Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Acura CL: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

73 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

74,728 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 52 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 17 of 73 complaints (23.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting3750.7%
Braking behavior912.3%
Steering behavior56.8%
Engine operation45.5%
Electrical and battery issues11.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
17
Power Train
15
Air Bags
9
Electrical System
4
Power Train:Manual Transmission
4
Engine
3
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
3
Steering
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission17
Power Train15
Air Bags9
Electrical System4
Power Train:Manual Transmission4
Engine3
Exterior Lighting:Headlights3
Steering3

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 17; Power Train: 15; Air Bags: 9; Electrical System: 4; Power Train:Manual Transmission: 4; Engine: 3; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 3; Steering: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
8
25,000 to 49,999
6
50,000 to 74,999
12
75,000 to 99,999
7
100,000 to 149,999
13
150,000 and above
6
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0008
25,000 to 49,9996
50,000 to 74,99912
75,000 to 99,9997
100,000 to 149,99913
150,000 and above6

Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 12; 75,000 to 99,999: 7; 100,000 to 149,999: 13; 150,000 and above: 6

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002
3
2003
8
2004
5
2005
5
2006
7
2007
3
2008
2
2009
3
2010
1
2011
4
2012
4
2013
1
2014
3
2015
7
2016
2
2017
4
2019
6
2022
1
2023
1
2024
2
2025
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20023
20038
20045
20055
20067
20073
20082
20093
20101
20114
20124
20131
20143
20157
20162
20174
20196
20221
20231
20242
20251

2002: 3; 2003: 8; 2004: 5; 2005: 5; 2006: 7; 2007: 3; 2008: 2; 2009: 3; 2010: 1; 2011: 4; 2012: 4; 2013: 1; 2014: 3; 2015: 7; 2016: 2; 2017: 4; 2019: 6; 2022: 1; 2023: 1; 2024: 2; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 37 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10006146 · 2003-01-31 (January 31, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 15 TO 20MPH ENGINE MADE A BIG NOISE, CAR SLOWED DOWN, AND ENGINE DIED. PULLED OUT OF THE ROAD. DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT TIMING BELT WAS BROKEN. CONSUMER WANTED A NEW ENGINE SINCE ONE OF THE TECHNICIANS INDICATED THAT THIS ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006146 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009681 · 2003-03-03 (March 3, 2003)

TRANSMISSION SLIPS EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 11,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10009681 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016900 · 2003-05-02 (May 2, 2003)

I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT THE NEW HID HEADLIGHTS ON SOME NEW VEHICLES. THEY ARE VERY BLINDING TO ME AND DANGEROUS. THEY SHOULD BE BANNED. I CANNOT FILL OUT THE REST OF THIS CORRECTLY BECAUSE DATES AND THE COMPLAINT QUESTIONS DO NOT FIT. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10016900 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023980 · 2003-06-29 (June 29, 2003)

BLUE HIGH INTENSITY LIGHTING CREATES A HAZARD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I SEEMS TO ME THAT STANDARD HIGH BEAMS ARE LESS HAZARDOUS TO APPROACHING TRAFFIC, AND I ALONG WITH ALMOST EVERYONE I HAVE SPOKEN TO WOULD LIKE TO SEE THESE BE ILLEGAL TO USE ON WHICHEVER MODELS THEY ARE INSTALLED. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10023980 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10026056 · 2003-07-14 (July 14, 2003)

THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2003 ACURA CLS HESITATES DURING CERTAIN SHIFTS AND IT HAS DOWNSHIFTED AND UPSHIFTED AT THE WRONG TIMES.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10026056 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10043163 · 2003-10-18 (October 18, 2003)

FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE CAME UNSEATED FROM THE RIM AND JERKED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH AND INTO A DITCH. *LA

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10043163 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10043793 · 2003-10-28 (October 28, 2003)

OWN A 2003 ACURA CL BUILT IN MARCH OF 2002. TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GOING INTO THIRD EIGHT TIMES. REPORTED THIS TO DEALER AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT BUT IT WOULD NOT RECCUR. TOLD ME NO PROBBLEM. I AM HAPPY WITH THE DEALER, NOT WITH HONDA. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SEVENTEEN TIMES STARTING IN LATE SEPTEMBER.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10043793 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10044163 · 2003-10-17 (October 17, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10044163 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

02V226000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Reported: 2002-08-28 (August 28, 2002)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
04V176000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Reported: 2004-04-15 (April 15, 2004)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V320000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2015-05-28 (May 28, 2015)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V182000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2019-03-06 (March 6, 2019)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V499000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2019-06-27 (June 27, 2019)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

