Sell your 2002 Acura RL for cash

The 2002 Acura RL is a midsize car that came with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine. At 24 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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  • Paid at pickup

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2002 Acura RL at a glance

Body styleMidsize Cars
Engines3.5L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Gasoline
Fuel economy16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$4,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂494 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA1 configuration
Age24 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 24 years old, most of a 2002 RL's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a midsize car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 RL. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the air bags, typically around 128,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2002 Acura RL recalls

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2002 Acura RL. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Air BagsJan 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V027000

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…

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios incr

Exterior LightingMay 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V119000

On certain passenger vehicles, during the manufacturing process, oil was applied to the brake pedal assembly to prevent rust. This oil can leak into the brake stop switch and contaminate the electrical contacts.

Risk: Eventually, the brake lights will not illuminate when the brakes are applied, which increases the risk of a crash.

Common 2002 RL problems

Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 2002 Acura RL with NHTSA. 1 report involved a crash.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Air Bags18
  • Electrical System5
  • Power Train5
  • Steering4
  • Power Train3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling2

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Air Bags128,000 mi
  • Electrical System65,000 mi
  • Steering100,000 mi

2002 Acura RL service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 72 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2002 Acura RL. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Electrical System14
  • Equipment9
  • Air Bags7
  • Service Brakes6
  • Power Train4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling3

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 2019 · DORE5C4S09

    This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being to

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2018 · B18010I

    Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2018 · B18010I

    Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 2017 · BTS170801

    Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Other Acura RL years

‹ Sell a 2001 RL · Sell a 2003 RL › · All Acura RL years

Other 2002 Acura models

Selling a 2002 RL: questions

How much is a 2002 Acura RL worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2002 RL that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2002 RLs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 2002 RL with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Acura RL; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2002 RL?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Before you sell

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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