1999 Acura CL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1999 Acura CL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1999 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.
Owner complaints
49 complaints4 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the battery and alternator were replaced twice. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle was taken to mcgrath acura of downtown chicago (1301…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the battery and alternator were replaced twice. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle was taken to mcgrath acura of downtown chicago (1301 n. Elston ave, chicago, il 60642) for a recall repair on the air bags however, there was no mention of the failure of the vehicle to start or for the vehicle stalling. The contact stated that the battery was being drained. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the battery and alternator were replaced however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled and coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact called aaa and the vehicle was jumpstarted. The vehicle was restarted and driven however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 248,000.
- Air bags
Unable to get the airbag replaced after more than 6 months of the recall notice. I contacted acura and their local dealers but was being bounced around without any update in terms of parts availability or timing for fixing the problem. there was another honda airbag related fatality reported today. acura needs to take the airbag recall seriously after 6 months has elapsed.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1999 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 1999 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called antonino acura located at 340 gold star hwy, groton, ct 06340, (860) 215-3165), and it was confirmed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
I received notification from acura in march 2020 about a potential malfunction of my airbag in the event of deployment. it IS approaching july and no follow up message on a repair has been provided. I currently drive the car for work so if this issue isn't resolved soon it presents a big hazard to myself and others. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Gold coast acura (3195 perkin ave, ventura, ca 93003) and acura of thousand oaks (3945 auto mall dr, thousand oaks, ca…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Gold coast acura (3195 perkin ave, ventura, ca 93003) and acura of thousand oaks (3945 auto mall dr, thousand oaks, ca 91362) was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer had was made aware of the issue and stated that parts would be available in six months. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle lost all power without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle while in neutral and coasting. When the vehicle was shifted into drive, the power was lost again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle lost all power without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle while in neutral and coasting. When the vehicle was shifted into drive, the power was lost again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not duplicated. The mechanic informed the contact of a nhtsa recall for the ignition switch. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and case number: 05946667 was filed. The vehicle was serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 253,580.
- Air bags
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.
- Steering · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. While approaching a traffic light and proceeding to make a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle accelerated independently. In addition, when the steering wheel was turned to the right, the vehicle turned in the left direction. As a result…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. While approaching a traffic light and proceeding to make a right turn, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle accelerated independently. In addition, when the steering wheel was turned to the right, the vehicle turned in the left direction. As a result, the vehicle landed in a man hole, which caused the air bags to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained shoulder injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 02/02/16*lj *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
I was driving to work approximately a half mile from my house ..my car just turned off, although the ignition key was still in ..it was med-heavy traffic. I don't believe I even had lights but I can't say for sure at first I thought maybe I had gotten bad gas ..then it happened again as I was…
I was driving to work approximately a half mile from my house ..my car just turned off, although the ignition key was still in ..it was med-heavy traffic. I don't believe I even had lights but I can't say for sure at first I thought maybe I had gotten bad gas ..then it happened again as I was turning a corner.staring became difficult and both times I had to put my car into neutral to restart it ..from there it happened maybe 1 every week to once every 3 weeks maybe .i checked my plugs wires had my fuel filter replaced stopped going where I was gettn gas ..one day I was on the computer at work (oreillys autoparts ) and noticed my car had been involved in a recall at some point , but what they described was exactly what my car was doing .randomly turning off ..i was told by acura becauz my car was "fixed" during the first recall I needed to replace my ignition switch at my own cost ..i've owned my vehicle since 2006 .it IS a safety issue .i'm afraid to drive my car to the acura dealer .it's about 90 minutes away .obviously over time the ignition switch wears out becauz I've only put 60,000 miles on it and I bout it with 65000. IS my safety not a concern with acura .that how they have dealt with me. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
I was driving to work approximately a half mile from my house ..my car just turned off, although the ignition key was still in ..it was med-heavy traffic.i don't believe I even had lights but I can't say for sure at first I thought maybe I had gotten bad gas ..then it happened again as I was…
I was driving to work approximately a half mile from my house ..my car just turned off, although the ignition key was still in ..it was med-heavy traffic.i don't believe I even had lights but I can't say for sure at first I thought maybe I had gotten bad gas ..then it happened again as I was turning a corner.staring became difficult and both times I had to put my car into neutral to restart it ..from there it happened maybe 1 every week to once every 3 weeks maybe .i checked my plugs wires had my fuel filter replaced stopped going where I was gettn gas ..one day I was on the computer at work (oreillys autoparts ) and noticed my car had been involved in a recall at some point , but what they described was exactly what my car was doing .randomly turning off ..i was told by acura becauz my car was "fixed" during the first recall I needed to replace my ignition switch at my own cost ..i've owned my vehicle since 2006 .it IS a safety issue .i'm afraid to drive my car to the acura dealer .it's about 90 minutes away .obviously over time the ignition switch wears out becauz I've only put 60,000 miles on it and I bout it with 65000.is my safety not a concern with acura .that how they have dealt with me. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle lost power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for diagnostic testing, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
- Power train
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…
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 should have placed my model on their recall. can you please help with this matter? updated 5/8/2015 *js
- Engine
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.
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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.
