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Acura · Known Issues

2002 Acura CL Problems: 1 Known Issue

2002 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Acura CL has 1 documented issue, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is NADI Replacement Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V027000). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

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  • CL Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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On the 2001-2002 Acura CL, some 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL coupes had their driver frontal air bag module replaced at some point during a previous vehicle repair. According to NHTSA recall 20V027000, a manufacturing issue with those replacement NADI inflators lets the inflator absorb moisture over time. A moisture-affected inflator can rupture when the air bag fires, or the cushion can underinflate. Only 3.2CLs that actually received one of these replacement driver air bag modules are covered — an original, never-replaced air bag is not part of this campaign. The recall is a Honda/Acura campaign covering 875,966 vehicles in total across all makes and models included in it; that figure is campaign-wide and says nothing about how many CLs are involved.

How to Fix

The repair is free at any Acura dealer. The dealer inspects the driver frontal air bag in your CL and, where necessary, replaces the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design. Owner notification began with the recall launch on October 1, 2020, so if your CL changed hands you may never have received a letter — run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether 20V027000 is still open on your car. American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center can be reached at 1-888-234-2138.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #20V02700017/01/2020

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.

Campaign #04V17600015/04/2004

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura CL problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Acura CL has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: NADI Replacement Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V027000). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura CL reliable?

The 2002 Acura CL has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: NADI Replacement Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V027000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 2001-2002 Acura CL NADI Replacement Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V027000)?

Some 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL coupes had their driver frontal air bag module replaced at some point during a previous vehicle repair. According to NHTSA recall 20V027000, a manufacturing issue with those replacement NADI inflators lets the inflator absorb moisture over time. A moist… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #20V02600017/01/2020

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.