Acura Cl 2003

• Recall 141921 [USA]: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2003 acura 3.2cl, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2003-2006 mdx, 2001-2007 honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot and 2006 ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
  honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began august 12, 2019. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are q5a and y58.
  owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.Safercar.Gov.

• Recall 140795 [USA]: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling specific 2003 acura 3.2cl, 2013-2016 ilx, 2013-2014 ilx hybrid, 2003-2006 mdx, 2007-2016 rdx, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 tl, 2010-2013 zdx and 2001-2007 and 2009 honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2007 fit, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, and 2006-2014 ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
  honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began april 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is o41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is u40.
  owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.Safercar.Gov.

• Recall 107163 [USA]: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2001-2004 honda civic gx, 2003-2005 honda civic hybrid, 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, 2006 ridgeline, 2003 acura 3.2cl, 2003-2006 acura mdx, and 2002-2003 acura 3.2tl vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
  honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2015. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to september 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after september 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: this recall fully supersedes recalls 08v-593, 09v-259, 10v-041, 11v-260, 14v-351 and 15v-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are jq9, jr0, jr1, jr2, jr3, jr4, jr5, jr6, jr7, and jr8.
  owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.Safercar.Gov.

• Recall 62611 [USA]: Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
  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.
  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.
  honda recall nos. P30 (odyssey and pilot),p31 (mdx), p38 (accord) and p39 (acura).Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 744 [USA]: If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
  On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be damaged and fail.
  dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began august 30, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1-800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.
  also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

• Recall 2019117 [Canada]: Airbag
  Issue: on certain vehicles, there could be a problem with the driver-front airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, pieces could be propelled toward the occupants. This could also cause damage to the airbag assembly and prevent it from inflating properly. Note: this recall only affects certain vehicles that had a takata airbag inflator installed during a previous airbag recall or collision repair. Safety risk: in a crash where the airbag deploys, there could be an increased risk of injury. Corrective action: the company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the driver-front airbag inflator replaced.

• Recall 2015225 [Canada]: Airbag
  On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Note: this recall supersedes special service campaign 2014567. Correction: dealers will inspect/replace the driver's frontal airbag inflator. All vehicles having received a replacement inflator as part of any previous driver's inflator campaign will have a replacement inflator installed. Note: honda canada has created a special airbag inflator hotline for immediate assistance. For more information, please contact: for honda owners: 1-877-445-7754 for acura owners: 1-877-445-9844

• Recall 2014567 [Canada]: Airbag
  Honda canada is conducting a voluntary safety improvement campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with takata airbags. Honda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the motor vehicle safety act. Note: this special service campaign was replaced by recall 2015225. Please see recall 2015225 for more information: click here for more information

• Recall 2004143 [Canada]: Powertrain
  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. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up. Correction: on vehicles with 24 000 kms or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to second gear. On vehicles with more than 24 000 kms, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discolouration exists, the transmission will be replaced. If discolouration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line.

To ensure accuracy and for your safety, it is recommended to do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

• Desiccated air bag inflator rupture investigation as of 20210917

  From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.Nhtsa.Gov/sites/nhtsa.Gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.Pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in us vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004l that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated psan inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All takata inflators produced with propellant 2004l contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004l are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated psan inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- takata (now known as tk global), the independent testing coalition, and exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of takata desiccated psan inflators using propellant 2004l (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004l is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004l.The office of defects investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated psan frontal inflators manufactured by takata. This investigation will require extensive information on takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated psan inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.Gov/recalls?Nhtsaid=ea21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede ea15-001, which remains open.
  

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• Air bag inflator rupture investigation as of 20150224

  The office of defects investigation (odi) opened pe14-016 in june 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in florida or puerto rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of pe14-016, odi determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at odis insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included florida, puerto rico, hawaii, and the u.S. Virgin islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to takata for testing.Takatas initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from florida.Accordingly odi requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the gulf states and other coastal areas.Takatas testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During pe14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during pe14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically california and north carolina.Accordingly, odi requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.Odis investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five odi reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.Nhtsa.Dot.Gov/owners/searchnhtsaid under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
  

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• Automatic transmission sudden downshift investigation as of 20021028

  See attached report.
  

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Common OBD Error codes specific to this vehicle.

