1998 Acura CL

Routine

Owners filed 55 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Acura CL years to avoid. Which Acura CL years to avoid →

Most common 1998 Acura CL problems

16 of the 55 complaints (29%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System10
000
Air Bags · airbags7
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration5
103
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch5
000
Suspension3
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission3
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · transmission2
000
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls1
000
Tires › Sidewall1
000
Tires1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V026000
Filed Jan 17, 20201,439,841 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

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 increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch03V423000
Filed Oct 27, 2003563,861 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."

Risk. IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch02V120000
Filed May 16, 20021,000,000 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Risk. WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. 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 HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint99V069000
Filed May 10, 1999124,875 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch98V018000
Filed Feb 10, 199833,966 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (HONDA ACCORD SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 1997 TO JANUARY 10, 1998; COUPES MANUFACTURED DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 15, 1997, AND JANUARY 5, 1998; ACURA 2.3CL MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 22, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 1998). DURING MANUFACTURING, THE CASTING DIE CAUSED AN IRREGULARITY IN THE RIGHT-SIDE TRANSMISSION COVER. THIS IRREGULARITY CAN LIMIT THE MOVEMENT OF THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATION LEVEL AND PREVENT ADEQUATE ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING GEAR PAWL. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN AN INCLINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS LOCKED IN "PARK," INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COLLAR ON THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL TO ENSURE PROPER MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATION LEVER.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Oct 23, 2020FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED NAPLETON'S PALM BEACH ACURA (6870 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411; (888) 980-7593) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2020NE

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 25, 2020OK

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT ROPER HONDA DEALER (902 N RANGELINE RD, JOPLIN, MO 64801) AND WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PART NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jul 8, 2020FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. CROWN ACURA LOCATED AT 18911 US 19 NORTH CLEAR WATER FL 33764, (888) 642-5567) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2020. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed May 4, 2020FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NAPLES ACURA LOCATED AT 659 AIRPORT-PULLING RD, NAPLES, FL 34104, (239)330-4212, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND CONFIRMED THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*BF*JB

Air Bags
Filed Apr 15, 2020OH

THE NEAREST ACURA DEALERSHIP TO ME DOES NOT HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT PART TO REPAIR MY RECALLED VEHICLE. THE ACURA DEALERSHIP HAS NO IDEA WHEN AN AIRBAG REPLACEMENT FOR THE VEHICLE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2018TN

THE SWITCH IS CAUSING MY CAR TO DIE WHILE IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OR WHEN IM STOPPED AND WHEN I START TO PULL OUT ON TO THE MAIN ROAD IT HAS EVEN STAYED RUNNING WHEN I CUT THE CAR OFF AND TAKE THE KEY OUT I WOULD HAVE TO POP MY CLUTCH TO KILL IT AND THEN MY DASH LIGHTS WOULDNT GO OFF OR COME BACK ON AND I WOULDNT KNOW IT TIL I GOT BACK IN MY CAR TO LEAVE AGAIN AND THEN THE BATTERY WOULD BE DEAD, IVE HAD TO HOLD MY KEY ON WHILE DRIVING AND CHANGING GEARS AND NOW ITS CAUSING MY STARTER TO SOUND LIKE SOMETHIN AWFUL ITS GOING TO GET ME KILLED SONETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ASAP BOUT IT. UNS CAN IGNORE THIS COMPLAINT ALL UNS WANT BUT FAIR WARNING IF I GET KILLED IN IT THERE WILL BE ONE BIG LAW SUIT ON YALLS ASS. TY HAVE A BLEESED DAY I COULD BE TURNING OR ANYTHING IT DOES IT, IT DOES NOT HOLD BACK WHEN IT GETS READY TO CUT OFF IT WILL, THERE IS NO SIGNS WHEN ITS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT HAPPENS EVERYDAY EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT IT CUTS OFF @ LEAST 40 TIMES OR MORE A DAY.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 27, 201895,000 milesSC

THE VEHICLE DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I SEE WHERE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IGNITION SWITCH BUT I AM TOLD BY THE DEALER THERE IS NO ACTIVE RECALL. THE CAR BELONGS TO MY MOTHER. THE DEALER DID NOT CHANGE THE PART IN 2012 BECAUSE THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE COMPLAINT.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 7, 2016138,594 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,594.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 2016225,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED HOWEVER, IT TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STATED ONCE THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE IMMOBILIZER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS FOR THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAILY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 9, 201585,000 milesCA

