1998 Acura CL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1998 Acura CL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1998 Acura CL. Newest first.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
On certain passenger vehicles and MINI vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. if significant wear IS indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate. if no signs of wear are indicated, dealers will replace the latch plate with a redesigned part. owner notification began december 8, 2003. owners should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle IS started.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch. owner notification began june 14, 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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. also steering controllability would be reduced.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause the vehicle to roll down an incline when the transmission IS locked in "park," increasing the risk of personal injury and/or property damage.
Remedy
Dealers will install a collar on the transmission parking pawl to ensure proper movement of the actuation lever.
Owner complaints
55 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called napleton's palm beach acura (6870 okeechobee blvd, west palm beach, fl 33411…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called napleton's palm beach acura (6870 okeechobee blvd, west palm beach, fl 33411; (888) 980-7593) and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. A dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however the part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however the part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had scheduled an appointment at roper honda dealer (902 n rangeline rd, joplin, mo 64801) and was informed the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that part was not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirmed part not available. *Bf*jb
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. Crown acura located at 18911 us 19 north clear water fl 33764, (888) 642-5567) and the manufacturer were…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. Crown acura located at 18911 us 19 north clear water fl 33764, (888) 642-5567) and the manufacturer were contacted on multiple occasions and the contact was informed that parts would be available fourth quarter of 2020. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Naples acura…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Naples acura located at 659 airport-pulling rd, naples, fl 34104, (239)330-4212, was contacted by phone and confirmed the part to do the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin tool confirms parts not available.*bf*jb
- Air bags
The nearest acura dealership to me does not have the airbag replacement part to repair my recalled vehicle. the acura dealership has no idea when an airbag replacement for the vehicle will be available to complete the recall.
- Electrical system
The switch IS causing my car to die while im driving down the road or when im stopped and when I start to pull out on to the main road it has even stayed running when I cut the car off and take the key out I would have to pop my clutch to kill it and then my dash lights wouldnt go off or come back…
The switch IS causing my car to die while im driving down the road or when im stopped and when I start to pull out on to the main road it has even stayed running when I cut the car off and take the key out I would have to pop my clutch to kill it and then my dash lights wouldnt go off or come back on and I wouldnt know it til I got back in my car to leave again and then the battery would be dead, ive had to hold my key on while driving and changing gears and now its causing my starter to sound like somethin awful its going to get me killed sonething needs to be done asap bout it. Uns can ignore this complaint all uns want but fair warning if I get killed in it there will be one big law suit on yalls ass. Ty have a bleesed day I could be turning or anything it does it, it does not hold back when it gets ready to cut off it will, there IS no signs when its going to happen. It happens everyday everytime I drive it it cuts off @ least 40 times or more a day.
- Electrical system
The vehicle died while driving down the road. I see where there was a recall for ignition switch but I am told by the dealer there IS no active recall. The car belongs to my mother. The dealer did not change the part in 2012 because the dealer could not replicate the complaint.
- Air bags
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.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, while driving. The contact stated the vehicle could be restarted however, it took numerous attempts. The contact stated once the vehicle stalled, the immobilizer warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, while driving. The contact stated the vehicle could be restarted however, it took numerous attempts. The contact stated once the vehicle stalled, the immobilizer warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the electrical wiring harness for the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had been repaired for nhtsa campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system). The failure occurred daily. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Visibility/wiper
It IS my drivers side window the window part in door that cause window to go up and down breaks at any given time it just happened again I looked in acura forum where it's everyone IS having problems same thing and the company new about the problem did it anyway and hoped no recall would come…
It IS my drivers side window the window part in door that cause window to go up and down breaks at any given time it just happened again I looked in acura forum where it's everyone IS having problems same thing and the company new about the problem did it anyway and hoped no recall would come about. Now this IS shades practice I went to roll my window down a bee was in car I was driving and couldn't just pull over on free way. My window broke again I got stung I'm swollen from sting and all cause couldn't roll down a window that should always work! I have had it with acura.
- Steering · Suspension
Driving into work on thursday the 16TH of april, 2015 I was rounding a designated u-turn at approximately 3-5mph. As I was midway through the turn, my car dropped on the passenger side and a scrapping noise started to sound. My car stopped abruptly and a grinding noise made me weary to move.…
Driving into work on thursday the 16TH of april, 2015 I was rounding a designated u-turn at approximately 3-5mph. As I was midway through the turn, my car dropped on the passenger side and a scrapping noise started to sound. My car stopped abruptly and a grinding noise made me weary to move. Becoming stationary, I was sideways in the middle of the road with cars approaching. I proceeded to slowly inch my car out of the road and into a safe location with the grinding noise. When I lifted my car up using the jack in the trunk I could visibly see my lower ball joint had come out of the socket and the suspension on the passenger side was collapsed. If this occurred approximately half a mile before the location of the incident I would have been doing 70mph on highway 75. I am lucky that this component failure did not result in the wheel buckling under the pressure of the break. Also I am lucky there were no more than a few cars approaching me when this occurred (t-bone situation). I have been on the nhtsa website to confirm nhtsa campaign number: 99v069000 has been repaired and IS for this exact same consequence, which it seems to be. I understand that this may be categorized as a wear component but the ball joint on any car should never come out of place or fail at all. I have recently had to have another item that was already recalled and repaired done again due to the recall not holding up. The issue campaign number: 02v120000 was with the ignition switch contacts spreading resulting in a stall condition and in come cases a no-start condition post stall. The issue was addressed and just re-completed in the beginning of the month so it seems to me that the fixes that are being implemented by acura seem to bandage the problem instead of a robust fix that will not present the issue in the future. I have already contacted acura whom stated they will not do anything for me.