• P1456 [1] Evap Emission Control Sys Vent Control Valve Circuit
• P1457 [2] Unable To Bleed - Up Vacuum in Tank
• P0172 [1] System too Rich (Bank 1)
• P0175 [1] System too Rich (Bank 2)
• P1706 [1] Reverse Engagement Error
• P0780 [1] Shift Malfunction
• P0758 [1] Shift Solenoid B Electrical
• P0763 [1] Shift Solenoid C Electrical
• P1758 [1] P1758
• P0710 [3] Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
• P1656 [1] Engine oil pressure warning lamp - circuit malfunction
• P0301 [2] Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
• P0306 [2] Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected
• P0133 [1] 02 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
• P1399 [1] Glow Plug Circuit High Input (Bank #2)

I am unable to open drivers side door from inside or outside. Car still locks and unlocks like normal, so i don't believe that the actuator is at fault. The control arms for both handles are intact & seem to function as normal. I am assuming that either the latch mechanism is stuck, jammed, or otherwise dysfunctional. The vehicle was stationary when it happened, and the door itself isn't damaged/impacted. I live in atlanta, ga, so the latch isn't frozen. I am aware that this is an older model (2003), however in the past i have cleaned & lubricated the latch/lock mechanism. It is extremely difficult to figure out how to fix this problem when the door is unable to be opened, and in this model, it isn't possible to completely remove door panel without damage. It is a safety hazard to be unable to open 1 of 2 doors, especially being that it's the drivers side. I have yet to be able to find anyone knowledgeable of this situation, and haven't come across any solution online.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. While driving 45 mph, the contact heard an abnormal grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Also, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle shut off. The contact pulled over, turned the vehicle off and on, and it resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the sensor for the driveshaft three and four gear cable failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000 (power train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer provided case number: 10011555. The failure mileage was approximately 1,054.

Acura says they guarantee all parts of the safety belt for the use of a lifetime of the car. Car has 120000 miles on it. I have intermittent buckling issues and srs airbag switch is bad inside a sealed safety belt. Could easily be remedied if it wasn't a sealed unit. They say they won't fix it because it's a canadian car even though it's spent 100% of its owned life in the united states. They want an excessive amount of money, over $400 to fix it. I feel my safety is being held hostage by this excessive amount and i can't even do it myself because my electric seats won't work if i try, only factory software can reset them so they work. I know this is a known problem but i don't understand why i'm being discriminated against because i have a canadian made car. I know they have to pass all the same production regulations for safety to enter the united states whether they're made in canada or here. What i'm really hoping for is that the government would try to put a stop to this corporate greed of engineering products poorly and not following through with a fix and trying to profit off of people that don't have that much money. I would be willing to pay for this fix if they would provide it at a fair price. The safety belt probably cost them no more than $20 but by the time everyone makes their profit and it comes to me and then add the labor together we're over $400 to have my safety back when they say that they guarantee their safety belts for life in the united states. It is in my owner's manual, and you can find this information online. I was hoping that they would be issued a major fine to make it so they don't treat other customers this way as well. I know there are probably reasons to seal a safety belt so that it is not tampered with but they used to make specialty tools so we could be accessed easily for cleaning and changing of these inexpensive switches.

Upon removing my front right (passenger side) wheel to check my brake pads, i noticed the rear portion of the sub-frame (which holds up the engine and transmission as well as the steering rack and sway bar) had rusted away allowing the sway bar to come completely loose on the right side. I researched this problem and found that many late 1990s and early 2000 honda/acura models (primarily honda accords, acura tl and cl models) had this issue due to the poorly designed air-conditioning condenser drain that drained right on top of this part, causing an extreme rust condition. (the left (driver's) side of this part still looks like new and is sound) if i had not found this extremely dangerous situation, it may have caused a loss of steering control resulting in a potentially serious accident. I feel that these cars should be subject to a recall. I am in the process of having this part replaced (a repair of this part is not possible, it must be a full replacement), i will retain the removed part for inspection after removal should you desire to see it. I have attached some photos showing the deterioration as best i could. (i'm sorry the photos are not better, it's a difficult area to reach with a camera)

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently shut off without warning. The contact had to add starter fluid to the vehicle in order to get it to drive. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 278,000.

I bought a used acura and on the way home on the highway the car suddenly down shifted violently several times causing the car to skid sideways .I pulled over and the car would not shift out of 3rd gear.Eventully i got it to reset and it drove fine for 35 minutes until once again it locked up doing 65mph.

Engine cradle is totally broken in half. The car is unsafe to drive & it is all i have. Only 120,000 miles on it, was this a defect on your part? I need help. This repair includes removing engine, transmission, from car to access engine cradle. The cost is over $1500.00 dollars. I truly thought i was buying a quality car! I have no idea how long i have been driving this highly unsafe vehicle of yours!! It also lurches forward at times when i press on the brake. I'm making payments on it & now must borrow again to repair this car. Please get back to me on this asap.

I was riding on the highway when the engine went into high rpm's and the car was slowing down. The automatic transmission went out. I barely got to the side of the road without power. The car only has 77,248 miles on it. There was acura service bulletin 02-027 feb 5, 2008, about tranmission problems. Very scarey!