73 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

71.2%Usable mileage52 / 73 records
97.3%Valid incident date71 / 73 records
100.0%Valid filing date73 / 73 records
97.3%Ordered incident and filing dates71 / 73 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19971998199920002001200220032004
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
1315.9%
ODI 10052874

ABOUT A ACURA CL 1997 , SEEMS LIKE THE COMPANY KNEW ABOUT THE TRNSMISSION PROBLEMS THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AND NEVER RECALLED IT. THE 2.2 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ARE VERY POORLEY BUILT.*AK

Look up ODI 10052874 at NHTSA ↗

47.3%
ODI 10059154 · 63,000 mi

TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 63,000 MILES. *AK

Look up ODI 10059154 at NHTSA ↗

1122.4%
ODI 10028945

THERE IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH ACURA 1999 2.3CL. A HEAVY RATTLING NOISE COMES WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR 20-30 MPH OR WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM HALT. THE NOISE IS SOMETIMES SO HEAVY AND FRIGHTENING, THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER MY CAR ON THE SHOULDER FOR ATLEAST 6-8 TIMES. I WENT TO THE DEALER, ASKING TO REPAIR, BUT HE SAID THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL 4CYL ENGINES OF THAT YEAR.

Look up ODI 10028945 at NHTSA ↗

763.6%
ODI 10001186

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION FAILURES MAY BE A SAFETY HAZARD, VEHICLE ON HILLS TRANSMISSION SLIPPERY, SLOWS DOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Look up ODI 10001186 at NHTSA ↗

16962.4%
ODI 10000027 · 7,000 mi

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS

Look up ODI 10000027 at NHTSA ↗

2863.6%
ODI 10000722 · 20,415 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED WITHOUT WARNING, ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENTS

Look up ODI 10000722 at NHTSA ↗

1723.3%
ODI 10009681 · 11,000 mi

TRANSMISSION SLIPS EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. *AK

Look up ODI 10009681 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
78.5%
ODI 10054087 · 58,000 mi

AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWICE. THE FIRST TIME, THE DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM AND RESET THE INDICATOR LIGHT. THE SECOND TIME, ANOTHER DEALER FOUND THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK *JB

Look up ODI 10054087 at NHTSA ↗

712.7%
ODI 10904481 · 138,594 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10904481 at NHTSA ↗

510.2%
ODI 10945245

TAKATA AIR BAGS RECALL- WHY IS MY CAR NOT ON THE RECALL LIST? ARE THEY NOT GOING BACK TO 1999? IS IT OK TO DRIVE. ACCORDING THE NEWSPAPER REPORTS, THE OLDER MODELS ARE AT HIGHER RISKS.

Look up ODI 10945245 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10029918 · 42,000 mi

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HIT IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *TS

Look up ODI 10029918 at NHTSA ↗

2710.0%
ODI 10026721

CONSUMER STATES THAT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING. *AK

Look up ODI 10026721 at NHTSA ↗

511.4%
ODI 10649102 · 140,000 mi

MY SON HIT A POLE AND THE AIR BAG CRUSHED HIM. HE DIED! IT RIPPED HIS AORTA, HIS LIVER, CRUSHED HIS LUNGS, HEAD INJURY, METAL IN CHEST. *TR

Look up ODI 10649102 at NHTSA ↗

912.3%
ODI 10128748 · 29,000 mi

DT: WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WAS CUT OFF ON INTERSTATE. TO KEEP FROM HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD. WHEN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD STRUCK SOME TREES WITH FRONT IMPACT WITH EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND DAMAGED WAS SUSTAINED ON THE RIGHT SIDE AS WELL AS THE FRONT. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH 4 AIR BAGS. HOWEVER ONLY ONE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER WHO WAS IN DRIVER'S SEAT DID SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM. CONSUMER WAS AWAITING POLICE REPORT, BUT INSURANCE DID STATE IT WAS TOTALED. *AK

Look up ODI 10128748 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 10553089 · 165,000 mi

MY DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING ON AROUND JUNE 14-16 2013. THE CAR STAYS IN THE GARAGE AND NOT OUT IN THE ELEMENTS. IT STARTED OUT WITH ONE CRACK AND LATER A SECOND CRACK APPEARED AND GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. WE THINK IT IS THE OUTLINE OF THE AIRBAGS OR IN THAT AREA. ALSO, THERE IS ANOTHER CRACK LOCATED ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I CALLED VANDERGRIFF ACURA AND FILED A COMPLAINT ONLINE, BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO GO. AS OF YET, THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR DASHBOARD 2004 TL ACURA, BUT I DID NOTICE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON LINE. THIS…

