Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Acura CL
Acura CL Models:
Acura CL Problems
Automatic Transmission May Fail
The automatic transmission tends to fail more often than in similar models.
Automatic Transmission Issues
The automatic transmission tends to malfunction more often than in similar models. The Check Engine Light may or may not illuminate.
"No start" Due to Ignition Switch Failure
The car will sometimes not start because of a problem with the ignition switch. Some models may have been recalled by Acura for this issue, please check with your dealer to be sure.
Cooling fan switch may stick in the "On" position
The switch that controls the cooling fan gets stuck in the "On" position
causing the fan to run continuously, which drains the battery.
Fuel pump relay failure
The fuel pump electrical relay sometimes stops working.
Acura CL Recalls (Recent)
Honda and Acura Recall Various 2001–2004 Vehicles Due to an Internal Transmission Fault
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Honda and Acura are recalling numerous 2001–2004 vehicles to inspect for an internal automatic transmission fault. This fault could result in gear failure, which can cause the transmission to lock up. If the transmission were to lock up with the vehicle in motion, a crash could result. If the inspection reveals internal transmission damage, the transmission will be replaced. If no internal damaged is noted, the transmission oil cooler return line will be revised in order to increase fluid flow. For more information, please call Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Learn more »Acura CL Recall 98V018000
Summary: 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."
Learn more »The Ignition Switch May Fail
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The electrical contacts in the ignition switch may be worn. This may cause the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the ignition switch to correct this concern. This recall is expected to begin by June 14, 2002.
Learn more »Honda Recalls 1998-1999 Vehicles Due to Ignition Cylinder Wear and Shift Interlock Issue
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Honda has recalled 1998-1999 Accord and Acura CL, and 1999 Odyssey and Acura TL vehicles because the ignition cylinder body may be worn, which can cause the shift interlock not to function properly. If the vehicle does not securely lock in "Park" due to a worn ignition cylinder, the vehicle may roll, which can cause a safety issue. Dealers will inspect the cylinder body for wear and replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate if necessary. If there are no signs of wear and all is operating as designed, dealers will replace the latch plate.
Learn more »Premature Ball Joint Wear
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The ball joints in the front suspension may prematurely wear out. The ball joints could break in severe circumstances, which may cause an accident. Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints. This recall is expected to begin by May 17, 1999.
Learn more »Acura CL Questions and Answers
Turns over, won't start. Changed coil, main relay, checked fuel pump. Has 12 volts from distributor to blk/ylw wire???????23455
How hard is it to replace the mounts, and should all the mounts be done at the same time.
Hello,
We bought this car used & don't have a manual; my husband replaced the battery and now the radio/ cd player won't work. Any help is greatly appreciated.
My car has 92k miles on it. Should I replace timing belt? No problems yet.
When the car is locked by remote or by key, the electric lock motor keeps cycling about every 8 to 12 seconds and wears down the battery. If I remove the electric lock fuse, the car will not start ...
Acura CL Reviews
I have a 1999 cl Acura which I bought brand new that has a problem in the steering column seemingly when it comes to starting the car. There are times when it starts right up and others when the steering wheel has to be tilted up or down in order for the car to start. The Acura dealership sent a recall order a couple of years ago concerning the ignition switch being faulty and causing the car to fall dead when coming to a stop, which was something that was happening to my car. I love this car and will not get rid of it for anything. We bought a 2009 Maxima in June of 2008 and the Nissan dealership thought we were wanting to trade the Acura. Ha! Not a chance! If anyone knows whats going on please post. Thanks
I have had my 1999 cl for 9 years. excellent car. had tune up recently and my fuel milage dropped. mechanic says car is great..he replaced pc valve, ozegenator,gold spark plugs, oil,air filter. been with this mechanic 15 years he can't figure it out????
This was my first new car. I saved and paid cash for it. Loved the car until I had the transmission replaced 4 times by the time it hit 67,000 miles. I have taken excellent care of this car, never missed a maintenance appointment, kept it under the car cover or garage, and have all of the paperwork since I purchased it. I bought two extended warranties to the tune of $4100, the first one prior to the manufacturer's warranty expiration. The dealership did not mention or offer the Acura extended warranty - and I didn't know enough to ask for it. Well, after years of fighting with them, the dealership gave me an occasional free oil change (which I get anyway with the maintenance booklet) and corporate did NOTHING for me. I am in the market for a new car. As much as I like the Acura style and features, I will never buy another Honda/Acura or from this dealership chain that has several makes of cars.
We have had this car 4 years. Its been reliable until now. The trans shifts hard unless you baby the trottle on take off. .The check engine lite keeps coming on with an egr code. and i just replaced the plastic radiator what junk.
I have the 1999 cl 3.0 6 cyl. automatic trans. with 162,000 miles as of summer 2011. The only problems I have had as have many of owners of the same make has been alternator, motor mounts, (expensive) Driver's door window motor, and the egr/ emissions/ engine light problem that required a $450 special cleaning and enlarging of an exhaust port Blah blah blah..... I love this car and will try to keep it on the road but this last year has been expensive in maint. No trany problems like lots of people claim. Guess I am lucky there!