Acura TL
EPA MPG:
22 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
22 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.
The 2002 Acura TL has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2002 Acura TL has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
No Data Available
Acura vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009*
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY

AIR BAGS
Jun 27, 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
19V499000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
3947
AIR BAGS
Mar 06, 2019
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
19V182000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1101534
AIR BAGS
May 28, 2015
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
15V320000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
6281043
POWER TRAIN
Apr 15, 2004
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
HONDA RECALL NOS. P30 (ODYSSEY AND PILOT),P31 (MDX), P38 (ACCORD) AND P39 (ACURA).CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
04V176000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1099796
SEAT BELTS
Aug 14, 2001
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
01V166002
Potential Number of Units Affected:
8168
SEAT BELTS
May 24, 2001
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
01V166001
Potential Number of Units Affected:
9034
VISIBILITY
May 03, 2001
THE AUTO-REVERSE SYSTEM FAILURE COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
01V161000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
10575
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