Look up ODI 10553089 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
22.4%
ODI 10585337 · 190,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH AND MAKING A HARD RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD POP SOUND HEARD AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS FRACTURED AND BECAME DETACHED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. UPDATED 6/10/14*CN ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SIDE CV AXLE WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 07/08/1

Look up ODI 10585337 at NHTSA ↗

11.8%
ODI 10641153 · 62,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10641153 at NHTSA ↗

12.0%
ODI 10616843 · 125,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MILES/HOUR AND SUDDENLY THE TRANSMISSION OF THE CAR STOP FOR 2 MINUTES. IF ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSER TO MINE, THE COLLISION WILL BE INEVITABLE. THEN, THE CAR STARTED MOVING AS NORMAL AGAIN. THEREAFTER, THE PROBLEM RESURFACED WHILE I WAS STILL ON THE HIGHWAY. FINALLY, I TOOK THE CLOSEST EXIT TO RETURN HOME. I STILL HAVE LOW MILEAGE ON THE CAR AND BELIEVE ALSO ACURA SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. ON JULY 8, I CHECK WITH MY MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME IT'S A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, THAT ACURA S…

Look up ODI 10616843 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

3011.1%
ODI 10068628 · 53,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED PREMATURELY. THE PART HAD BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP AND DELAY SHIFTS. THE DOWNSHIFTS WERE SOMETIMES HARSH. ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING TO PASS OTHER VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WOULD FEEL AS IF THE TRANSMISSION HAD GONE DEAD AND THEN SHIFT. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10068628 at NHTSA ↗

24.5%
ODI 10436752 · 173,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA 3.2 CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED, THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED AND EXHIBITED A HARD JERK WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT COULD SMELL TRANSMISSION FLUID BURNING. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.

Look up ODI 10436752 at NHTSA ↗

1520.5%
ODI 10401752 · 50,100 mi

WHEN ENTERING HIGHWAY VEHICLE FAILED TO CHANGE GEARS AND NEARLY CAUSING A REAR END CRASH. TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Look up ODI 10401752 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
56.1%
ODI 10247585 · 170,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA CL. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, SHE HAD TO HOLD THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. SHE ALSO HAD TO HOLD THE KEYS IN THE ON POSITION TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT A FACTOR. ONCE AT THE DEALER, T…

Look up ODI 10247585 at NHTSA ↗

1018.2%
ODI 10479726 · 344,000 mi

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 APP…

Look up ODI 10479726 at NHTSA ↗

714.3%
ODI 10248994 · 100,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA 2.3CL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V423000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Look up ODI 10248994 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

72.6%
ODI 10121207 · 50,781 mi

DT: SRS INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON AND ACCORDING TO THE DEALER IT WAS AN ERROR COD15-3. THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY CELL PHONE OR ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE. THERE WAS A TSB WHICH APPLIED TO ERROR CODE 15-3. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY RESET THE SENSOR SWITCH, THIS HAPPENED AGAIN THE NEXT MORNING. DO NOT KNOW STATUS OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEMS IS NOT. THE CONSUMER DID NOT FEEL THAT A CELL PHONE COULD CAUSE THIS TYPE OF INTERFERENCE. *JB

Look up ODI 10121207 at NHTSA ↗

36.8%
ODI 10119198

2002 ACURA CL 3.2 EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SEAT BELTS, TIMING BELT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND THE ENGINE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS, SUSPENSION AND ENGINE. THE CONSUMER DID STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION AND BELT TENSIONER. *JB

Look up ODI 10119198 at NHTSA ↗

45.5%
ODI 10472445 · 118,000 mi

CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE DURING SUMMER HEATWAVE. INTERIOR WAS HOT. VEHICLE STARTED WITH HESITATION, RAN FOR A MOMENT, AND THEN STALLED AND FAILED TO START IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. CRANK, NO START, WAS THE FINAL SYMPTOM. OCCUPANTS WERE NEARLY HIT BY A MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK WHO HAD TROUBLE STOPPING. AFTER THE CAR WAS HAULED TO A SHADY LOCATION, THE INTERIOR COOLED AND IT AGAIN STARTED. SINCE THAT SENTINEL EVENT, THE CAR STALLED OR FAILED TO START 3-4 TIMES-- EACH TIME AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE SUN. TRACED PROBLEM TO A FAILED SOLDER J…

Look up ODI 10472445 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
44.9%
ODI 10162423 · 87,500 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE DEALER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10162423 at NHTSA ↗

59.1%
ODI 10024369

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

Look up ODI 10024369 at NHTSA ↗

24.1%
ODI 10459505 · 74,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD INCREASE EXCESSIVELY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED BUT HAD ALSO OCCURRED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE IDLER VALVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,550.

