Federal complaints
271
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 258 of 271 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 176 of 271 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
213 complaint records2 fire reports6 crash reports
"AT 50 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED ACCELERATOR, VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. DEALER DETERMINED THATTRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Air bags
32 complaint records5 crash reports
"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?..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Glass & wipers
13 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING AND LOOKING THROUGH SIDE VIEW MIRROR ON PASSENGERS SIDE IT GIVES A BLIND SIDE, DRIVER CANNOT SEE. SPOKE WITH ACURA, WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS DESIGN OF VEHICLE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE02081 opened Oct 2002 | closed Mar 2003 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT SEE ATTACHED REPORT. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V027000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 20V026000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 04V176000 | Power Train | 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... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020014 2020-01-17 | Airbag | 178,835 | Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. |
| 2020015 2020-01-17 | Airbag | 85,247 | Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. |
| 2004143 2004-04-23 | Powertrain | 85,184 | 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, in very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| - Feb 2024 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Test | |
| B18010I Jan 2018 | Equipment | Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation. | |
| BTS170801 Sep 2017 | Equipment | Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation. | |
| BTS170801 Aug 2017 | Electrical System | Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution. | |
| B90-009 Aug 2017 | Power Train | Service bulletin - You are required to install a remanufactured A/T (automatic transmission) and torque converter on any vehicle with an internal failure that calls for A/T disassembly that is covered under any of the programs listed. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B05-018 Nov 2016 | Equipment | SERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION. | |
| B98015 Mar 2016 | Equipment | Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated. | |
| B99-040 Dec 2015 | Fuel System | "SERVICE BULLETIN - THIS BULLETIN UPDATES THE TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES FOR DTC P1456 (EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKAGE [FUEL TANK SYSTEM]) AND DTC P1457 (EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKAGE[EVAP CANISTER SYSTEM]). | |
| SB-0708 Nov 2010 | Tires | ACURA: THERE ARE GUIDELINES FOR VARIOUS SITUATIONS AND PROCEDURES INCLUDING: TIRE PRESSURE VALVE STEM INSTALLATION, TRAILER STABILITY MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON, ENGINE OIL APPLICATION GUIDE, NEW SOFTWARE, NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID, NOTCHY STEERING FEELING. *RM | |
| 08-026 May 2008 | Equipment | LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY REDUCED LABEL FOR ALL ACURA VEHICLES. *PE | |
| 06-008 Feb 2008 | Electrical System | ACURA SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. WARRANTY EXTENSION: OPDS UNIT OR OPDS SENSOR TRIGGERS SRS DTC'S 15-1, 15-2, 15-3. CSC WAS RECEIVED. *NJ | |
| 02-027 Feb 2008 | Power Train | WARRANTY EXTENSION: 3.2 TL AND 3.2 CL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *NJ | |
| 04035 Jan 2008 | Vehicle Speed Control | ACCELERATOR PEDAL HARD TO PRESS. *TT UPDATED 4/2/08. *NJ | |
| 307 Mar 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE, STALLS AT STOPS, AND DTC'S P0172 OR P0175 APPEAR WHEN INSPECTED. *KB | |
| 03015 Jan 2006 | Equipment | REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. *TT | |
| 090105 Sep 2005 | Equipment | HOMELINK WON'T PROGRAM WITH AFTERMARKET REMOTES. *JB | |
| 09012005 Sep 2005 | Power Train | DON'T INVITE PROBLEMS DOING 2ND GEAR INSPECTION. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 07012005 Jul 2005 | Electrical System | SPEEDOMETER SHOPS CAN TRANSFER ODOMETER MILEAGE. ACURA. SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 05015 Jun 2005 | Suspension | REAR STABILIZER LINK IS BROKEN. *TT | |
| 505 May 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES. *TT | |
| 04006 Apr 2005 | Seats | SEAT-BACK PANEL IS LOOSE OR DETACHED. *TT | |
| 01162005 Jan 2005 | Equipment | REPLACEMENT OR UPDATED NAVIGATION DVD DISKS. *EH | |
| 04020 Nov 2004 | Power Train | SAFETY RECALL: CL AND TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. *TT | |
| 10012004 Oct 2004 | Power Train | HOW TO REPLENISH ATF ON VEHICLES WITH A/T OIL JET KITS. *NM | |
| 904 Sep 2004 | Fuel System | POOR FUEL ECONOMY. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY FOR DEALER DISTRIBUTION. *TT | |
