2002 Acura CL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 Acura CL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2002 Acura CL. Newest first.
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 Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair.…
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 air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
44 complaints1 involved a crash1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seat belts
Unknown
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 acura cl. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed the front driver air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 acura cl. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed the front driver air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been diagnosed nor repaired. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (air bags). The contact stated that keyes woodland hills honda (6111 topanga canyon blvd, woodland hills, ca 91367), exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was 260,878.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (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 2002 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v027000 (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. Acura of escondido located at (1502 auto park way, escondido ca) was contacted and confirmed that part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags · Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura cl. When the vehicle was started, the "srs" warning indicator illuminated and remained lit all day. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but an appointment was scheduled with goodson acura of dallas (4801 lemmon ave, dallas, tx 75219) for…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 acura cl. When the vehicle was started, the "srs" warning indicator illuminated and remained lit all day. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but an appointment was scheduled with goodson acura of dallas (4801 lemmon ave, dallas, tx 75219) for september 11, 2019. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I bought a used car from chicago suburb individual owner about 15 days ago. Clean title with no accident history. The gas tank during last 15 days was never little above half tank. today I filled gas full tank and drove about 8 miles and parked in home garage. Liquid fuel leak from rear side of…
I bought a used car from chicago suburb individual owner about 15 days ago. Clean title with no accident history. The gas tank during last 15 days was never little above half tank. today I filled gas full tank and drove about 8 miles and parked in home garage. Liquid fuel leak from rear side of the tank was observed forming a puddle in garage giving strong gas smell in few minutes. When I looked under the car, I could continuous drop by drop liquid fuel leak. I confirm that I did not observe any leak in last two weeks when gas tank was less than 3/4 or less full.in last 15 days I consider lucky that the leak did not take place over exhaust gas pipe while I was driving. I have towed my car to a repair center and will advise him to save evidence.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train
The car goes into neutral while driving almost been in a accident several times over this issue .i don't even drive it anymore
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Suspension
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
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
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…
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
- Power train
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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission fails abruptly. Vehicle accelerates abruptly when gears shift. Potential safety hazard if failure occurs in highway. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure car has only 45K on it. minor trans repair by prior owner under warranty. class action applied but past time limit. Acura offered 50% of repair cost not 100%. I believe time limit inappropriate. time does not damage trans. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2002 acura 3.2CL with defective transmissions. consumer states that her 1ST transmission failed while driving 50 mph. Dealer informed her that they knew the transmissions were bad. *kb the first time the transmission failed, it would not go into reverse. Now, it IS 2 years later and the transmission IS slipping. The dealer stated there was an internal failure. *Jb
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer · Power train › Automatic transmission
Acura IS knowingly putting defective transmissions in these cars. When my first trans went out, I was doing 50 mph on lake shore dr. And if I weren't wearing my seatbelt, I would've gone through the windshield. They admitted that they knew all these trans were bad and replaced the 1ST one @ 103,000…
Acura IS knowingly putting defective transmissions in these cars. When my first trans went out, I was doing 50 mph on lake shore dr. And if I weren't wearing my seatbelt, I would've gone through the windshield. They admitted that they knew all these trans were bad and replaced the 1ST one @ 103,000 miles and said they would "good will" these trans as long as im the original owner. My husband was a master tech. Mechanic at acura for 10 yrs. And said they never came out with a good trans. For these cars. They just keep rebuilding them and replacing them when they go out! Now my replacement trans IS going out @ 30,000 less miles than the 1ST and they refuse to replace it without me paying for it! Pay for another bad transmission? They wrote on my car work order "test drove vehicle found trans slipping - customer advised of trans operation, not recommended to drive vehicle!" they put me back on the street with their unsafe transmission. It's not right that they are putting 'accidents waiting to happen' on the streets. IS it cheaper for them to pay for peoples deaths than to take all these vehicles off the street? Hondas biggest settlement cannot replace somebody's loved one. There has to be justice somewhere. Please help save someone's life, thank you.. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2002 acura cl has had the transmission changed out 4 times; the car IS ending it's warranty, and again the transmission IS acting up. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
Manual trans/clutch - looses hydraulic pressure in low air temps and when car IS sitting on a hill. Hard to shift only in 1ST into 2ND gear. There were very few acura 2002/2003 cl 3.2 type SS made, so even a couple complaints should warrant a review. I found numerous forums with owners complaining…