Look up ODI 10459505 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 10567529 · 70 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON I75, THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK AND CAR STARTED RACING. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND STOPPED THE CAR WITH A LOT OF EFFORT ON THE BRAKES, BY WHICH TIME THE ENGINE RPM IS 4000. AFTER I TURNED OFF, I PULLED THE THROTTLE OUT WITH HANDS AND IT SEEMS TO WORKING FINE FOR A BIT. BUT WHEN I STARTED CAR AND DROVE AGAIN THE SAME THING HAPPENED RIGHT AWAY. I PARKED THE CAR AND WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE SHOP VERY SOON. *TR

Look up ODI 10567529 at NHTSA ↗

83.0%
ODI 10029469

CONSUMER STATES WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT INTO ANY GEAR VEHICLE RESPONSE LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL. WHEN IN 3RD GEAR RPMS REV UP VERY HIGH. TOOK TO DEALER, AND HE REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. *AK

Look up ODI 10029469 at NHTSA ↗

36.8%
ODI 10453834

FOR A COUPLE DAYS MY CAR WOULD BEGIN STALLING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I FELT LIKE IT SLOWED DOWN TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR BUT NEVER COMPLETELY SHIFTED. THEN, ONE DAY WHEN I WAS DRIVING, ON MY WAY HOME MY CAR SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR COMPLETELY AND I COULDN'T DRIVE FORWARD. MY CAR ONLY ALLOWED ME TO GO IN REVERSE. 2AFTER ALLOWING IT TO SIT FOR A WHILE IT WOULD DRIVE BUT WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE HOME IT CONSTANTLY SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR WHICH WAS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN IT HAPPENED AT AN INTERSECTION. *TR

Look up ODI 10453834 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 10259589 · 48,000 mi

CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT HOLD SPEED. EVERYTHING ELSE WAS NORMAL, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WOULD GO ON. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE FROM CRUISE CONTROL SEPARATED FROM THE PLASTIC THROTTLE BODY PIECE. IT APPEARS TO HAVE BROKEN. INITIALLY THE DEALER JUST PUT A SMALL CLIP AS A TEMPORARY FIX, BUT IT ONLY LASTED A FEW DAYS. THE CRUISE CONTROL CANNOT ENGAGE AND THE COMPANY REFUSES TO ACCEPT THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. EVEN THOUGH UPON CLOSER INSPECTION IT CAN BE SEEN THAT THERE IS NO WAY THE PART COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED…

Look up ODI 10259589 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
33.7%
ODI 10238151 · 122,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA 3.0CL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND FELT EXCESSIVE VIBRATION FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. PRIOR TO THE FAILURES, THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURES CAUSED DAMAGES TO THE TIRE AND BUMPER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JO…

Look up ODI 10238151 at NHTSA ↗

47.3%
ODI 10020528

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

Look up ODI 10020528 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

41.5%
ODI 10174182 · 86,160 mi

WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 1- TO 20 MPH, THE WHEEL CAVED IN AND TILTED SIDEWAYS, DAMAGING THE LEFT FRONT FENDER. THE CAR WAS UNDRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST AUTO REPAIR SHOP. PAUL'S MOTORS [phone removed]. THE BALL JOINT AND AXLE WERE REPLACED. THE FENDER DAMAGE WILL BE REPAIRED AT THE BODY SHOP. THE TIRE WAS ALSO DAMAGED AND WAS REPLACED.*JB

Look up ODI 10174182 at NHTSA ↗

24.5%
ODI 10119198

2002 ACURA CL 3.2 EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SEAT BELTS, TIMING BELT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND THE ENGINE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS, SUSPENSION AND ENGINE. THE CONSUMER DID STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION AND BELT TENSIONER. *JB

