2001 Acura CL

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 271 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 3 times.

Avoid One of the Acura CL years to avoid: 4.2× the complaints of a typical CL year. Which Acura CL years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
64,000 milesMedian miles at failure

176 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 30,000–40,000 miles.

Most common 2001 Acura CL problems

200 of the 271 complaints (74%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission166
213
Power Train · transmission26
111
Air Bags · airbags22
202
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration6
201
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission6
000
Electrical System6
100
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior4
000
Visibility3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes3
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices2
000

3 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V027000
Filed Jan 17, 2020875,966 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. 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 of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator 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 air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission04V176000
Filed Apr 15, 20041,099,796 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.

Risk. GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 29, 2026TX

The contact owns a 2001 Acura CL. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. On another occasion, while making a left turn on a city street, the vehicle stalled and experienced a loss of power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was shifted to neutral(N) and restarted. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an ignition cylinder failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 24, 2025CA

I have a safety concern. When my vehicle was assembled, someone decided to have the workers not remove the protective film from the plastic screen on the navigation system that would typically be released. I assume this saved money and time during production. However, that film has deteriorated and crinkled over time, making it difficult to see the screen, especially at night. This does not seem acceptable, and I have been told that the remedy is costly, which upset me as removing the film should have been part of the assembly procedure.

Power Train
Filed Sep 12, 2024VA

In and around July 2024 my Acura cl started to have erratic shifting and locking up at highways speeds the vehicle is so unsafe to drive I cannot get the air bags fixed it shifts from 5th gear to 2nd gear in 2004 a remedy was applied to the transmission to aid and fix the downshifting issues and overheating issues the vehicle does have these problems and was not repaired correctly in 2004 by Acura I called Honda/acura and they are not willing to replace or fix the transmission

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 10, 2024262,515 milesCA

The contact owned a 2001 Acura CL. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was a vehicle driving toward the contact's driver's side that ran the red light and crashed into the front of the vehicle. The entire front of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt restraint system did not operate. The contact was treated for a back muscle injury and it was unknown if the other driver sustained injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where the contact was informed the vehicle was a total loss. The vehicle was towed to the junkyard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 262,515.

EngineCrash
Filed Feb 14, 2024TX

I was stopped in heavy traffic. The traffic light turned green and the cars in front of me started to move. I tapped my accelerator with my right foot and the gasoline was delivered to my engine with maximum force. I could not stop the car with my foot on the brake. I steered the car to the right so that I would not rearend the car in front of me. The car sideswiped the car I front of me and I went into an embankment and stopped. A police officer thought I may have hit both the brake and the accelerator pedal with my right foot, but he did not understand that I was only going about 5 mph when the accelerator exploded, so that this was impossible. The Acura agency in Latham says that I could have switched off the ignition, but with both hands gripping the steering wheel and my right foot pressing the brake pedal with maximum force, I could not have turned off the ignition at the same time. Therefore the advice was not practical.

Power Train
Filed Dec 2, 2021MO

Frank let us Acura would not preform my transmission recall after it locked up “stating the recall has already been done” but they “don’t have any record of it” they claim someone didn’t file the paper work on it but my trans locked up going 70 miles and hour and threw me off of the road

Air Bags
Filed Sep 9, 2020MI

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE LOCAL DEALER ACURA OF TROY (1828 MAPLELAWN DR, TROY, MI 48084, (877) 820-3015) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE 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 CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 4, 2020CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT WAS UNAVAILABLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB

Air Bags
Filed Aug 26, 2020WA

I HAVE A RECALL ON MY AIRBAGS BUT THE ACURA REPAIR SHOP DOES NOT HAVE THE PART AND IT HAS BEEN 6 MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED THE NOTICE THAT THEIR IS A DANGEROUS RECALL. WHAT CAN I DO?

