2003 Acura CL

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 73 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train › automatic transmission. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

52 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission16
000
Power Train15
001
Air Bags9
403
Power Train › Manual Transmission4
100
Tires3
001
Exterior Lighting › Headlights3
000
Electrical System3
000
Service Brakes2
000
Engine2
000
Wheels › Rim1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V499000
Filed Jun 27, 20193,947 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V182000
Filed Mar 6, 20191,101,534 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V320000
Filed May 28, 20156,281,043 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine02V226000
Filed Aug 28, 200217,551 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.

Risk. IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Oct 2, 2025CT

I purchased this vehicle in March 2021 and noticed the issue with the transmission the first time I operated the vehicle. There is a grinding sound whenever the transmission is placed in third gear. I brought the car to Acura by Executive in Wallingford, CT at some point in 2021 to enquire about the issue. I was informed by the service advisor that the problem is a known issue but because there is no recall on the issue and the vehicle is out of warranty Acura is not required to resolve it. Recently I came across service bulletin 08-018 and noticed where it stated that after warranty expiration a repair may be eligible for goodwill consideration. I called Acura Customer Service, was given case #15843108, and told to acquire a formal diagnosis from an Acura dealership. The diagnosis from Acura of Berlin in Berlin, CT verified that the symptoms were the result of the faulty transmission as described in the TSB. I submitted this information to Acura Customer Service and was informed on September 29, 2025, that due to the age of the vehicle Acura will not compensate me fully or partially for the repair. In my view, although this is an older vehicle, it has low mileage at 102.000 miles and is therefore expected to be on the road for many years. The transmission only grinds at this point, but it may start to pop out of third gear in the future as described in the TSB. I consider this a safety issue in that the transmission popping out of gear unexpectedly would result in some loss

Electrical System
Filed Sep 5, 2024WA

There is a major issue with the relay under the steering wheel blocking the fuel from the pump going to the engine. This also affects the security system as well as the rack and pinion. The vehicle security turns itself on and off as it pleases, often leaving driver/passengers stranded and sometimes with the alarm not shutting off. This is after having keys re-programmed and most parts replaced for a hefty price tag. Due to this, the vehicle will only start at times. I've seen several similar complaints and taken it to many costly mechanics. I paid $7,000 for this vehicle a couple of years ago but only got to drive it a few times because there is always an issue that can't be fixed.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 1, 2024CA

My 2003 3.2cls Acura had an airbag recall in in 2016. My vehicle was supposedly repaired at this time. However, recently my SRS light has been on requiring me to take my car to an Acura dealer. The dealer believes my steering wheel air bag has a faulty air inflator, which they claim is out of warranty and may require me to pay $3000 to repair. I do not understand how the manufacturer of the airbag/inflator can avoid repairing this. Shouldn't an airbag last longer than 8 years? What if everyone had to replace their airbags every eight years?

Air Bags
Filed Aug 15, 2023ID

I have an SRS light illuminated on my dashboard. Upon researching this, it is apparently a sensor issue which, when the light is on, indicates that the sensor in the seat - belt is malfunctioning, and this will keep the air bags from deploying. This of course is a serious safety issue. Also, in reviewing the warranty information, it states that all seat-belt issues are under a lifetime warranty. I'm wondering if you could provide confirmation of this. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) Randal Steadman

Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2022NJ

Subframe rusted through on the passenger side where the cause is a manufacturer defect of condensation from the air conditioning dripping directly above onto the subframe on the passenger side, which created a perforation of the passenger side subframe. Subframe holds the suspension and steering components together and if the passenger side frame from the manufacter defect were to break traveling at highway speed, the car would loose control and cause accidents. The vehicle was inspected at an independent facility and is ready to be inspected again upon request.

Power Train
Filed Nov 4, 20191,054 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA CL. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON, AND IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR FOR THE DRIVESHAFT THREE AND FOUR GEAR CABLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 10011555. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,054.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 26, 2019214,450 milesGA

I AM UNABLE TO OPEN DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. CAR STILL LOCKS AND UNLOCKS LIKE NORMAL, SO I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THE ACTUATOR IS AT FAULT. THE CONTROL ARMS FOR BOTH HANDLES ARE INTACT & SEEM TO FUNCTION AS NORMAL. I AM ASSUMING THAT EITHER THE LATCH MECHANISM IS STUCK, JAMMED, OR OTHERWISE DYSFUNCTIONAL. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN IT HAPPENED, AND THE DOOR ITSELF ISN'T DAMAGED/IMPACTED. I LIVE IN ATLANTA, GA, SO THE LATCH ISN'T FROZEN. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS AN OLDER MODEL (2003), HOWEVER IN THE PAST I HAVE CLEANED & LUBRICATED THE LATCH/LOCK MECHANISM. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN THE DOOR IS UNABLE TO BE OPENED, AND IN THIS MODEL, IT ISN'T POSSIBLE TO COMPLETELY REMOVE DOOR PANEL WITHOUT DAMAGE. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO BE UNABLE TO OPEN 1 OF 2 DOORS, ESPECIALLY BEING THAT IT'S THE DRIVERS SIDE. I HAVE YET TO BE ABLE TO FIND ANYONE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THIS SITUATION, AND HAVEN'T COME ACROSS ANY SOLUTION ONLINE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 8, 2019WA