Look up ODI 10119198 at NHTSA ↗

34.1%
ODI 10060069 · 400 mi

I HAVE A 2003 ACURA CL S TYPE AT 400 MILES A TIRE WAS MICHELIN TIRE WAS REPLACED FOR A BUBBLE IN THE TIRE WALL, THE CAR IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD AND WITH 11,000 MILES. I HAVE REPLACE TWO MORE TIRES FOR BUBBLES. NOW A FOURTH TIRE HAS A BUBBLE. I AM TOLD BY ACURA AND MICHELIN THAT THESE ARE CAUSED BY POT HOLES. THERE IS NO RIM DAMAGE AND I WAS TOLD BY COSTCO THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE ACURA BECAUSE OF SUSPENSION. THIS IS NOT SAFE, SOME BUBBLES ARE ON INSIDE WALLS AND CAN NOT BE SEEN. I DON'T BELIEVE ANY TESTING WAS DONE. THIS TI…

Look up ODI 10060069 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
44.9%
ODI 10117453

1997 ACURA CL 3.0 HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. *MR THE CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS STALLED OUT AS SHE WAS DRIVING. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED IN JULY 2004 THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER IN FEB 2005, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND UPON EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT PROBLEM HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN CARE OF, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED T…

Look up ODI 10117453 at NHTSA ↗

610.9%
ODI 10064844

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

Look up ODI 10064844 at NHTSA ↗

36.1%
ODI 10011924

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AS STATED IN THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *JB

Look up ODI 10011924 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.4%
ODI 10214010 · 89,240 mi

I OWN A 2001 ACURA CL 3.2. THE LOCKING MECHANISM IN THE IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WORKING. THE SWITCH CAN BE TURNED TO OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED WITHOUT HAVING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR CAN CONTINUE TO MOVE (WHETHER OR NOT SOMEONE IS INSIDE THE CAR). THIS WAS ONLY NOTICED RECENTLY WHEN MY SON BEGAN USING THIS CAR. SINCE MY WIFE AND I NORMALLY PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK BEFORE TURNING OFF THE CAR AND REMOVING THE KEY, I AM NOT SURE HOW LONG THE PROBLEM HAS EXISTED. NHTSA'S RECALL D…

Look up ODI 10214010 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
22.4%
ODI 10966385 · 186,243 mi

THE 1997 ACURA CL HARMONICA BALENCER BOLT SNAPED OFF HAD TO GET IT REPLACED AND THREE WEEKS LATER HAPPEND AGAIN IN THE MIDDEL OFF THE STREET TRAFIC ALMOST CASING AN ACEDENT

Look up ODI 10966385 at NHTSA ↗

11.8%
ODI 10479726 · 344,000 mi

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 APP…

Look up ODI 10479726 at NHTSA ↗

510.2%
ODI 10499542 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD ASSIGN A SERVICE ADVISOR TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10499542 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

31.1%
ODI 10694131 · 139,000 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10694131 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

34.1%
ODI 10779109 · 125,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10779109 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission30,900–82,000 mi62,600 mi15
ODI 10009681 · 11,000 mi

TRANSMISSION SLIPS EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. *AK

Look up ODI 10009681 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10026056 · 6,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSION IN MY 2003 ACURA CLS HESITATES DURING CERTAIN SHIFTS AND IT HAS DOWNSHIFTED AND UPSHIFTED AT THE WRONG TIMES.*AK

Look up ODI 10026056 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10043793 · 36,000 mi

OWN A 2003 ACURA CL BUILT IN MARCH OF 2002. TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GOING INTO THIRD EIGHT TIMES. REPORTED THIS TO DEALER AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT BUT IT WOULD NOT RECCUR. TOLD ME NO PROBBLEM. I AM HAPPY WITH THE DEALER, NOT WITH HONDA. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SEVENTEEN TIMES STARTING IN LATE SEPTEMBER.*AK

Look up ODI 10043793 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train82,583–120,000 mi102,000 mi14
ODI 10401752 · 50,100 mi

WHEN ENTERING HIGHWAY VEHICLE FAILED TO CHANGE GEARS AND NEARLY CAUSING A REAR END CRASH. TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Look up ODI 10401752 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10415988 · 79,201 mi

THE CAR HAD A TRANSMISSION RECALL ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO. SINCE I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER, I DID SOME RESEARCH TO DETERMINE IF THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN REPLACED IN MY VEHICLE. I CALLED ACURA AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION IN MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN FIXED. ABOUT A YEAR LATER, MY CAR WAS STARTING TO EXPERIENCE SHIFTING PROBLEMS FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. SINCE THE CAR HAS FAIRLY LOW MILEAGE (79,201) I THOUGHT THIS WAS A LITTLE BIT ODD. NOW THAT I THINK OF IT, IT STILL APPEARS THAT THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION HAD NOT BEEN CORRECTED (AS THESE THINGS…

