Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
This involves my 2002 Acura TL type s and the braking system. I have aprox. 22,000 miles on my car. On a recent trip from los angeles to las vegas I noticed an unusual amout of vibration when braking the car from high speeds (70's). I had this happen to me earlier and the dealer turned and resurfaced the rotors and replaced the pads with "non destructive" new ones. The earleir event happened around 15,000 miles or so. Last week my transmission failed (Honda is now recalling) and I informed the service tech of my recurring braking problem. I was told today, by keys Acura van nuys, ca that they weren't going to fix the brakes and I should pay to have the now warped rotors replaced when the pads wear out! I couldn't believe this! This is the first car I've owned that had 2 major braking faileures in less than 20000 miles and the dealer refused to repair it. …
2002 Acura tls: intermittent sever right front wheel braking causing vehicle to leave lane of travel at various speeds (25-55 MPH). Replaced yaw sensor, no change. Replaced front wheel sensors, no change. Scanned for codes without result. Technician contacted tech line and sent snapshot of vsa. All tests normal including voltages and connector pin fit at vsa control unit, lateral acceleration sensor connector and connector 204. Contacted Acura customer service, but we're not willing to provide any additional assistance due to mileage of vehicle. The only way to drive the car safely is to deactivate the vsa manually after starting the vehicle each time. Last option is to replace vsa control module (quote for new part #39780-s0k-a01 vsa unit $1,031.46, plus labor).
While driving on interstate 95 in maryland, on a smooth stretch of road, the screw holding the master cylinder bracket onto the rotor came off of the bracket and the entire brake unit came wedged inside of the rim preventing the car from stopping properly. When the car came to a sliding stop on the side of the interstate it was inoperable and had to be towed. When the tire was removed to investigate the damage it was found that the threads on the inside of the bracket that hold the screw were gone. The one screw that did stay attached to the piece has the inside of the threads attached to it.
Sudden, loud grinding sound coming from rear disc brakes. At same time, SRS indicator light came on. Contacted Acura dealer, clair Acura of walpole ma, unable to service for at least a week, didn't appear concerned about safety issues. Took car to tire/break specialist who immediatley diagnosed total brake failure, calipers were locked frozen. Called Acura dealer, still unconcerned, knew nothing about other vehicles with similar problems. Had car repaired immediatley by break specialist - replaced calipers, rotors, brake fluid, complete brake package.
The front disc brakes rotors on the 2002 Acura TL wear unevenly or swell in the heat. This causes the steering wheel of the car, and thus the car, to shake during stops. This condition happens while stopping slowly or quickly. This condition is unsafe. We have taken our car in 4 times to have the rotors ground and each time there has been someone else waiting in the service department with the same problem. The problem goes away after servicing but always returns. Acura has refused to acknowledge a problem with these rotors.
TL* the contact owns a 2002 Acura TL. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and there was smoke rising from the engine compartment. The contact also mentioned there was a visible power steering leak and the brake lights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the steering hose and brake sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Consumer complained about a brake problem. Defective rotors are causing the steering wheel to shimmy. The rotors were resurfaced no numerous occasions but the problem persisted. The manufacturer and dealer are aware of the problem but have not been able to provide a permanent repair or additional assistance.
Cracked driver's side fog lense on 2002 TL (light still works). Dealer will only replace entire unit instead of lense at a cost of over $220 - ridiculous! Other problems that have been fixed under warranty - cup holder lid would not operate correctly, bad shudder when applying brakes, loose sunroof.
Brake complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Acura TL, 6% of the model year's 333 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Acura TL brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Acura TL, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Acura TL brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.