What are the most common Acura CL problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997-2002 Acura CL has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.0CL automatic transmission slips and fails — flush is forbidden, filter is not serviceable, NADI Replacement Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V027000), NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) — 1998-1999 and 2001 CL. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Acura CL reliable?
The 1997-2002 Acura CL has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: 3.0CL automatic transmission slips and fails — flush is forbidden, filter is not serviceable and NADI Replacement Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall (NHTSA 20V027000) and NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) — 1998-1999 and 2001 CL and Ignition cylinder wear → shift interlock fails → rollaway risk (NHTSA recall 03V423000, 2003). 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.
How much does it cost to fix common Acura CL problems?
Repair costs for known Acura CL issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 3.0CL automatic transmission slips and fails — flush is forbidden, filter is not serviceable, typically costs $2,500-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Acura CL is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Acura CL. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1997-2002 Acura CL with 4 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 1997-1999 Acura CL 3.0CL automatic transmission slips and fails — flush is forbidden, filter is not serviceable?
The 1997-1999 3.0CL uses an automatic transmission specific to its V6 model family (the 2.2CL/2.3CL 4-cylinder variants do NOT share this transmission and are not affected). Owners and independent transmission shops widely report failures: slipping under load, not shifting out of… Repairs typically run $2,500-$3,500. Severity: high.
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.
What is the 1998-2001 Acura CL NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) — 1998-1999 and 2001 CL?
American Honda recalled the Acura CL coupe under NHTSA campaign 20V026000. The affected CLs are the 1998 2.2CL, the 1998-1999 2.3CL and 3.0CL, and the 2001 3.2CL. These cars left the factory with Non-Azide Driver airbag Inflators (NADI) — a design that does not use the phase stab… Severity: high.
What is the 1998-1999 Acura CL Ignition cylinder wear → shift interlock fails → rollaway risk (NHTSA recall 03V423000, 2003)?
NHTSA Campaign ID 03V423000 (October 2003) covers 1998-1999 Acura CL models. The defect: the ignition cylinder body wears, which causes the shift interlock to malfunction. If the vehicle does not securely lock in Park because the worn cylinder allows the interlock to disengage, t… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
