The problem
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."
The risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 01V166002 (01V166002) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly |
| Report date | August 14, 2001 |
| Owners notified | August 20, 2001 |
| Vehicles affected | 8,168 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 01V166002 repair free?
Yes. Acura dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 8,168 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.