ACURA SAYS THEY GUARANTEE ALL PARTS OF THE SAFETY BELT FOR THE USE OF A LIFETIME OF THE CAR. CAR HAS 120000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE INTERMITTENT BUCKLING ISSUES AND SRS AIRBAG SWITCH IS BAD INSIDE A SEALED SAFETY BELT. COULD EASILY BE REMEDIED IF IT WASN'T A SEALED UNIT. THEY SAY THEY WON'T FIX IT BECAUSE IT'S A CANADIAN CAR EVEN THOUGH IT'S SPENT 100% OF ITS OWNED LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES. THEY WANT AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF MONEY, OVER $400 TO FIX IT. I FEEL MY SAFETY IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE BY THIS EXCESSIVE AMOUNT AND I CAN'T EVEN DO IT MYSELF BECAUSE MY ELECTRIC SEATS WON'T WORK IF I TRY, ONLY FACTORY SOFTWARE CAN RESET THEM SO THEY WORK. I KNOW THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I'M BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BECAUSE I HAVE A CANADIAN MADE CAR. I KNOW THEY HAVE TO PASS ALL THE SAME PRODUCTION REGULATIONS FOR SAFETY TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES WHETHER THEY'RE MADE IN CANADA OR HERE. WHAT I'M REALLY HOPING FOR IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TRY TO PUT A STOP TO THIS CORPORATE GREED OF ENGINEERING PRODUCTS POORLY AND NOT FOLLOWING THROUGH WITH A FIX AND TRYING TO PROFIT OFF OF PEOPLE THAT DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH MONEY. I WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY FOR THIS FIX IF THEY WOULD PROVIDE IT AT A FAIR PRICE. THE SAFETY BELT PROBABLY COST THEM NO MORE THAN $20 BUT BY THE TIME EVERYONE MAKES THEIR PROFIT AND IT COMES TO ME AND THEN ADD THE LABOR TOGETHER WE'RE OVER $400 TO HAVE MY SAFETY BACK WHEN THEY SAY THAT THEY GUARANTEE THEIR SAFETY BELTS FOR LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES. IT IS

Suspension
Filed Aug 21, 2019236,700 milesIL

UPON REMOVING MY FRONT RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) WHEEL TO CHECK MY BRAKE PADS, I NOTICED THE REAR PORTION OF THE SUB-FRAME (WHICH HOLDS UP THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AS WELL AS THE STEERING RACK AND SWAY BAR) HAD RUSTED AWAY ALLOWING THE SWAY BAR TO COME COMPLETELY LOOSE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT MANY LATE 1990S AND EARLY 2000 HONDA/ACURA MODELS (PRIMARILY HONDA ACCORDS, ACURA TL AND CL MODELS) HAD THIS ISSUE DUE TO THE POORLY DESIGNED AIR-CONDITIONING CONDENSER DRAIN THAT DRAINED RIGHT ON TOP OF THIS PART, CAUSING AN EXTREME RUST CONDITION. (THE LEFT (DRIVER'S) SIDE OF THIS PART STILL LOOKS LIKE NEW AND IS SOUND) IF I HAD NOT FOUND THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION, IT MAY HAVE CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL RESULTING IN A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I FEEL THAT THESE CARS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THIS PART REPLACED (A REPAIR OF THIS PART IS NOT POSSIBLE, IT MUST BE A FULL REPLACEMENT), I WILL RETAIN THE REMOVED PART FOR INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL SHOULD YOU DESIRE TO SEE IT. I HAVE ATTACHED SOME PHOTOS SHOWING THE DETERIORATION AS BEST I COULD. (I'M SORRY THE PHOTOS ARE NOT BETTER, IT'S A DIFFICULT AREA TO REACH WITH A CAMERA)

Electrical System
Filed Apr 23, 2019278,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD STARTER FLUID TO THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO GET IT TO DRIVE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 278,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 3, 2019148,000 milesCA

I BOUGHT A USED ACURA AND ON THE WAY HOME ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY DOWN SHIFTED VIOLENTLY SEVERAL TIMES CAUSING THE CAR TO SKID SIDEWAYS .I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 3RD GEAR.EVENTULLY I GOT IT TO RESET AND IT DROVE FINE FOR 35 MINUTES UNTIL ONCE AGAIN IT LOCKED UP DOING 65MPH.