IT IS MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW THE WINDOW PART IN DOOR THAT CAUSE WINDOW TO GO UP AND DOWN BREAKS AT ANY GIVEN TIME IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN I LOOKED IN ACURA FORUM WHERE IT'S EVERYONE IS HAVING PROBLEMS SAME THING AND THE COMPANY NEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM DID IT ANYWAY AND HOPED NO RECALL WOULD COME ABOUT. NOW THIS IS SHADES PRACTICE I WENT TO ROLL MY WINDOW DOWN A BEE WAS IN CAR I WAS DRIVING AND COULDN'T JUST PULL OVER ON FREE WAY. MY WINDOW BROKE AGAIN I GOT STUNG I'M SWOLLEN FROM STING AND ALL CAUSE COULDN'T ROLL DOWN A WINDOW THAT SHOULD ALWAYS WORK! I HAVE HAD IT WITH ACURA.

Suspension
Filed May 19, 2015171,000 milesMI

DRIVING INTO WORK ON THURSDAY THE 16TH OF APRIL, 2015 I WAS ROUNDING A DESIGNATED U-TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 3-5MPH. AS I WAS MIDWAY THROUGH THE TURN, MY CAR DROPPED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND A SCRAPPING NOISE STARTED TO SOUND. MY CAR STOPPED ABRUPTLY AND A GRINDING NOISE MADE ME WEARY TO MOVE. BECOMING STATIONARY, I WAS SIDEWAYS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH CARS APPROACHING. I PROCEEDED TO SLOWLY INCH MY CAR OUT OF THE ROAD AND INTO A SAFE LOCATION WITH THE GRINDING NOISE. WHEN I LIFTED MY CAR UP USING THE JACK IN THE TRUNK I COULD VISIBLY SEE MY LOWER BALL JOINT HAD COME OUT OF THE SOCKET AND THE SUSPENSION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS COLLAPSED. IF THIS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY HALF A MILE BEFORE THE LOCATION OF THE INCIDENT I WOULD HAVE BEEN DOING 70MPH ON HIGHWAY 75. I AM LUCKY THAT THIS COMPONENT FAILURE DID NOT RESULT IN THE WHEEL BUCKLING UNDER THE PRESSURE OF THE BREAK. ALSO I AM LUCKY THERE WERE NO MORE THAN A FEW CARS APPROACHING ME WHEN THIS OCCURRED (T-BONE SITUATION). I HAVE BEEN ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE TO CONFIRM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V069000 HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND IS FOR THIS EXACT SAME CONSEQUENCE, WHICH IT SEEMS TO BE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS MAY BE CATEGORIZED AS A WEAR COMPONENT BUT THE BALL JOINT ON ANY CAR SHOULD NEVER COME OUT OF PLACE OR FAIL AT ALL. I HAVE RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER ITEM THAT WAS ALREADY RECALLED AND REPAIRED DONE AGAIN DUE TO THE RECALL NOT HOLDING UP. THE ISSUE CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 WAS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH CONTACTS SPREADING RES

Electrical System
Filed Feb 1, 201590,000 milesCA

THE CAR STOPPED AT 40 MILES AN HR WE WERE DRIVING ON ROAD WITH TRAFFIC CAR DIED WOULDN'T START IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE CARS HAD TO SERVE NOT TO HIT US. NO ONE WOULD HELP MY HUSBAND PUSH IT OFF ROAD. WE DODGED A BULLET. THIS IS ONE OF MANY ISSUES WITH OWNING THE CAR. A WASTE OF MONEY CAR IS CRAP MADE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 3, 201462,000 milesCA

WE HAD TO REPLACE OUR TRANSMISSION AFTER 70000MILES, WE HAD TO REPLACE A DRIVERS SIDE ELECTRIC WINDOW TWICE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS STAYS ON NOTHING WRONG, CAR STALLED GOING 45MPHS FIXED THAT PROBLEM OTHER LIGHTS NOW STAY ON NO MATTER IF NOTHING IS WRONG, THIS CAR ISN'T WORTH THE MONEY TOO MANY PROBLEMS AND THEY TELL ME MY VIN NUMBER DOESN'T FIT THE RECALLS BUT WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, I'M GOING TO START RAISING A STINK IT'S RIDICULOUS, *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 13, 2012344,000 milesNC