Air Bags
Filed Jul 22, 2020CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED HOPKINS ACURA (1555 EL CAMINO REAL, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063 (650) 364-6771) AND AUTONATION ACURA STEVENS CREEK (4747 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SANTA CLARA, CA 95051(408) 758-5502) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 29, 2020190,000 milesOR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED DICK HANNAH ACURA OF PORTLAND (12030 SE STARK ST, PORTLAND, OR 97216, (503) 506-8572) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT 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 STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 25, 202033,600 milesIN

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN MY 2001!ACURA CL WAS RECALLED AND THE COMPANY NEVER CONTACTED ME ABOUT IT! I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 5/28/20 WITH NO TITLE BUT I DO HAVE A BILL OF SALE ON A NOTEBOOK PIECE OF PAPER BUT ANYWAYS I SAW WHERE THERE WAS RECALLS FOR SOME PARTS ON MY VEHICLE AND WAS RESEARCHING UP ON THIS STUFF AND CAME ACROSS THE INFORMATION THAT MY AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN RECALLED...WHAT POSSIBLY IS THERE TO DO ABOUT THIS SITUATION? PLEASE AND THANK YOU HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!! HERE IS MY CAMPAIGN ID '04V176000. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 10, 2020CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. GOLD COAST ACURA (3195 PERKIN AVE, VENTURA, CA 93003; (805) 642-3600) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT 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.

Power TrainCrash
Filed May 18, 2020102,000 milesHI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHIFTING GEARS TO REVERSE IN HIS GARAGE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO HIS GARAGE WALL. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER ACURA OF HONOLULU (3251 N NIMITZ HWY, HONOLULU, HI 96819, (808) 829-3073) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000. *LN*JB *BF CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.*JB

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 6, 2020MD

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE MEDIAN STRIP ANOTHER VEHICLE T-BONED THE PASSENGER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH A PARKED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT ON HER FOREARM THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS ALSO NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SALVAGE YARD AND WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL AT THE SALVAGE YARD TWO YEARS LATER. THE CONTACT RECENTLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V-027000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 26, 2020150,455 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GETTLE ACURA LOCATED AT (4891 CLARK RD, SARASOTA, FL 34233, (941) 343-5700) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT REMEDY PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN A YEAR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,455. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 20, 2020TX

A RECALL WAS ISSUED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO FOR MY AIRBAGS. THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL FROM ACURA (I FOUND OUT ON THE WEB). PREVIOUSLY, I HAD CONTACTED ACURA BY MAIL AND WAS TOLD OVER THE PHONE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR MY AIRBAGS TO BE FIXED WHEN THE FIRST TAKATA RECALLS HAPPENED IN 2016). MY CAR IS WITHOUT A DOUBT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I'VE ATTACHED THE ORIGINAL LETTER I WROTE THEM BASED ON OUR CONVERSATIONS. THEY DO HAVE MY CONTACT INFORMATION! THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THE DELAY IN NOTIFYING ME OR IN REPAIRING MY AIRBAGS.

Power Train
Filed Feb 17, 2020100,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH, MY CAR SUDDENLY SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR, ENGINE REVVING AND SMOKE POURING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD GOTTEN NO WARNING AT ALL.THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON AND THE CAR HAD NO PRIOR INSTANCES OF GEAR PROBLEMS. HAD TO GET IT TOWED HOME WHERE IT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW TRANSMISSION.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 12, 2019CA

THE LEFT WINDOW GOES DOWN BUT NOT IN GOING UP =STOP IN THE LOWER PART

Air Bags
Filed Jun 1, 2019163,000 milesFL

TAKATA RECALL. MY TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP.???

Power Train
Filed Apr 24, 201999,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN) BY LEHIGH VALLEY ACURA (333 STATE AVE, EMMAUS, PA 18049, (610) 967-6500), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 1, 2019PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED INTO SECOND GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY AN UNKNOWN DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 30, 2019MO

THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO A FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE SWITCH WHICH WILL RENDER THE AIRBAGS IN OPERABLE IN A CRASH. LOOKS LIKE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND YOU GUYS HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE MY $300 TO GET IT FIXED.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 12, 2019120,000 milesNY

CAR PASSED INSPECTION IN JANUARY, SRS CAME ON

Power Train
Filed Feb 22, 2019157,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT STALLED IN SECOND GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD TO DOWNSHIFT INTO D4 TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

SteeringCrash
Filed Dec 5, 20182,000,000 milesCA

MY STEERING WHEEL RANDOMLY LOCKS WHILE DRIVING. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN SANTA TERESA MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED N CAUSED ME TO HIT A CURB AND POP MY TIRE.