- Tires
Brand new goodyear rs-a, 205-55-16 have no traction at all in wet conditions my car (acura cl 1999) IS all over the road I almost hit a guardrail due to lack of traction. These tires have horrible reviews now that I checked on www.tirerackcom and other tire sites for these reasons; no traction. if…
Brand new goodyear rs-a, 205-55-16 have no traction at all in wet conditions my car (acura cl 1999) IS all over the road I almost hit a guardrail due to lack of traction. These tires have horrible reviews now that I checked on www.tirerackcom and other tire sites for these reasons; no traction. if I knew that I would never had let them be installed on my car. the point IS that goodyear IS selling dangerous and faulty tires and should be held accountable for the lack of quality. the safety issue IS the main concern here; if you are driving and it rains and the car has zero traction its a major issue. something has to be done to recall these tires and refund our money and also to take them off the road before someone IS hurt or killed while driving. *tr
- Electrical system
The car IS stalling during operation and the immobilization system light blinks. I then have trouble restarting the car. I've switched keys, but it does this with both of them. This IS identical to the description of the reason for a previous recall. However, the dealership said the effected parts had already been replaced on my vehicle and wouldn't replace them again for free. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was repaired per recall nhtsa campaign ID number: 03v423000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) but it did not remedy the failure. The dealer was contacted and refused to diagnose the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was repaired per recall nhtsa campaign ID number: 03v423000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) but it did not remedy the failure. The dealer was contacted and refused to diagnose the problem unless he paid for the repairs. The manufacturer did not offer any assistance since they previously paid for the repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 181,000.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired for a seat belt failure. Most recently, the contact was parked on an incline when the contact attempted to latch the drivers seat belt but it became stuck. After several attempts, the vehicle was moved…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired for a seat belt failure. Most recently, the contact was parked on an incline when the contact attempted to latch the drivers seat belt but it became stuck. After several attempts, the vehicle was moved to a flat road surface where the seat belt dislodged independently and the contact was able to restrain himself with the seat belt. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure and the seat belts were replaced twice. The contact stated he did not experience the failure until the dealer replaced the seat belt. The failure mileage was 56,000 and the current mileage was 58,216. Updated 04/05/11*lj updated 10/12/11
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure. *Tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 acura 3.0CL. the vehicle has goodride model SP06 tires (na), which were purchased at tire discounter. the contact noticed online the type of tire that the vehicle required. he went to the dealer and purchased the tires. when he arrived home, he noticed that the rating…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 acura 3.0CL. the vehicle has goodride model SP06 tires (na), which were purchased at tire discounter. the contact noticed online the type of tire that the vehicle required. he went to the dealer and purchased the tires. when he arrived home, he noticed that the rating was different than the set he saw online. the contact called the dealer regarding the mix-up with the tires. the general manager stated that the grade was changed by the manufacturer, but the tires were the same. the contact feels that the tires are not the same because the vehicle performs differently and IS concerned that a crash could occur. the tire size and dot number were unknown. the failure mileage was 112,252. updated 07/23/09 *bf
- Electrical system
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.
- Equipment · Power train › Automatic transmission
My car started down shifting at inappropriate times and again not accelerating when pressing gas pedal. the transmission IS clunking when it downshifts and IS not engaging when accelerating. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. while in the park position, the contact placed the gear into drive and heard a weird clicking noise. however, the gears would not change. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and, because it was under warranty, they replaced the transmission. approximately…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 acura cl. while in the park position, the contact placed the gear into drive and heard a weird clicking noise. however, the gears would not change. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and, because it was under warranty, they replaced the transmission. approximately six months later, at 44,000 miles, the vehicle would not switch into gear once again. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and, once again, the transmission was replaced under warranty. the manufacturer held themselves responsible for the replacement of a new transmission, which worked fine for approximately three months. however, at 89,000 miles, the transmission would not turn over. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, but they did not want to honor the warranty. the contact wrote a letter to the state attorney and the dealer acknowledged the failure and repaired it under warranty. the transmission worked fine for another three years, but has currently failed again. she called the dealer, but they are not willing to repair the vehicle since they have not been servicing it regularly. the vehicle IS currently parked at her home with transmission failure. she believes that a transmission should not have to be replaced four times. the failure mileage was 26,000 and current mileage was 196,000. Updated 09/10/08. *lj the dealer informed the consumere the reason why she was having problems with the tranasmission was because the fluid had not been changed. Updated 09/11/08*jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I purchased an 99 acura cl in 2003 from the acura dealer in charlotte, north carolina, before I had 100,000.00 miles on this car. They have replaced the transmission 3 times. now I am at 196,000.00 and having transmission problems. The dealership stated that they would not repair my car because…
I purchased an 99 acura cl in 2003 from the acura dealer in charlotte, north carolina, before I had 100,000.00 miles on this car. They have replaced the transmission 3 times. now I am at 196,000.00 and having transmission problems. The dealership stated that they would not repair my car because they did not keep up with the servicing of my car. It shouldn't matter where I get the service as long as I am getting the car service. It's going to cost me over 3000.00 to get this car fix. This can not be so because no one should replace a transmission this many times. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
My check engine light stays on constantly, although it says to click the gas cap three times or it will come on. After getting reset it remains to pop back on again and it IS also drinking gas alot. *tr
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.
- 633362Subject regarding coolant leaking where the connecting pipe fits into the engine block.
- 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.
- 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.
- 626253Information regarding coolant leak from the engine block.
- 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.
- 619878American honda, honda of america manufacturing, and delphi will conduct the return of certain delphi batteries. The batteries involved are delphi freedom group size 35, cca 440.
- 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.
- 613944Concerns with shudder or judder when driving at speeds between 20 and 40 mph. This vibration IS most noticeable when the torque converter lock-up clutch IS in the partial lock-up mode.
- 610581Product update campaign on replacing pcv hose routing.
- 610252Brief information on replacing a leaky torque converter seal.
Every Acura CL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.