AT 55 MPH THE CAR ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND ALL POWER WAS LOST. CONTACTING THE COMPANY ABOUT A RECALL THAT I SAW ON THE INTERNET THE COMPANY SAID THAT THE RECALL WAS ALREADY COMPLETED ON MY CAR. I DID NOT REMEMBER IT BEING DONE BUT TOLD THEM THAT THE PROBLEM FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OWNING THE CAR IN 344,000 MILES HAS NOW STARTED. THEY SAID THEY COULD FIX IT BUT COULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CONFIRMED AND REPAIRED THE NEXT DAY. THEY SAID IT WAS THE ELECTRICAL PART OF IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE IT AND I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND MAKE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WHEN THE PART WAS IN STOCK.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 11, 2012344,000 milesNC

THE CAR, WHILE DRIVING SHUT DOWN AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT 55 MPH, I CHECKED THE INTERNET FOR ANYONE ELSE HAVING THAT ISSUE AND FOUND THE RECALL ON MY CAR FOR IGNITION SWITCH, I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT MY CAR ALREADY HAD THE RECALL PERFORMED BUT WOULD LOOK AT IT AND CONFIRM THE PROBLEM. I DROVE THE CAR OVER, WHILE DOING SO IT DIED ON ME AGAIN. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE SWITCH AND SINCE IT WAS ALREADY BEEN RECALLED I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE $500.00 TO REPLACE IT. ( I WOULD THINK THAT SINCE IT APPEARED THAT THE "FIX" DID NOT WORK THAT IT SHOULD BE REPLACED AGAIN.) THE DEALER THEN TOLD ME THAT SINCE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART IN STOCK THAT I WOULD HAVE TO MAKE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT AND GAVE ME MY CAR TO DRIVE HOME. (NOW THERE'S A REAL SAFETY ISSUE.) SINCE I AM CURRENTLY NOT WORKING I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE SWITCH MYSELF AND UPON OPENING UP THE STEERING COLUMN I FOUND THAT THE 2 BOLTS HOLDING THE KEY LOCK TO THE COLUMN ARE A SAFETY TYPE " PAN HEAD " THAT CANT BE REMOVED EASILY. THE FUNNY THING IS I REALLY FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD USE THIS TYPE OF BOLT TO REPLACE A RECALL ITEM. THERE ARE NO EASY WAYS TO GET AT THE SPOT TO RE-INSTALL THEM. IF THE MANUFACTURER RECALLED THE ITEM FOR THIS ISSUE IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN WITH THE RECALL SWITCH IN IT. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Dec 28, 201198,223 milesFL

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE DOOR LATCH SYSTEM. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH SYSTEM. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,223. KMJ UPDATED 03/02/12*LJ UPDATED 03/08/12

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and FittingsFire
Filed Aug 16, 2011183,000 milesMD

SMOKE WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AS THE SMOKE INTENSIFIED. THE ENSUING FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE. DROPS OF A PETROLEUM PRODUCT ON THE PAVEMENT LEADING TO THE VEHICLE INDICATE THAT A LEAKING FUEL LINE MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *KB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 14, 201083,000 milesCA

RUNAWAY CAR: I BACKED OUT OF A BUSINESS PARKING SPACE AND BARELY TAPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO MOVE FORWARD. I KNOW I HARDLY TOUCHED THE ACCELERATOR BECAUSE I WAS GOINIG TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE TURN ONTO A SIDE STREEET WITH A STOP SIGN. AS SOON AS I TAPPED THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR WENT FORWARD WITH FULL POWER. MY FOOT WENT TO THE BRAKE INSTANTLY BUT THE BRAKES DID NOTHING. MY NIECE AND I FLEW ACROSS THE SIDE STREET, THROUGH A FOOT HIGH CONCRETE BARRIER (BREAKING IT), A HEDGE THEN IN ANOTHER BUSINESS'S PARKING LOT WHERE THE CAR CAME TO AN INSTANT STOP. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND IT WAS OVER. WE WERE NEVER SO SCARED IN OUR LIVES. WE STOPPED JUST SORT OF GOING INTO A STREET FULL OF TRAFFIC. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED BECAUSE ACURA'S ARE NOT LISTED WITH ANY RECALLS. MY FLOOR MATS WERE NOT IN BECAUSE I JUST HAD THE CAR DETAILED SO THEY WERE DAMP. THERE WAS NO MIX UP RE THE BRAKE AND ACCEERATOR PETALS BECAUSE I MOVED MY FOOT TO ANOTHER PETAL. I DON'T KNOW IF THE ACCERATOR WAS DOWN ALL THE WAY, THERE WAS NO TIME TO SEE AS I WAS BUSY TRYING TO STOP THE CAR. IT IS MY BELIEF THIS IS AN ELECTRONIC PROBLEM. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Aug 22, 2009NC

