Fires
30
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

403 filings

Crashes Reported

38 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION175
POWER TRAIN37
AIR BAGS31
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR6
ENGINE6
SERVICE BRAKES6
TIRES:SIDEWALL5
EQUIPMENT5
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4

Recalls (7)

15V32000028/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 Acur

19V49900027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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. The

01V16600124/05/2001

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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.

04V17600015/04/2004

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

01V16600214/08/2001

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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 VEHICL

19V18200006/03/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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

01V16100003/05/2001

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

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

Recent Complaints

20251012AIR BAGS

The high pressure power steering hose on my car is leaking. Issues with Air bags

20251012STEERING

The high pressure power steering hose on my car is leaking. Issues with Air bags

20250630AIR 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?

20230412POWER TRAIN

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

20210522SERVICE BRAKES

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 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.

20210522POWER TRAIN

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 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.

20200714AIR BAGS

VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING ON HIGHWAY WITH KIDS IN THE CAR, DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION.

Mileage: 150,000

20200714UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING ON HIGHWAY WITH KIDS IN THE CAR, DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION.

Mileage: 150,000

20190901AIR BAGS

AUTOMATIC/MANUALLY SHIFTS, MANUAL GEARS D4 SHIFT STUCK IN GEAR AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURED.

Mileage: 210,000

20190901ENGINE

AUTOMATIC/MANUALLY SHIFTS, MANUAL GEARS D4 SHIFT STUCK IN GEAR AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURED.

Mileage: 210,000

20190901POWER TRAIN

AUTOMATIC/MANUALLY SHIFTS, MANUAL GEARS D4 SHIFT STUCK IN GEAR AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURED.

Mileage: 210,000

20190821POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 157,672

20190821VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

Mileage: 157,672

20190821ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 157,672

20190709AIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 100,000

20190514AIR BAGS

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).

20190417CrashAIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 154,000

20190417CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

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.

Mileage: 154,000

20190417CrashSERVICE BRAKES

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.

Mileage: 154,000

20190415AIR BAGS

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 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 LIG

Mileage: 65,000

Compare 2002ACURATL to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2002 ACURA TL have?
The 2002 ACURA TL has 403 NHTSA complaints, 38 crashes, 2 fires, 30 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2002 ACURA TL?
Yes, the 2002 ACURA TL has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 ACURA TL?
The most-complained component for the 2002 ACURA TL is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION with 175 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2002 ACURA TL safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.