Service BrakesCrash1 killed
Filed Jul 31, 2018160,000 milesCA

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN FATALITY WHICH WAS MY BROTHER, THEY CANNOT EXPLAIN WHY THE VEHICLE ENTERED INTO A SKID ON A PRETTY STRAIGHT PART OF THE HIGHWAY NOT SURE IF IT WAS A POWERTRAIN ISSUE AS I DID SEE A RECALL AFTER I DID SOME RESEARCH FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE MECHANISM ON HOW THE DRIVER SAFETY BELT ATTACHES TO THE FRAME AS THAT WAS DAMAGED ON FIRST IMPACT WHICH CAUSED MY BROTHER TO BE EJECTED. SOMETHING AS IMPORTANT AS A SAFETY SHOULD NOT BE COMPROMISED SO EASILY.

Power Train
Filed May 25, 2018WI

TRANSMISSION FAILED PREMATURELY. TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN YEARS LATER UNEXPECTEDLY ON THE HIGHWAY.

Air Bags
Filed May 16, 2018133,454 milesVT

THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON FOR NO REASON. GO TO THE DEALER TO GET IT CHECKED AND THERE IS NO CODE FOR THE AIRBAG. THE LIGHT WILL STAY OFF UNTIL I HIT ANY BUMP IN ROAD. I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN IT COMES ON AND IN TOWN WHEN IT HAS COME ON FOR NO REASON.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 5, 2018128,938 milesVT

THE IGNITION SWITCH INTERLOCK IS NOT WORKING THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO AND I AM ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 10, 2018126,000 milesVT

THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN TURN COMPLETELY OFF WHILE THE CAR IS NOT IN PARK. WHEN I WENT TO SHUT CAR OFF WHILE I WAS STATIONARY, I FORGOT I HAD IT IN D5 WHICH IS DRIVE. I SHUT THE IGNITION ALL THE WAY OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE KEY OUT. GOT OUT OF CAR AN STARTED TO MOVE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 21, 2017167,000 milesCA

ALARM FOR AIRBAG TURNED RED ALL TIME. REQUEST FOR TESTS AND VERIFICATIONS WERE DENIED BY DEALER.

Power Train
Filed Jun 25, 201793,000 milesOR

MY CAR IS HAVING THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ITS CONSENT WANT TO SHIFT IN 3RD GEAR,AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS MAKING A LOT OF CRADLING AND CLSNKING WHILE DRIVING OVER TINY BUMPSS

Power Train
Filed Jun 9, 201786,000 milesCA

TRANSMISSION SLIPS THROUGH GEARS, SHIFTS HARD INTO PARK, AND D5 WILL BLINK AND EVERYTHING GOES BLACK. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES AND ONLY WORKS PROPERLY WHEN IT WANTS TO. WHEN IT BEGINS TO SLIP THE CAR IS UNCONTROLLABLE AND DANGEROUS.

Power Train
Filed Nov 29, 2016136,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO SECOND OR THIRD GEAR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,000. UPDATED 01/05/2017*CT

Air Bags
Filed Feb 3, 2016133,000 milesWI

THIS CAR HAS HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE SRS SYSTEM, WHICH HAS RENDERED IT INOPERABLE. APPARENTLY, THERE ARE DESIGN ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BUCKLE AND SEAT SENSOR THAT HAVE BEEN THERE ALL ALONG. THERE ARE MULTIPLE OWNER COMPLAINTS HERE AND ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS. THIS APPARENTLY MAKES THE ENTIRE SRS SYSTEM INOPERABLE, INCLUDING THE DRIVER AIRBAG. THIS ALONG WITH THE WELL DOCUMENTED TRANSMISSION ISSUES MAKE THIS A "ROLLING COFFIN"-- I AM NOT SURE WHY HONDA IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF ITS OWNERS. I GUESS IT WOULD TAKE MAJOR INJURIES AND LAWSUITS AND PUBLICITY TO GET SOME ACTION.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 19, 2015118,000 milesWI

MY SRS LIGHT IS ON, AND ALWAYS ON, DRIVING, IN PARK, ETC. HOWEVER, MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. I READ THAT IF THE SRS LIGHT IS ON THE SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK, HOWEVER THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT IN BOTH FRONT SEATS AND SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR BOTH WORK. DEALER SHOULD EXAMINE, DETERMINE PROBLEM AND FIX AT NO COST. MY NAVI DVR SYSTEM ALSO WORKS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE THE MOST RECENT DISC. MOSTLY IT IS A BUNCH OF LINES ACROSS THE SCREEN, BLACK AND WHITE, SOMETIME BLUE AND WHITE. I WOULD SAY ONE IN 20 STARTS THE NAVI SYSTEM WORKS.