I CANNOT OPEN MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS AN EASY FIX SO I HAVE GONE TO 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS TO HAVE IT CHECKED. AUTO, MECHANIC, BODY SHOP MECHANIC AN A LOCKSMITH, I EVEN WENT TO FREEMAN STEREO TO SEE IF IT WAS ELECTRICAL. THEY ALL SAID THAT IT IS THE DOOR CATCH, IT IS GOING TO COST ME 400.00. THEY ALSO SAID THAT IT IS A DEFECT IN THE CATCH AND THE BODY SHOP HAS HAD 4 HONDA, ACURAS HE SAID IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. HE SAID THAT IT IS WELL NOTED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CATCHES. WELL, I CANNOT GET OUT OF THE CAR IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. IF THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM ( HONDA ) THEN THEY SHOULD FIX IT.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jul 11, 2008105,500 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILS TO TURN OFF, EVEN AFTER THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE IS THE FIRST TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE RUNNING WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 105,500.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Filed Sep 5, 2007107,940 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. ON AUGUST 20, 2007, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT AN EMERGENCY. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN BECAUSE THE GEARS WOULD NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JUMP. THE GEARS THEN BEGAN SLIPPING AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,940.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Nov 19, 2006114,535 milesIL

THE IGNITION SWITCH ON MY 98 ACURA 3.0CL IS DEGRADING AND MY POWER STEERING IS GOING OUT, AND THE CAR ACCESSORIES STILL RUN JUST NOT THE CAR, AND THE THEFT LIGHT IS COMING ON, I'VE JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON THE 14-15TH OF NOVEMBER 2006. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 19, 2006VA

TRANSMISSION SHIFT FAILURE. *NM

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jul 25, 200589,900 milesIA

HAD INGINTION SWITCH CHANGED ON RECALL OF 2003 ON 2-19-04. NOW I AM HAVING IGNITION FAILURE ALREADY AFTER 1 1/2 YEARS. THIS HAS BEEN VERY SCARY GOING 70 MPS ON INTERSTATE AND HAVE CAR DIE, NO POWER STERRING, NO BRAKES. WHY WOULD THIS BE HAPPENING ALREADY? MORE FAULTY INGNITION SWITCHES FROM ACURA?

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 3, 2004FL

I OWN A 1998 ACURA CL 2.3 THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT FOR THE THIRD TIME. SOME OF THE THINGS I FIND DANGEROUS ARE THE FACT THAT THE CAR WHEN SITTING AT A STOP AND THEN PROCEDING TO ACCELERATE REVVED TO HIGH RPMS AND THEN BOGS DOWN AND BARELY MOVES. I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT GOING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR ROLLED FORWARD AT A VERY SLOW PACE LIKE IT WAS IN A REALLY HIGH GEAR EVEN AFTER DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR HALF WAY DOWN. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANS MISSION VIOLENTLY CHANGES GEARS AND PROPELLS ME FROM THE LANE I AM TURNING IN TO THE NEXT LANE OVER. I HAVE ALSO HAS OCCASIONS WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WILL RAPIDLY CHANGE BACK AND FORTH THROUGH THE HIGH AND LOW GEARS WHILE DRIVING FOR APARENT REASON. I AM AFRAID THAT IF THIS KEEPS UP I WILL END UP IN AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR IS A 1998 I HAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR THAT HAD SO MANY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IN MY WHOLE LIFE. 3 TRANSMISSIONS SINCE 1998 IS REDICULACE. THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE CARS AND THE COST TO HAVE THEM FIXED IS OUTRAGEIOUS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPEATEDLY PAY TO HAVE AN OBVIOUS ENGERING OR MANUFACTURE DEFECT FIXED.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 30, 200487,000 milesFL

