One problem related to front suspension lower ball joint has been reported for the 2002 Acura RL. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Acura RL based on all problems reported for the 2002 RL.
While driving the 2002 Acura 3. 5 Rl approximately 20-25 mph (road was flat and straight with no potholes, bumps, etc. ), the left front wheel suddenly twisted outwards, which led to the car skidding to a stop. The car basically dropped onto the left front tire (which was facing outwards - the inside of the wheel was visible while standing in front of car looking towards back of the car). The damage estimate is believed to be greater than $4,000 per the body shop insurance estimator. I had an oil change service done 1 month prior at an Acura dealership. There was no history of any accidents and the body shop that currently has vehicle also acknowledged that there are no signs of any previous issues with regards to accidents, repairs, etc. Insurance company stated they will not cover the part which failed (lower ball joint) but will cover damages as a result of it (minus $500 deductible, repaired with aftermarket/reconditioned parts at their preferred location to have any sort of warranty on the work done). I have contacted Acura and advised them that in the years 1996-1999, there are recalls for the exact same issue. The officer on site and the towing representative also indicated that this could have potentially been a very dangerous accident since we were about to enter the interstate in a few minutes to go back home (we had already driven about 80 miles on the interstate to get to this location). I do not believe the dealer is at fault on this, but more so manufacturer since there are no indications of a possible cause (such as accidents, repairs, aftermarket accessories, etc. ). . Read more...