Manual trans/clutch - looses hydraulic pressure in low air temps and when car IS sitting on a hill. Hard to shift only in 1ST into 2ND gear. There were very few acura 2002/2003 cl 3.2 type SS made, so even a couple complaints should warrant a review. I found numerous forums with owners complaining and asking for help from others on this problem. Ive driven manual trans cars and trucks for 22 yrs to include one honda that stil had the original clutch at 225K miles, so it IS not a driver related problem. All the focus has been on the auto transmissions for this car...that failed. Acura has a problem that needs to be addressed before someone get seriously hurt, when they try to shift into second when crossing a busy street and cant. It has happened to me and I just got lucky. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission problem: erratic shifting, hard downshifts, shifts from 5TH gear into 2ND gear at high speed: close-to-death experience on the highway!! This has happened 3 months after the recall service was done concluding nothing wrong. From my research I have found that the recall - "band-aid fix"…
Transmission problem: erratic shifting, hard downshifts, shifts from 5TH gear into 2ND gear at high speed: close-to-death experience on the highway!! This has happened 3 months after the recall service was done concluding nothing wrong. From my research I have found that the recall - "band-aid fix" does not fix whats actually wrong with the transmission because it IS a trick to make consumers think that the car IS fine. The recall was put out but does not work!! This matter should be looked into properly and thuroughly again. I do not wish to injure or kill myself or others because my car IS poorly designed. My car IS out of warranty and will not be covered under recall since it was already provided. Furthermore, the symptoms of my problem are different than the recall symptoms. The honda motor co. Knows very well that all these symptoms are combined but does not want to recall the correct parts because it would cost too much and cover too many vehicles. Right now my choices are very limited but expensive: replace whole transmission with few other parts. Many consumers' transmissions fail multiple times so there IS no permanent fix as the company claims with the recall service and I'm sure this IS not the first complain. Please look into the problem again and make them issue a real solution to this problem or refer me somewhere that I could get help resolving this matter.
- Electrical system › Wiring · Equipment · Power train › Automatic transmission · Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler · Service brakes, air › Disc · Service brakes, air › Disc › Rotor · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Since the second day of having my car, my car has been continuously plagued with problems. I have taken my car in for repair over 10 times for various and sometimes repeating problems. this all has occurred within a three year period. I have never had a vehicle that has had so many problems.…
Since the second day of having my car, my car has been continuously plagued with problems. I have taken my car in for repair over 10 times for various and sometimes repeating problems. this all has occurred within a three year period. I have never had a vehicle that has had so many problems. some of the problems have been so severe that I no longer feel safe driving my car. one of these problems was my transmission spontaneously downshifting from 5TH gear to 2ND gear at highway speeds. this caused a tremendous decrease of speed. had someone been in back of me, I would have been seriously injured. the transmission was replaced, but it continues to act spontaneously. after making complaints directly to acura of america, I feel snubbed by them in that they have not sought to assist me other than warranty repairs.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission · Seat belts · Suspension
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving at any speed transmission slipped. The part was replaced three times, however the problem recurred. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
The transmission in my acura CL-S locked up for approximately 2 seconds while traveling on the freeway. it locked up again while trying to move to the shoulder. the transmission was subsequently replaced. the replacement transmission failed approximately 800 miles later. I am now on my third, which IS beginning to show signs of inevitable failure. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving the transmission light flashed on the dashboard then the driver heard a loud popping noise from beneath the vehicle. the transmission down shifted on it's own. the driver took the vehicle to the dealer for analysis. the technician determined that the pinion shaft needed to be replaced. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Rotors are warping prematurely. As a result, when applying brakes a grinding noise IS produced. The dealer can't find the solution. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I own a 2002 acura cl type s. since purchasing the car I have had nothing but trouble with the transmission. after only 12,000 miles, my transmission was replaced. after the replacement, the transmission still had problems and was slipping but my dealership told me that there were no issues with…
I own a 2002 acura cl type s. since purchasing the car I have had nothing but trouble with the transmission. after only 12,000 miles, my transmission was replaced. after the replacement, the transmission still had problems and was slipping but my dealership told me that there were no issues with it when I knew that there definitely was. after going the winter with a slipping transmission, it's now summer and it IS getting worst every day. I took the car to my dealership today and once again I'm faced with first a transmission flush then another replacement transmission. I feel acura, not the dealership, has shown that a great reputation can be dissolved quickly by poor customer service, slow reaction to problems, and not fixing a clear problem. acura has extended the warranties to 100K on their transmissions but this does me no good. this IS a business car and I do not have time for the headache of taking my car in constantly for service. I bought my acura because of their reputation and because of owning a great honda automobile in the past. I will now never buy another honda/acura product and they have lost a good customer. *nlm
- Service brakes, air › Disc
Front end (brakes) vibration to steering wheel and entire vehicle when braking @ 60mph when decending a relatively steep grade
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2002 acura cl 3.2 type s transmission problem. I have about 24K miles and recently my transmission slipped. while going 30mph with the 3RD gear, if you accelerate so that the second gear kicks in, in kicks in very sharply, creating an unbearing jerk that IS very obstrusive inside the cabin.…
2002 acura cl 3.2 type s transmission problem. I have about 24K miles and recently my transmission slipped. while going 30mph with the 3RD gear, if you accelerate so that the second gear kicks in, in kicks in very sharply, creating an unbearing jerk that IS very obstrusive inside the cabin. honda should place a recall on this model. dealer was willing to replace it but I'm not sure if new transmission will be better than the old one.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Automatic transmission sudden downshift
See attached report.