THE VEHICLE HAD A TENDENCY TO CONTINUE RUNNING AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO INTERMITTENTLY STALL ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. *AK THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT TURN OFF, EVEN WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY WHEN THEY FAILED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. *SC

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Jun 2, 2004109,000 milesVA

THERE WAS NOT ANY EVENT LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. I OWN AN ACURA 1998 CL. COMING HOME FROM VACATION YESTERDAY ON ROUTE 79 IN WEST VIRGINIA, GOING 70 MILES/HOUR, MY RIGHT FRONT AXLE BEARING JUST BROKE IN HALF, AND MY WHEEL FELL OFF CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. I JUST HAD MY CAR INSPECTED IN FEBRUARY. THERE WAS NO WEAR OF THE TIRE TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. NO VIBRATIONS, NO SHAKING, ABSOLUTELY NO INDICATION THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THAT VERY IMPORTANT PART OF MY VEHICLE. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS HAPPENING WITH OTHER ACURAS, BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AGAIN AFTER IT IS FIXED BECAUSE I'M AFRAID IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN ALOT WORSE. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED 6/1/2004, SO MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET.*AK

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Jun 2, 2004VA

I SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT EARLIER #99V069000. I WANTED TO CLARIFY THE PART THAT FAILED. IT WAS THE BALL JOINT THAT BROKE IN HALF, AND IT IS CONNECTED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. ALSO DIGITAL PICTURES WERE TAKEN. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed May 14, 2004CA

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THERE WAS SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END, DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. CONSUMER WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS. *AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Apr 12, 200490,000 milesOH

WHILED DRIVING BETWEEN 25 TO 30 MP CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED A HEAVY TRUCK. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Mar 24, 2004NJ

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN O THE DEALER FOR NHTSA RECALL # 03V423000 SUBJECT:IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FREE REMEDY. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE DRIVER COULD NOT TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. NOW THE KEY CAN BE TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION WHILE IN OTHER GEARS. CONSUMER REQUESTS ODI TO CALL WITH INFORMATION ON HOW THIS WILL BE HANDLED. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control1 injured
Filed Mar 6, 200464,000 milesGA

WHILE DRIVING ON AN OPEN STRETCH OF HIGHWAY, MY 1998 ACURA 3.0CL BEGAN ACCELERATING WITHOUT ME PUSHING DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CAR REACHED A SPEED OF 95 MPH, AND I COULD NOT STOP IT WITH THE BRAKES, THEY WERE COMPLETELY USELESS. I HAD TO SLAM THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK TO MAKE THE CAR SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN TO 60 MPH I USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO BRING IT TO A STOP. THE ENGINE WAS WOUND UP AT THIS POINT DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR STILL BEING STUCK. I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. I AM RETURNING THIS CAR TO ACURA AND MAY BEGIN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AT THIS POINT. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 17, 200463,000 milesTX

TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 63,000 MILES. *AK

Steering
Filed Dec 12, 200345,000 milesFL

1998 ACURA CL 3.0. THE STEERING IS LOOSE. IMPERFECTIONS OF THE ROAD PULL THE STEERING WHEEL. SOMETIMES DANGEROUSLY SO. SOMETIMES DEPENDING ON THE DEFECT IN THE ROAD AND THE DRIVING EVENT (EVASIVE MANEUVER, HEAVY BREAKING) THE CAR IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP IN ONES' LANE. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE FORUMS, AND THIS PROBLEMS EFFECTS OTHER ACURA OWNERS, UNLIKE OTHER ISSUES, THIS ONE SEEMS TO BE A MYSTERY. PLEASE HELP. SINCERELY ROBERT GENTILE . *AK

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Jun 18, 2003NC

WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIANS. NO WARNING. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)
Filed Jun 6, 2003OH

THERE IS A RECALL ON THE EMISSION CONTROL/EGR VALVE WHICH IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *AK

Suspension
Filed May 26, 2003CA

A COUPLE MONTHS AGO MY CAR STARTED TO HAVE WOBBLING. TOOK IT TO HAVE AN ALIGNMENT THAT DID NOT WORK SO THEN I BOUGHT ALL NEW TIRES AND STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM SO I TOOK IT TO ACURA AND THEY CLAIM IT IS THE TIRES SO I CHANGED THE TIRES WITH WIDER TIRES STILL THE PROBLEM IS THERE . MY CAR IS A LUXURY CAR IT SHOULD RIDE SMOOTH AND IT IS NOT. *NLM