Suspension
Filed Sep 29, 2015130,000 milesOH

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NO. (VIN): 19UYA42441A... SUMMARY: THE VEHICLE SUB-FRAME IS ROTTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSED BY THE AIR CONDITIONER OUTPUT DIRECTLY ABOVE THE FRAME DRIPPING ON IT TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR MAY BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FRAME ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS OK AND SHOWING NO SIGNS OF RUST. I FEEL THIS IS AN ENGINEERING ISSUE NOT CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. ACURA LOCAL SERVICE AND CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES DO NOT DISAGREE WITH MY CONCLUSION BUT WILL NOT OFFER ANY REPAIR COMPENSATION TO HAVE THE SUB-FRAME REPLACED. I DISCOVERED IT WHEN INSPECTING THE FRONT BRAKES WITH THE FRONT WHEEL REMOVED. OTHERWISE, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN KNOWN UNTIL A CATASTROPHIC FRAME COLLAPSE.THEY SAID THE FRAME SEEMED TO BE STRUCTURALLY SOUND AT THIS TIME BUT IT DEFINITELY WILL NEED REPLACEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THEY SAID THEY FOUND ONLY TWO OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS BUT A SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 01 TO 04 CL'S. ACURA TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE AGE, NO COMPENSATION CAN BE OFFERED. I AM A LOYAL ACURA CUSTOMER HAVING PURCHASED 4 OF THEIR VEHICLES IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT ONE A 2015 TLX MODEL. THIS DIDN'T SEEM TO MATTER TO THE ACURA CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVE. MY HOPE IS THAT BY IDENTIFYING THE ABOVE PROBLEM, IT WILL HELP PRESERVE PRESENT AND FUTURE ACURA BUYERS AND SAVE AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY A FRAME COLLAPSE WITH LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. SINCE IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN CAUSED BY AN ENGINEERING DEFICIENCY, I FEEL ACURA SHOULD AGREE TO SUPPORT ALL OR SO

Suspension
Filed Sep 15, 2015138,000 milesOH

THE VEHICLE SUB-FRAME IS ROTTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSED BY THE AIR CONDITIONER OUTPUT DIRECTLY ABOVE THE FRAME DRIPPING ON IT TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR MAY BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FRAME ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS OK AND SHOWING NO SIGNS OF RUST. I FEEL THIS IS AN ENGINEERING ISSUE NOT CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. ACURA LOCAL SERVICE AND CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES DO NOT DISAGREE WITH MY CONCLUSION BUT WILL NOT OFFER ANY REPAIR COMPENSATION TO HAVE THE SUB-FRAME REPLACED. I DISCOVERED IT WHEN INSPECTING THE FRONT BRAKES WITH THE FRONT WHEEL REMOVED. OTHERWISE, IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN KNOWN UNTIL A CATASTROPHIC FRAME COLLAPSE.THEY SAID THE FRAME SEEMED TO BE STRUCTURALLY SOUND AT THIS TIME BUT IT DEFINITELY WILL NEED REPLACEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THEY SAID THEY FOUND ONLY TWO OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS BUT A SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 01 TO 04 CL'S. ACURA TOLD ME THAT BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE AGE, NO COMPENSATION CAN BE OFFERED. I AM A LOYAL ACURA CUSTOMER HAVING PURCHASED 4 OF THEIR VEHICLES IN THE PAST, THE PRESENT ONE A 2015 TLX MODEL. THIS DIDN'T SEEM TO MATTER TO THE ACURA CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVE. MY HOPE IS THAT BY IDENTIFYING THE ABOVE PROBLEM, IT WILL HELP PRESERVE PRESENT AND FUTURE ACURA BUYERS AND SAVE AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY A FRAME COLLAPSE WITH LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. SINCE IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN CAUSED BY AN ENGINEERING DEFICIENCY, I FEEL ACURA SHOULD AGREE TO SUPPORT ALL OR SOME REPAIR COSTS AND NOTIFY CURRENT OWNERS OF THIS ISSUE.