- Electrical system
The car stopped at 40 miles an hr we were driving on road with traffic car died wouldn't start it was in the middle lane cars had to serve not to hit us. No one would help my husband push it off road. We dodged a bullet. This IS one of many issues with owning the car. A waste of money car IS crap made. *tr
- Electrical system · Power train
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…
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
- Electrical system
At 55 mph the car engine shut down and all power was lost. Contacting the company about a recall that I saw on the internet the company said that the recall was already completed on my car. I did not remember it being done but told them that the problem for the first time in owning the car in…
At 55 mph the car engine shut down and all power was lost. Contacting the company about a recall that I saw on the internet the company said that the recall was already completed on my car. I did not remember it being done but told them that the problem for the first time in owning the car in 344,000 miles has now started. They said they could fix it but could not be covered by the recall. I drove to the dealership to have the problem confirmed and repaired the next day. They said it was the electrical part of ignition switch, but that they did not have it and I would have to take the car back and make another appointment when the part was in stock.
- Electrical system · Engine
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…
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 appeared that the "fix" did not work that it should be replaced again.) the dealer then told me that since they did not have the part in stock that I would have to make another appointment and gave me my car to drive home. (Now there's a real safety issue.) since I am currently not working I decided to replace the switch myself and upon opening up the steering column I found that the 2 bolts holding the key lock to the column are a safety type " pan head " that cant be removed easily. The funny thing IS I really find it hard to believe that the dealership would use this type of bolt to replace a recall item. There are no easy ways to get at the spot to re-install them. if the manufacturer recalled the item for this issue it shouldn't happen again with the recall switch in it. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
TL- the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact stated that the driver side door failed. The contact was unable to open the driver side door from the interior or exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was located at the door latch system. the dealer…
TL- the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. The contact stated that the driver side door failed. The contact was unable to open the driver side door from the interior or exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was located at the door latch system. the dealer replaced the driver side door latch system. The failure and the current mileage was 98,223. kmj updated 03/02/12*lj updated 03/08/12
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment. Vehicle was stopped as the smoke intensified. The ensuing fire destroyed the vehicle. Drops of a petroleum product on the pavement leading to the vehicle indicate that a leaking fuel line may have been the cause of the fire. *kb
- Vehicle speed control
Runaway car: I backed out of a business parking space and barely tapped on the accelerator to move forward. I know I hardly touched the accelerator because I was goinig to make an immediate turn onto a side streeet with a stop sign. As soon as I tapped the gas pedal, the car went forward with…
Runaway car: I backed out of a business parking space and barely tapped on the accelerator to move forward. I know I hardly touched the accelerator because I was goinig to make an immediate turn onto a side streeet with a stop sign. As soon as I tapped the gas pedal, the car went forward with full power. My foot went to the brake instantly but the brakes did nothing. My niece and I flew across the side street, through a foot high concrete barrier (breaking it), a hedge then in another business's parking lot where the car came to an instant stop. The airbags deployed and it was over. We were never so scared in our lives. We stopped just sort of going into a street full of traffic. The insurance company wouldn't believe what happened because acura's are not listed with any recalls. my floor mats were not in because I just had the car detailed so they were damp. There was no mix up re the brake and acceerator petals because I moved my foot to another petal. I don't know if the accerator was down all the way, there was no time to see as I was busy trying to stop the car. it IS my belief this IS an electronic problem. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
I cannot open my drivers side door. I thought maybe it was an easy fix so I have gone to 3 different mechanics to have it checked. auto, mechanic, body shop mechanic an a locksmith, I even went to freeman stereo to see if it was electrical. they all said that it IS the door catch, it IS going to…
I cannot open my drivers side door. I thought maybe it was an easy fix so I have gone to 3 different mechanics to have it checked. auto, mechanic, body shop mechanic an a locksmith, I even went to freeman stereo to see if it was electrical. they all said that it IS the door catch, it IS going to cost me 400.00. they also said that it IS a defect in the catch and the body shop has had 4 honda, acuras he said in the last 2 months. he said that it IS well noted that there IS a problem with the catches. well, I cannot get out of the car in case of an accident. if they know there IS a problem ( honda ) then they should fix it.