Look up ODI 10415988 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10453437 · 95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH , THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE FIFTH GEAR AND THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT WERE BLINKING AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY DECELERATED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER …

Look up ODI 10453437 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range105,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10128748 · 29,000 mi

DT: WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WAS CUT OFF ON INTERSTATE. TO KEEP FROM HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD. WHEN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD STRUCK SOME TREES WITH FRONT IMPACT WITH EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND DAMAGED WAS SUSTAINED ON THE RIGHT SIDE AS WELL AS THE FRONT. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH 4 AIR BAGS. HOWEVER ONLY ONE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER WHO WAS IN DRIVER'S SEAT DID SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM. CONSUMER WAS AWAITING POLICE REPORT, BUT INSURANCE DID STATE IT WAS TOTALED. *AK

Look up ODI 10128748 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10428436 · 150,000 mi

I WAS SIDESWIPED BY AN 18-WHEELER ON I-40 IN ARKANSAS AND IT CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND BARREL ROLL INTO A WOODED AREA. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY TOTALED- THANK GOD MY SEATBELT WAS ON. MY ACURA CL'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE CAR AND THE AIRBAGS WITHOUT QUESTION SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. I NEED THIS INVESTIGATED... I CANNOT BELIEVE ACURA AIRBAGS FAILED ON ME. *TR

Look up ODI 10428436 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10680250 · 100,000 mi

HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=LIETYNXGJJC AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. ABOVE IS THE LINK SHOWING THE CAR AND THE AIRBAGS INTACT......UPDATED 12/15/15 *BF

Look up ODI 10680250 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range198,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10472445 · 118,000 mi

CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE DURING SUMMER HEATWAVE. INTERIOR WAS HOT. VEHICLE STARTED WITH HESITATION, RAN FOR A MOMENT, AND THEN STALLED AND FAILED TO START IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. CRANK, NO START, WAS THE FINAL SYMPTOM. OCCUPANTS WERE NEARLY HIT BY A MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK WHO HAD TROUBLE STOPPING. AFTER THE CAR WAS HAULED TO A SHADY LOCATION, THE INTERIOR COOLED AND IT AGAIN STARTED. SINCE THAT SENTINEL EVENT, THE CAR STALLED OR FAILED TO START 3-4 TIMES-- EACH TIME AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE SUN. TRACED PROBLEM TO A FAILED SOLDER J…

Look up ODI 10472445 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11203227 · 278,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11203227 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Manual TransmissionToo few reports for a range53,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10149379 · 68,000 mi

2003 ACURA 3.2CL TYPE S - 75,000 MILES - MANUAL TRANSMISSION (MT) IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO SECOND AND REVERSE GEARS. ALSO NOTICED THAT AFTER HOLDING THE CLUTCH PEDAL IN WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, SITTING IN TRAFFIC, ETC., THE PRESSURE CHANGES WHILE LETTING THE PEDAL OUT AND DOESN'T ENGAGE/CATCH WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT. MUST PUSH PEDAL DOWN AGAIN AND TRY TO SHIFT AGAIN. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES THIS HAPPENED, I SHIFTED FROM FIRST INTO SECOND GEAR AND THE GEAR GRINDED AND CAR JERKED. THE PEDAL PRESSURE ALMOST FEEL LIKE A BRAKE PEDAL DOES WHEN COM…

Look up ODI 10149379 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10153388 · 37,000 mi

ISSUE WITH 6 SPEED STANDARD TRANSMISSION. WHILE COLD DIFFICULTY UPSHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR WITH OCCASIONAL GEAR GRINDING. CLUTCH AND 2ND GEAR SYNCROS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. ACURA MAINTAINS THAT THIS DIFFICULTY IS NORMAL PERFORMANCE. *JB

Look up ODI 10153388 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10163434 · 52,000 mi

MY 2003 ACURA CL-TYPE S MANUAL 6 SPEED IS ALSO HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AS THE OTHER OWNERS WITH CHANGE IN PEDAL PRESSURE AND DIFFICULTY SHIFTING IN COLD WEATHER, SOMETIMES WITH GEARS GRINDING AND IT IS UNAVOIDABLE UNLESS YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND START FROM 1ST GEAR AGAIN,REVERSE IS ALSO A ISSUE, SOMETIMES IT WONT GO IN AT ALL, I HAVE BEEN TO THE ACURA DEALERSHIPS TO PURCHASE THE NEW TRANNY SENSORS WHICH ARE NOT CHEAP BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL, NOTH…

