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2002 ACURA TL

7 recalls Risk Grade: B Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #04V176000 Plain English
Component

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Manufacturer
HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
What Happened
The automatic transmission in your vehicle has a part called the counter shaft and secondary shaft second gears, which can get too hot and wear out the gears, causing them to break.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your transmission could lock up while you're driving, which could cause a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will either update the transmission's oil system to prevent overheating, or replace the transmission if it's already damaged. This repair is free, and you should contact Honda/Acura to schedule it as soon as you get your recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V499000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The driver's side airbag in your vehicle is a critical safety feature that deploys in a crash to protect you. In certain models, the airbag's propellant can break down over time, especially in humid environments.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflates too quickly, it could explode and send sharp metal fragments into the driver or passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a new one, free of charge. This is a free repair, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V182000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The driver's air bag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to protect you. In some affected models, the air bag's inflator could explode in a crash, sending sharp metal fragments flying towards you and potentially causing serious injury or death.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments into the driver's seat or nearby passengers. This could lead to serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty air bag inflator with a safer, redesigned one at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15V320000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
What Happened
The airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to cushion the impact. In certain affected vehicles, the airbag's inflator might be faulty and could burst into sharp metal shards.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag inflator ruptures in a crash, sharp metal fragments could hit you or other passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your Honda dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator with a safer one – at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #01V166002 Plain English
Component

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
What Happened
The front seat belt buckle in your Acura 3.2TL is a critical safety device that keeps you securely fastened in your seat during a crash. Unfortunately, some of the buckles used in repairs on your vehicle may not meet safety standards.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're in a crash and the seat belt buckle fails, you might not be properly restrained, which could lead to serious injury or even ejection from the vehicle.
Free Fix
Your authorized Acura dealer will inspect the front seat belt buckle and replace it with a safe and compliant one, free of charge. You'll be notified, and you should schedule the repair as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #01V166001 Plain English
Component

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
What Happened
Your vehicle's front seat belt buckles might not be working properly because they were made incorrectly.
Risk if Unfixed
If there's a crash, you could be seriously injured because you won't be properly restrained by the seat belt.
Free Fix
The dealership will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles for free. You'll need to contact Acura to schedule an appointment, and they'll take care of the rest.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #01V161000 Plain English
Component

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Manufacturer
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.
What Happened
Your vehicle's power window control unit on the driver's side might not work properly, causing issues with the power window feature.
Risk if Unfixed
If the auto-reverse system fails, you could get hurt if the window closes on you or you're not able to control it.
Free Fix
Acura will replace the faulty power window control unit for free.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THE AUTO-REVERSE SYSTEM FAILURE COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Original — Remedy
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.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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