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.
- 10250594Test
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10130044Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10128876Dealer message - Certain vehicles within the above model/model years are subject to one or more of three recalls that were announced today. Do not sell any of these vehicles until Acura has provided you with an appropriate disclosure and acknowledgment form, which we anticipate will be provided by close of business on Wednesday, June 25, 2014
- 10128875Dealer message - Certain vehicles within the above model/model years are subject to one or more of three recalls that were announced today. Do not sell any of these vehicles until Acura has provided you with an appropriate disclosure and acknowledgment form, which we anticipate will be provided by close of business on Wednesday, June 25, 2014
- 10128874Dealer message - Certain vehicles within the above model/model years are subject to one or more of three recalls that were announced today. Do not sell any of these vehicles until Acura has provided you with an appropriate disclosure and acknowledgment form, which we anticipate will be provided by close of business on Wednesday, June 25, 2014
- 10128576Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. At this time, affected VINs have not been determined.
- 10128575Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. At this time, affected VINs have not been determined.
- 10128558Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-023, Safety Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized, 14-029, Recall: Front Driver?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity Recall, and 14-030, Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity have been posted to ISIS. However, due to the large number of affected units, Acura is still in the process of populating the VIN status inquiry function on iN, which is expected to take several days. When this process is complete, Acura will notify all dealers again via iN message. Until that time, the existing acknowledgement procedure must be used for all potentially affected vehicles.
- 10128529Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.
- 10127358Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10118544Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
- 10117869Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
- 10117865Service 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.
- 10100462Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 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.
- 10032775Acura: warranty extension: vehicle warranty mileage. A federal court provided final approval of the settlement of a class action lawsuit alleging that the odometers on certain models were overstating mileage. Vehicles affected by this settlement include certain 2002-2006. On affected vehicles, the settlement requires you to honor a 5 percent increase in the mileage coverage period for all warranties. No models were listed.
- 10025524Load carrying capacity reduced label for all acura vehicles.
- 10024664Warranty extension: 3.2 TL and 3.2 cl automatic transmission.
- 10024561Acura 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.
- 10021343Rough idle, stalls at stops, and dtc's p0172 or p0175 appear when inspected.
- 10018044Don't invite problems doing 2ND gear inspection. Acura servicenews.
- 10018038Speedometer shops can transfer odometer mileage. Acura. Servicenews.
- 10017507Seat-back panel IS loose or detached.
- 10017506Rear stabilizer link IS broken.
- 10016261Canon A75 digital camera replacement.
- 10016260Cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10014774Replacement or updated navigation dvd disks.
- 10014766P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 10014344Atf (automatic transmission fluid) leaks from cooler line banjo bolt.
- 10014334Don't reuse old atf fluid) warmer on reman a/t (automatic transmission)
- 10014133Canon digital camera loan program.
- 10014095Engine coolant leak.
- 10014093Navigation error message-dvd disk read error.
- 10014075Srs warning light on after body shop repair.
- 10014071Odometer accuracy.
- 10014065Power steering belt tension adjustment.
- 10014061Troubleshooting ABS or tcs diagnostic trouble code 51 and/or 53.
- 10014049If navigation system intermittently displays the message, database old see your dealer, apply the navigational system operating system software patch.
Every Acura CL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.