| 09012004 Sep 2004 | Equipment | REPLACING NAVIGATION SYSTEM DVD'S CAN CAUSE DVD DISK ERROR. *NM | |
| 804 Aug 2004 | Electrical System | NAVIGATION ERROR MESSAGE-DVD DISK READ ERROR. *SC | |
| 00025 Aug 2004 | Visibility | DEFORMED WINDSHIELD MOLDING. *EH | |
| 08012004 Aug 2004 | Unknown Or Other | STORE DIGITAL INSPECTION PHOTOS FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR SERVICE BULLETIN (S/B) 04-013, SAFETY RECALL, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION AND S/B 04-020, SAFETY RECALL, CL AND TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 704 Jul 2004 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM WON'T MAP MATCH OR GETS LOST. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 07012004 Jul 2004 | Power Train | CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT AND STOP SALE ORDER UPDATE. VOLUNTARY RECALL OF LIGHT TRUCK MODELS FOR A POTENTIAL TRANSMISSION DEFECT. *TT | |
| 604 Jun 2004 | Electrical System | IF NAVIGATION SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY DISPLAYS THE MESSAGE, DATABASE OLD SEE YOUR DEALER, APPLY THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE PATCH. *NM | |
| 105 May 2004 | Power Train | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0780 AFTER SOLENOID OR TRANSMISSION R&R. TECH LINE SUMMARY. ACURA. *TT | |
| 05012004 May 2004 | Equipment | AUDIO UNIT AND NAVI ANTI-THEFT CODES AVAILABLE ON IN. ACURA SERVICENEWS. MAY 2004. *TT | |
| 02015 Apr 2004 | Electrical System | SRS INDICATOR COMES ON WITH SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. *EH | |
| 04012004 Apr 2004 | Air Bags | SRS INDICATOR ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. CHECK FOR SRS DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. ACURA SERVICENEWS. APRIL 2004. *TT | |
| 01041 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | V6 ENGINE OIL LEAKS. *JB THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 01-041, DATED 10/29/2001. *TT | |
| 020204 Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BROKEN HEAD BOLT(S). REQUEST FOR PARTS. *TT | |
| 012012003 Dec 2003 | Power Train | DON'T REUSE OLD ATF FLUID) WARMER ON REMAN A/T (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) *SC | |
| 03029 Oct 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR COMES ON AND GOES OFF. *TT | |
| 1003 Oct 2003 | Power Train | HUMMING, GROWLING SOUND FROM TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 03028 Oct 2003 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM DISPLAYS U.S. POST OFFICE PHONE NUMBERS INCORRECTLY. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2003 RL. *TT | |
| 03017 Sep 2003 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 091603 Sep 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0128 OR P1486, THERMOSTAT RANGE/PERFORMANCE. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 903 Sep 2003 | Power Train | WARRANTY EXTENSION TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS. TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT | |
| 090103 Sep 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | UNDERSTANDING OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE INDICATOR LOGIC. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 02027 Aug 2003 | Power Train | WARRANTY EXTENSION - 3.2TL AND 3.2CL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *TT | |
| 080103 Aug 2003 | Power Train | CHECKING FOR A HOLE BEFORE INSTALLING A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT | |
| 603 Jun 2003 | Electrical System | A FAULTY AFT TEMPERATURE SENSOR OR A PROBLEM WITH THE ATF TEMPERATURE SENSOR CIRCUIT CAN CAUSE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0710. *TT | |
| 060103 Jun 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON FINDING A VEHICLE'S EMISSION TYPE OR GROUP. *TT | |
| 03017 May 2003 | Power Train | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 01017 May 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE PEDAL, STEERING WHEEL, OR VEHICLE VIBRATES WHILE BRAKING. *TT | |
| 030003 Apr 2003 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLIGHT HOUSING MAY BREAK OFF IN A MINOR ACCIDENT. *TT | |
| 01017 Apr 2003 | Service Brakes | BRAKE PEDAL, STEERING WHEEL, OR VEHICLE VIBRATES WHILE BRAKING. *TT | |
| 040103 Apr 2003 | Exterior Lighting | USING AN AUXILIARY HEADLIGHT BRACKET AFTER AN ACCIDENT - INFORMATION. *TT | |
| 02027 Feb 2003 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARRANTY EXTENSION. *TT | |
| 03001 Jan 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMES ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1457 EVAP BYPASS SOLENOID VALVE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 03002 Jan 2003 | Power Train | THE 3RD GEAR CLUTCH PACK IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY BE WORN. *TT | |
| 011303 Jan 2003 | Power Train | INSPECTION OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WITH DATA TROUBLE CODE P0710 DISPLAYED. *TT | |
| 010103 Jan 2003 | Air Bags | SRS INDICATOR COMES ON AFTER BODY SHOP REPAIR. ACURA SERVICENEWS. *TT |
Showing 60 of 108 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Acura CL →