- Electrical system › Ignition
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. the contact stated that the vehicle fails to turn off, even after the key IS removed from the ignition. the IS the first time the failure occurred and the contact feels that this IS a safety issue because the vehicle should not be running when the key IS removed. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 105,500.
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. on august 20, 2007, the check engine light illuminated and remained lit when the vehicle was started. she took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced, however, it was not an emergency. two weeks later, the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. on august 20, 2007, the check engine light illuminated and remained lit when the vehicle was started. she took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced, however, it was not an emergency. two weeks later, the vehicle was unable to be driven because the gears would not shift smoothly and the vehicle would jump. the gears then began slipping and the vehicle failed to accelerate. the current mileage was 108,000 and failure mileage was 107,940.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The ignition switch on my 98 acura 3.0CL IS degrading and my power steering IS going out, and the car accessories still run just not the car, and the theft light IS coming on, I've just found out about the recall after I purchased the vehicle on the 14-15th of november 2006. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission shift failure. *Nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Had ingintion switch changed on recall of 2003 on 2-19-04. Now I am having ignition failure already after 1 1/2 years. This has been very scary going 70 mps on interstate and have car die, no power sterring, no brakes. Why would this be happening already? More faulty ingnition switches from acura?
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10190486This SKU is a bushing kit. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the retail package label for accuracy. If the label is incorrect, the customer may have difficulty locating the desired product. If the labels are left incorrect, sales may be less than forecasted.
- 10099960"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]). Depending on the model, there are two individual procedures in this bulletin."
- 10037486Acura: 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.
- 10018109Homelink won't program with aftermarket remotes.
- 10014766P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 10014067The homelink system may have test information stored in memory that must be erased before it can be programmed.
- 10009257Reconnecting accessories after ignition switch recall. October tech line information.
- 10009256Intermittent sra diagnostic trouble code 1-1 to 1-5, driver's airbag inflator circuit. October tech line information.
- 10009255Keyless remote transmitter inoperative, . Check keyless, ceiling light, ignition key reminder beeper before troubleshooting keyless remote system. October tech line information.
- 10009254A/c compressor control logic. October tech line information.
- 10009253Clearing antilock braking system diagnostic trouble codes. October tech line information.
- 10009042Don't test-drive with the malfunction indicator lamp or d indicator on. Acura. Servicenews. April 2004.
- 10008533Safety recall: ignition switch key interlock. This bulletin supersedes 03/034, dated 01/15/2004.
- 10005865Ceiling light, ignition key beeper foil keyless entry.
- 10005860Air conditioning (a/c) compressor control logic. Acura service news.
- 10004665Letter to service manager regarding ignition switch recall campaign.
- 10004474Recall campaign for certain CLS and tls equipped with automatic transmission to all sales, service and parts managers. The ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the off position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.
- 10002583Straining the automatic transmission fluid to diagnose automatic transmissions.
- 10000991Malfunction indicator lamp comes on with diagnostic trouble code p1457 evap bypass solenoid valve failure.
- 636758Subject regarding front suspension squeaks in cold weather.
- 633346Service bulletin information regarding power windows that do not work.
- 631035Some 2000 MDX models as well as other models may exhibit brief hesitation when accelerating at high engine speed.
- 629320Subject regarding a squeal noise at front suspension at low temperature.
- 627128Information regarding egr port clogging.
- 626635Subject regarding cranks, won't start with type II immobilizer system.
- 626607Subject regarding safety restraint system diagnostic trouble code 5-1 through 8-3, internal safety restraint system unit failure.
- 626468Subject regarding the cl security system last tripped sensor memory.
- 626428Information on warranty extension on egr system clogging.*jb
- 626267V6 engine oil leaks. This bulletin supersedes 01-041, dated 10/29/2001.
- 626225Subject regarding warranty extension on exhaust gas recirculation port clogging.
- 623629Subject on security system last tripped sensor memory. Nlm
- 623225Concerns with the malfunction indicator lamp coming on with diagnostic trouble code.
- 618762Information on programming the immobilizer keys.
- 618758Brief information regarding the oil pump o-ring for 1998 and 1999 2.3CL models.
- 615753Subject regarding p1259 after bare block replacement for 2001 3.2CL, 2001 MDX, 1999 - 2001 3.2TL and 1997 - 1999 3.0CL model vehicles.
- 613521Information regarding a problem with the mechanical part of the window regulator on cl vehicles after the following vin: 1998 3.0 cl, 19uya2--wl004819, 1998 2.3 cl, 19uya--wl005233 or any 1999 cl.
- 610581Product update campaign on replacing pcv hose routing.
- 610252Brief information on replacing a leaky torque converter seal.
- 610236Some vehicles built within vin 19uya2 ... Xl005044 and 19uya2 ... Xl005158 may exhibit a malfunction inidcator lamp on and diagnostic trouble code p0401 (insufficient egr flow) IS set.
Every Acura CL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.