Look up ODI 10163434 at NHTSA ↗

EngineToo few reports for a range120,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10779109 · 125,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10779109 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10861356 · 74,200 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10861356 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11052900 · 120,000 mi

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. P…

Look up ODI 11052900 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsToo few reports for a range66,216 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10148875 · 66,216 mi

I HAVE A 2003 ACURA CLS THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF A HEADLIGHT AT 66000 MILES. THIS HEADLIGHT COST $928.85. THIS IS A TRAFFIC SAFETY ITEM. IT SHOULD NOT COST SO MUCH TO MAKE A "YOUNG" AUTO SAFE TO DRIVE. I BELIEVE THIS A MANUFACTORING DEFECT. IT SHOULD BE LISTED AS A SAFTEY RECALL.

Look up ODI 10148875 at NHTSA ↗

SteeringToo few reports for a range10,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10980455 · 10,000 mi

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. TH…

Look up ODI 10980455 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-101None
ODI 11690951

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 not…

Look up ODI 11690951 at NHTSA ↗

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 222 reports

2003: 22 complaints · 2004: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2003101722
2004000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20036823
2004100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionPower TrainAir BagsElectrical SystemPower Train:Manual TransmissionEngineExterior Lighting:HeadlightsSteering
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—
1
ODI 10588506 · 107,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING A REDUCTION IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 107,000.

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000000
Power Train
1
ODI 10588506 · 107,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING A REDUCTION IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 107,000.

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—000000
Air Bags00—
1
ODI 11267092

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 BECA…

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0000
Electrical System00
1
ODI 11267092

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 BECA…

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—000
1
ODI 11612868

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 …

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Power Train:Manual Transmission0000—000
Engine00000—00
Exterior Lighting:Headlights000000—0
Steering000
1
ODI 11612868

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 …

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000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

7 mentions · 9.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 74,728 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10043163

FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE CAME UNSEATED FROM THE RIM AND JERKED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH AND INTO A DITCH. *LA

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ODI 10149379 · 68,000 mi

2003 ACURA 3.2CL TYPE S - 75,000 MILES - MANUAL TRANSMISSION (MT) IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO SECOND AND REVERSE GEARS. ALSO NOTICED THAT AFTER HOLDING THE CLUTCH PEDAL IN WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, SITTING IN TRAFFIC, ETC., THE PRESSURE CHANGES WHILE LETTING THE PEDAL OUT AND DOESN'T ENGAGE/CATCH WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT. MUST PUSH PEDAL DOWN AGAIN AND TRY TO SHIFT AGAIN. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES THIS HAPPENED, I SHIFTED FROM FIRST INTO SECOND GEAR AND THE GEAR GRINDED AND CAR JERKED. THE PEDAL PRESSURE ALMOST FEEL LIKE A BRAKE PEDAL DOES WHEN COM…

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ODI 10209098 · 74,455 mi

1) ROUGH SHIFTING. 2) GEAR WOULD NOT CHANGE, ERRATIC SHIFTING, AND THEN CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. 3) 01-SOME 03 CLS HAD MANY PROBLEM W/ TRANSMISSION SO TRANSMISSION WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED TO 109K BUT I HAVE AN 03 THAT IS NOT COVERED AND TRANSMISSION BLEW. DEALER PAID FOR THE TRANSMISSION BUT I HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR. *TR

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 6.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 119,000 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10044163

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STALL. *AK

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ODI 10090560 · 25,800 mi

TRANMISSION FAILURES: 2003 ACURA CL. 1ST INCIDENT WAS AT 3,000 MILES. CAR STALLED AND WAS ACTING UP ON A VERY BUSY FREEWAY IN CA (405 FREEWAY). I WASN'T IN A FAMILIAR AREA WHEN I PULLED OVER. ACURA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SAID TO DRIVE TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHEN I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHERE ONE WAS. IT WAS DANGEROUS BUT I ENDED UP MAKING IT TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED TRANSMISSION AND SOME OTHER FLUIDS AFTER 1 WEEK OF BEING IN THE SHOP. 2ND INCIDENT WAS AT 25K MILES AND NOT EVEN 2 YRS OLD. CAR WAS PULLING I SLOWED DOWN AND HAD A BLOW OUT ON ANOTHER…

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ODI 10243172 · 124,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA 3.2CL. ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2008, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT WANTED A SECOND OPINION AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ANOTHER MECHANIC. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE SECOND MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION); HOWEVER, THE…