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 2, 2015159,000 milesOR

WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS FASTENED, THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) WARNING LIGHT LIT UP. THE SRS LIGHT REMAINED ON UNTIL I ERASED THE SCS BY ENTERING THE APPROPRIATE MEMORY ERASE SIGNAL. AFTER THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED AGAIN, THE SRS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN REQUIRING ANOTHER SCS ERASURE TO TURN IT OFF. AFTER EVERY SCS ERASURE TO TURN THE SRS LIGHT OFF, IT TURNS BACK ON EVERY TIME THE PASSENGER SEAT BUCKLE IS FASTENED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IN THIS CAR (2001 ACURA CL TYPE S), THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS INACTIVATED WHENEVER THE SRS LIGHT IS ON.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 13, 2015139,000 milesMI

ACURA 2001 WAS PARKED ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF A PARKING STRUCTURE. OWNER(DRIVER) BACKED CAR OUT OF ITS PARKING SPOT AT 5:00 P,M, WHEN THE TEMP. WAS 13 DEGREES ABOVE ZERO. AT FIRST OWNER WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY ACCELERATION WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL TO GO FORWARD IN DRIVE, GEAR 5. TAPPED ON GAS PEDAL FOR ACCELERATING AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD WITH ENGINE RACING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. DRIVER WAS TRYING TO DECELERATE THE CAR WHILE STEERING CAR THROUGH THE DESCENDING LEVELS OF THE RAMP. SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT HOLD THE CAR TRIED THROWING IT INTO REVERSE AND NOTHING CHANGED. ON THE FIRST FLOOR DRIVER WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKES SHEARED OFF THE FRONT OF A PICK-UP TRUCK BEFORE SMASHING IN TO THE WALL, WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. DRIVER SUFFERED A BROKEN STERNUM, COLLAR BONE AND L-3 VERTEBRAE FRACTURE IN THE BACK. SPENT TWO DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL AND 4 WEEKS IN BRACE OFF WORK. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 18, 2014223,500 milesVA

CONTACTED DUNCAN ACURA IN ROANOKE ,VA. TRANSMISSION DROPS SPEED FROM 70MPH TO 10 MPH WITHOUT WARNING ON HIGHWAY. WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED WHEN RECALL CAME OUT BUT CAR HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT NOW 223,000. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT DUNCAN WOULD NOT RETURN MY CALLS OR SCHEDULE TO GET TRANSMISSION INSPECTED AFTER I UNDERSTOOD THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR THE INSPECTION. CONTACTED ACURA HEADQUARTERS AND THEY ISSUED A CLAIM & CLAIM REP TO HELP OUT. NEVER WILL TRUST DUNCAN ACURA WITH A SAFETY ISSUE. JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS ISSUE WAS THE SAME AS THE EARLIER RECALL WAS FOR ON THESE CARS. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND ACURA DEALER WOULD NOT TAKE THE TIME TO INSPECT IT. STILL WAITING ON RESPONSE FROM ACURA BEEN 4 DAYS. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 16, 2014223,000 milesVA

TRANSMISSION LOCKUP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VEHICLE WOULD DROP SPEED FROM 70 MPS TO 10 MPS WITHOUT WARNING IN A MATTER OF SECONDS ALMOST CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL & CRASH WITH CARS FOLLOWING ON HIGHWAY. AS DESCRIBED IN ACURA SERVICE BULLETIN 04-020. CAR WAS FITTED WITH REPAIR PART BUT DID NOT PREVENT IT FROM OCCURRING AGAIN OVER TIME & MILES FROM DRIVING. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Arm
Filed Sep 9, 201474,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM RUSTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 10/8/14*CN UPDATED 10/23/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER'S CONDENSATION DRIPPED ON TO THE BOLTED AREA CAUSING THE RUST. UPDATED 3/23/2015*JS UPDATED 7/14/2015 *JS

Power Train
Filed May 25, 201481,339 milesSC

TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE TRANSMISSION STALLS AND THEN SLAMS INTO GEAR. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR. I HAD TO PAY A GREAT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX MY DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 19, 201432,437 milesCA