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Oct 15, 2002FL

MR

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Oct 7, 2002TX

VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING, MECHANIC REPLACED THE EGR VALVE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT AN EGR UPGRADE WAS NEEDED AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS OUT, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, CONSUMER HAD BEEN INFORMED BY OTHER MECHANICS THAT ALL THE COASTING THAT SHE HAD TO DO COULD HAVE CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO OVERHEAT, CAUSING IT TO GO OUT, CONSUMER IS BEING CHARGED FOR THE WORK TO THE TRANSMISSION AND DOESN'T FEEL SHE SHOULD BE. *SLC

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Sep 17, 2002NV

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH. CONSUMER HAS ATTEMPED TO CONTACT THE ACURA CLIENT SERVICE AND RECEIVES A MESSAGE EACH TIME REPLYING THE OFFICE IS CLOSED. TO DATE THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN MADE, RECALL NOTICE 02V12. *JG *DT

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Filed Aug 20, 2002PA

VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS ON AN INCLINE WHILE IN PARK. CONSUMER WAS DRAGGED WHILE TRYING TO ENGAGE EMERGENCY BRAKE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Oct 15, 2000NJ

THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE DEVELOPED A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL ON THREE DIFFERENT TIRES (THE ORIGINAL AND THE TWO ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENTS). THE FIRST OCCURRED AT 3,956 MILES, THE SECOND AT 4,104 MILES AND THE MOST RECENT AT 12,136 MILES. ACURA DID NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AFTER THE FIRST INSTANCE AND REFERRED ME TO MICHELIN TIRE WHO IN TURN REFERRED ME TO A TIRE DEALER (ETD DISCOUNT TIRES). THE TIRE DEALER SAID THAT THE FAULT WAS NOT WITH THE MANUFACTURE, BUT WITH ME. AFTER THE SECOND TIRE FAILURE, THE TIRE DEALER ADVISED ME TO PURCHASE A ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY. GOOD THING RTHAT I DID AS IT OFFSET SOME OF THE COST OF THE THIRD TIRE REPLACEMENT TIRE. WHILE TWO INSTANCES MAY BE A COINCIDENCE, THREE TIRE SIMILAR TIRE FAILURE ON THE SAME WHEEL ARE NOT. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE MANUFACTURE OR DESIGN OF THAT PARTICLUAR TIRE OR THE CAR, OR BOTH. I HAVE CONTACTED BOTH, MICHELIN HAS SENT ME A $71 CHECK, WHICH ONLY PARTIALLY OFFST THE COSTS INVOLVED. IN ALL THREE INSTANCES, THE BUBBLE ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL WAS POINTED OUT TO ME BY THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE. OF MAJOR CONCERN, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ROAD ACCIDENT IF I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND DID NOT RELACE THE TIRES. (DOT NUMBER: RHW#752923 TIRESIZE: 205/55R16)

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 4, 2000CA

WHEN PULLING OOUT CAR WILL HESISTATE. CONSUMER STATES ENGINE REVS VERY HIGH AT LOW SPEEDS.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jun 30, 2000CA

WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. SOMETIMES THEY COULD GO OUT FOR A COUPLE WEEKS. DEALER HAD TRIED TO FIX HEADLIGHTS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO.*AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 16, 1999OH

WHEN ALMOST COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY ACCELERATE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Aug 26, 1999FL

THERE WAS ABOUT TWO INCHES OF PLAY WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO THE STEERING COLUMN COUPLING NOT CONNECTING TO THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALER REPLACED SOME PARTS WITHIN THE STEERING COUPLING. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, VEHICLE WILL GO FROM LANE TO LANE. ALSO, THERE ARE GAS FUMES WITHIN THE VEHICLE/ TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THE DASH HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SOME TYPE OF BLACK SPOTS ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK

Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber
Filed Feb 1, 1999CA

SHOCKS FAILED.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Feb 1, 1999CA

O-RING MALFUNCTIONED. *YC

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft › Seal
Filed Feb 1, 1999CA

TRANSMISSION SEALS FAILED. NLM

Complaints 1-50 of 55, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20041000Routine
200373501Fatalities reported
200244201Fatalities reported
2001271321Fatalities reported
200011000Routine
199949300Routine
1998 — this page55510Routine
199782200Routine

Compare every CL year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 17, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.