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 5.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 52,000 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10149379 · 68,000 mi

2003 ACURA 3.2CL TYPE S - 75,000 MILES - MANUAL TRANSMISSION (MT) IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO SECOND AND REVERSE GEARS. ALSO NOTICED THAT AFTER HOLDING THE CLUTCH PEDAL IN WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, SITTING IN TRAFFIC, ETC., THE PRESSURE CHANGES WHILE LETTING THE PEDAL OUT AND DOESN'T ENGAGE/CATCH WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT. MUST PUSH PEDAL DOWN AGAIN AND TRY TO SHIFT AGAIN. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES THIS HAPPENED, I SHIFTED FROM FIRST INTO SECOND GEAR AND THE GEAR GRINDED AND CAR JERKED. THE PEDAL PRESSURE ALMOST FEEL LIKE A BRAKE PEDAL DOES WHEN COM…

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ODI 10195353 · 36,000 mi

BRAKE CALIPER MOUNT/BRACKET DEVELOPED SUPERFICIAL CORROSION WHICH REDUCED THE TOLERANCE FOR THE BRAKE PAD,S MAKING THEM RESISTANT TO SLIDING--BOUND. BRAKE PADS ADHERED TO CHROME BEARING MATERIAL BETWEEN PAD AND CALIPER BRACKET, AND BEARING MATERIAL, ACTED LIKE A RETURN SPRING INCREASING THE TOLERANCES TO THE ROTOR WHEN BRAKE PRESSURE RELEASED. UPON EMERGENCY BRAKING, BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WAS EXCESSIVE, AND AN ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. CORROSION WAS MACHINED FROM CALIPER MOUNT/BRACKET AND WEATHER RESISTANT LUBRICANT APPLIED. PADS AND SHIM…

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ODI 10779109 · 125,000 mi

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.

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 5.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 107,500 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10383075 · 60,000 mi

ACURA CL 3.2 2003 W/ 60K MILES, MAINTAINED ON A REGULAR BASIS EXCEEDING OWNERS MANUAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND DRIVEN CONSERVATIVELY BY A PROFESSIONAL FEMALE: CAR BEING DRIVEN ON HEAVILY TRAFFICKED ROAD NORMALLY, AND VERY ABRUPTLY/SUDDENLY GEARED DOWN TO LOW GEAR FROM HIGH GEAR. VIOLENTLY JERKED AND SHIFTED, CAUSING THE CAR TO INSTANTLY GO FROM AROUND 50 MPH TO ONLY AROUND 10-15 MPH. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. IF CAR HAD BEEN BEING DRIVEN ON THE BUSY, HIGH SPEED INTERSTATE LEAVING SAN FRANCISCO AT 60+ SURROUNDED BY TRAFFIC (LUCKILY H…

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ODI 10453437 · 95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH , THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE FIFTH GEAR AND THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT WERE BLINKING AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY DECELERATED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY UNDER THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER …

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ODI 10565384 · 120,000 mi

WAS DRIVING ON A 3 LANE ROAD. I NOTICED THAT WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR THE RPM'S WERE REVVING UP AND THEN FELT THE TUG WHEN IT WOULD GRAB THE GEAR. KEPT DOING THAT AND THEN STARTED TO 3RD GEAR AS WELL. DOWNSHIFTING SAME THING. THEN IT DID A STRONG LOCK UP OF VEHICLE WHERE IT STOPPED AND ALL THE CHECK ENGINE, AND 2 OR 3 LIGHTS CAME ON. D5 STARTED TO BLINK. I PUT HAZARDS AND PULLED OVER. SHUT VEHICLE OFF THEN BACK ON AND 1 OF THE 3 LIGHTS TURNED OFF. TOOK IT TO SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND WAS PART …

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 118,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10472445 · 118,000 mi

CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE DURING SUMMER HEATWAVE. INTERIOR WAS HOT. VEHICLE STARTED WITH HESITATION, RAN FOR A MOMENT, AND THEN STALLED AND FAILED TO START IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. CRANK, NO START, WAS THE FINAL SYMPTOM. OCCUPANTS WERE NEARLY HIT BY A MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK WHO HAD TROUBLE STOPPING. AFTER THE CAR WAS HAULED TO A SHADY LOCATION, THE INTERIOR COOLED AND IT AGAIN STARTED. SINCE THAT SENTINEL EVENT, THE CAR STALLED OR FAILED TO START 3-4 TIMES-- EACH TIME AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE SUN. TRACED PROBLEM TO A FAILED SOLDER J…

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b