Engine
Filed Dec 7, 2017120,000 milesPA

ENGINE CRADLE IS TOTALLY BROKEN IN HALF. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE & IT IS ALL I HAVE. ONLY 120,000 MILES ON IT, WAS THIS A DEFECT ON YOUR PART? I NEED HELP. THIS REPAIR INCLUDES REMOVING ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, FROM CAR TO ACCESS ENGINE CRADLE. THE COST IS OVER $1500.00 DOLLARS. I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A QUALITY CAR! I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS HIGHLY UNSAFE VEHICLE OF YOURS!! IT ALSO LURCHES FORWARD AT TIMES WHEN I PRESS ON THE BRAKE. I'M MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT & NOW MUST BORROW AGAIN TO REPAIR THIS CAR. PLEASE GET BACK TO ME ON THIS ASAP.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 30, 2017PA

THE DRIVER'S SIDE HID LIGHT WENT OUT. I PAID TO GET THE BALLAST AND INVERTER REPLACED. LESS THAN 3 WEEKS LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT; SAME ISSUE. SINCE THEN, I HAVE PERSONALLY TALKED TO 4 PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME STORY. THEY ALSO FIXED THE DRIVER'S LIGHT BUT NOT THE PASSENGER DUE TO THE COST. A SERVICE MAN AT THE ACURA STORE TOLD ME HE HAS A FRIEND WITH THE SAME CAR AS MINE, SAME ISSUE. ALSO, HE HAS HAD "QUITE A FEW CUSTOMERS" GO THRU THE SAME THING. IN, ADDITION, I HAVE SEEN 3 CARS WITH THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT OUT IN MY AREA. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF I HAVE COME ACROSS 12-17 PEOPLE WITH THE SAME HID HEADLIGHT ISSUES WITHIN A 15 MILE RADIUS, AND THIS WAS THE FIRST YEAR THESE LIGHTS WERE INSTALLED, THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. A

Power Train
Filed Nov 16, 201777,248 milesTX

I WAS RIDING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE WENT INTO HIGH RPM'S AND THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. I BARELY GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT POWER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 77,248 MILES ON IT. THERE WAS ACURA SERVICE BULLETIN 02-027 FEB 5, 2008, ABOUT TRANMISSION PROBLEMS. VERY SCAREY!

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 201710,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA CL. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE CONTACT FELT A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FOUR DEALERS. ONE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT NOTHING FAILED AND SHE DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. ANOTHER DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR ROTORS COULD BE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE OTHER TWO DEALERS ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. ..UPDATED 06/21/17 *BF *AS

Power Train
Filed Oct 25, 2016207,000 milesCA

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ELIMINATED, VSA LIGHT COMES ON AND D5 LIGHT FLASHES WHILE DRIVING AFTER TRANSMISSION WARMS UP., CAR WONT SHIFT INTO 4TH OR 5TH GEAR RPMS WIND UP REAL HIGH HAVE TO PULL OVER TURN OFF ENGINE THEN RESTART TO DRIVE ONLY SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE IT STARTS DOING THE SAME THING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROX. 65 MPH WHEN CAR SUDDENLY STARTED DOWNSHIFTING ON ITS OWN CAUSING ME TO ALMOST CRASHED WHEN I WAS JERKED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 201674,200 milesCA

GOING 5 MPH IN PARKING LOT, COASTING TO A STOP AT END OF AISLE WITH FOOT OFF THROTTLE PEDAL. PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND THE ENGINE REVVED TO HIGH SPEED. BARELY HELD CAR WITH BRAKE. SHUT OFF IGNITION. CAR RESTARTED FINE. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME IN A WEEK IT HAD HAPPENED. PREVIOUS INCIDENT WAS ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN. ACURA DEALER AND ACURA TECHLINE SAY THE PROBLEM CAN'T HAPPEN BECAUSE THE THROTTLE CONTROL IS A HARD CABLE, NO ELECTRONICS INVOLVED.

Engine
Filed Oct 1, 2015125,000 milesCO

ERRATIC/RAISED ENGINE IDLE CAUSED BY WORN IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE CREATES A CONDITION WHERE ENGINE IDLE IS SUDDENLY HIGHER THAN 2000RPM IN GEAR WHICH RESULTS/RESULTED IN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (VEHICLE SPEEDS UP WITH NO ACCELERATOR PEDAL INPUT) AND THE ENGINE IS MORE POWERFUL THAN THE BRAKING SYSTEM (WITH VEHICLE IN DRIVE GEAR, BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, VEHICLE WILL STILL MOVE FORWARD.) CONDITION HAPPENS TO MY VEHICLE WHEN ENGINE IS NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, WITH WARM TO HOT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, ON ANY ROAD CONDITION.

Power Train1 injured
Filed Sep 28, 2015120,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 26, 2015NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V320000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

20 of 73 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2001
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20041000Routine
2003 — this page73501Fatalities reported
200244201Fatalities reported
2001271321Fatalities 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: Jun 27, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.