SUMMARY: I OWN A 2001 ACURA CL WITH 32,437 MILES ON IT. THE CAR HAS BEEN PERFECTLY MAINTAINED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED HARD BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR JERKILY, AND THE RPMS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IMMEDIATELY TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I INQUIRED ABOUT ANY RECALLS REGARDING TRANSMISSION AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) . I DIDNT REMEMBER. I FEEL STRONGLY THAT THE FAILURE WAS EITHER NOT CORRECTED PROPERLY, OR THAT ACURA CORPORATION FAILED TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY THIS SERIOUS AND RECURRING ISSUE. MY CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT ONCE A WEEK SINCE PURCHASE AND A FEW TIMES FOR VACATION. GIVEN THE LOW MILEAGE AND REGULAR MAINTAINENCE I FEEL THIS $4,511.39 REPAIR ISSUE IS ONE I CANNOT AFFORD TO IGNORE. IT SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST INCLUDED A LIFETIME WARRANTY, INSTEAD OF 3 YEARS OR 36,000 MILES. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE OR IS THIS A FORUM SIMPLY FOR COMPLAINTS? *TR

Power Train
Filed Feb 14, 2014141,000 milesGA

I TOOK MY CAR TO NALLEY ACURA 1355 COBB PKWY. SOUTH MARIETTA GEORGIA 30060 I WAS TOLD THAT 2 JETTERS WAS PUT INTO MY TRANSMISSION AND THEY TOOK A PICTURE AND SENT IT TOO THE MANUFACTURER. I ASKED FOR A RECORD OF THE MAINTENANCE I NEVER GOT ONE [XXX] THE SERVICE TECH. SAID THAT I WOULD BE MAILED ONE. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE PICTURE THAT WAS SENT TO ME WAS OF MY TRANSMISSION, CAUSE IT TOOK DAYS FOR THEM TO COME UP WITH THIS PICTURE AND I DID NOT SEE MY NAME BY IT OR MY VIN NUMBER. THE INFO THE COMPANY SENT ME WAS OUT OF A BOOK THAT WAS SHOWING ME A DIAGRAM OF A TRANSMISSION. I STOOD THERE FOR 4 HOURS AND ALL THAT WAS DONE WAS MY HOOD WAS RAISED AN NO ONE HARDLY TOUCH MY CAR. IT WAS NEVER PUT UPON A JACK OR RAISED TO A LEVEL WHERE YOU COULD GET A GOOD LOOK A THE TRANSMISSION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Power Train
Filed Feb 7, 2014GA

I TOOK MY CAR TO NALLEY ACURA 1355 COBB PARKWAY SOUTH MARIETTA GEORGIA 30060 THE TOLD ME THEY PUT IN A JETTER INTO MY TRANSMISSION AND TOOK A PICTURE INTO MANUFACTURER. I ASKED FOR A SUMMATION OT WHAT THEY DID AND THEY SENT ME BACK PICTURES OUT OF A BOOK NOTHING SIGNED WHERE ANYONE DONE ANYTHING JUST PICTURES OUT OF A BOOK. THIS WAS A RECALL OF 2ND GEAR TRANSMISSION CLAIM. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 1, 201337,000 milesOH

THE ODPS SENSOR FAILS IF, ACCORDING TO ACURA, SOMEONE PLACES A CELL PHONE, LAPTOP COMPUTER ETC. ON THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS SENSOR MAY ALSO FAIL IF SOMEONE PLUGS SOMETHING INTO THE ACCESSORY CHARGING PORT IN THE CONSOLE. ACCORDING TO ACURA THIS IS " DUE TO THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AT THE TIME, THE OPDS CONTROL UNIT, AND /OR OPDS MAY FAIL PREMATURELY." THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE SRS LIGHT TO BE ON AND WHEN THIS LIGHT IS ON THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AS NO WARNING ABOUT DOING ANY OF THESE IS EVER MENTIONED BY ACURA. IF SOMEONE PUTS A LAPTOP OR CELL PHONE ON THE SEAT IT COULD CAUSE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE AIRBAGS WON'T DEPLOY. REPAIRS ARE OVER $500 WHEN THIS HAPPENS. AT MINIMUM ACURA SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PLACE A STICKER/ WARNING OF THIS CONDITION IN THEIR CARS. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON ALL ACURA CARS AND COULD CAUSE A DEATH. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 24, 201357,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND THE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) IN 2004 BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 271, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20041000Routine
200373501Fatalities reported
200244201Fatalities reported
2001 — this page271321Fatalities reported
200011000Routine
199949300Routine
199855510Routine
199782200Routine

Compare every CL year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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.