Check engine light eliminated, vsa light comes on and d5 light flashes while driving after transmission warms up., car wont shift into 4th or 5th gear rpms wind up real high have to pull over turn off engine then restart to drive only short distance before it starts doing the same thing. The vehicle was driving on the freeway at approx. 65 mph when car suddenly started downshifting on its own causing me to almost crashed when i was jerked to the side of the road. *tr

Going 5 mph in parking lot, coasting to a stop at end of aisle with foot off throttle pedal. Put foot on brake and the engine revved to high speed. Barely held car with brake. Shut off ignition. Car restarted fine. This was the second time in a week it had happened. Previous incident was on a residential street coming to a stop at a stop sign. Acura dealer and acura techline say the problem can't happen because the throttle control is a hard cable, no electronics involved.

Erratic/raised engine idle caused by worn idle air control valve creates a condition where engine idle is suddenly higher than 2000rpm in gear which results/resulted in unintended acceleration (vehicle speeds up with no accelerator pedal input) and the engine is more powerful than the braking system (with vehicle in drive gear, brake pedal to the floor, vehicle will still move forward.) condition happens to my vehicle when engine is normal operating temperature, with warm to hot ambient temperatures, on any road condition.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 15v320000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer stated that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The driver's side hid light went out. I paid to get the ballast and inverter replaced. Less than 3 weeks later, the passenger side went out; same issue. Since then, i have personally talked to 4 people with the exact same story. They also fixed the driver's light but not the passenger due to the cost. A service man at the acura store told me he has a friend with the same car as mine, same issue. Also, he has had "quite a few customers" go thru the same thing. In, addition, i have seen 3 cars with the passenger headlight out in my area. It seems to me that if i have come across 12-17 people with the same hid headlight issues within a 15 mile radius, and this was the first year these lights were installed, there is obviously a problem with them and there should be a recall. A

Air bags failed to deploy after vehicle skid on black ice crashing into a series of trees causing major front end damage. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. The contact stated that when the vehicle was being serviced, the technician discovered that the subframe was rusted. The technician stated that the subframe needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v351000 (air bags) and stated that the parts were not available. The dealer did not provide a specific date for when the parts would become available. The manufacturer was contacted and could not provide an estimated date for when the vehicle would receive the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 4/15/15*cn the consumer stated the air bag issue was resolved. Updated 04/16/15*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the transmission failed causing a reduction in acceleration. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 107,000.

Was driving on a 3 lane road. I noticed that when i accelerate from 1st to 2nd gear the rpm's were revving up and then felt the tug when it would grab the gear. Kept doing that and then started to 3rd gear as well. Downshifting same thing. Then it did a strong lock up of vehicle where it stopped and all the check engine, and 2 or 3 lights came on. D5 started to blink. I put hazards and pulled over. Shut vehicle off then back on and 1 of the 3 lights turned off. Took it to shop and was told that this vehicle has transmission issues and was part of a honda recall but i was over the mileage. Still waiting on what to do next. This is for the 2003 acura cl type s. *tr

Transmission failed despite the car having the factory recommended service for the transmission being performed at 60k and 89k. The transmission dropped into 2nd while on the highway at 65mph. Upon investigating it was found the car was part of a class action due to transmission failure, but i was not eligible since the car was out of the extended warranty period. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and crashed. The contact sustained injuries that did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v176000 (power train). The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

I own a 2003 acura 3.2 cl. I read up on the car and i see acura had a recall on the transmission for this year. I put the vin number in and i also called the acura dealership in columbus georgia and it show that my acura have had the transmission replace in it from the first recall, at 104,000 mileage my transmission have went out again. I know this can not be natural for this problem to have been repaired and still have the same problem. The car is an 2003 with the mileage 104,000 which is a great for an 2003. This is my first acura and it have made me love the acura family. Can you please repair the problem. Thank you *tr

I was driving down interstate 19, when the transmission started to fail, there was heavy traffic and my car going up and down on speed limit, 65-35 miles per hour. Almost had cars behind me rear end my acura cl, so i pulled over to avoid a sudden accident, the vehicle had just been in the acura dealership for a minor inspection of a sudden noise in the transmission area. They advised me that it was starting to miss and did not mention not to drive it. A new transmission costs $4700. *tr

Car was parked outside during summer heatwave. Interior was hot. Vehicle started with hesitation, ran for a moment, and then stalled and failed to start in the middle of a busy intersection. Crank, no start, was the final symptom. Occupants were nearly hit by a medium duty truck who had trouble stopping. After the car was hauled to a shady location, the interior cooled and it again started. Since that sentinel event, the car stalled or failed to start 3-4 times-- each time after being parked in the sun. Traced problem to a failed solder joint in the pgm-fi main relay under the dash. It controls power to fuel and ecu. The circuit board was not designed to tolerate the expansion and contraction associated with temp changes in the interior. A quick internet search reveals that many people are suffering from large repair bills for diagnostics and inappropriate repairs because this is an intermittent problem. Relay needs recalled! Affects nearly every honda / acura since approx. 1998. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph , the transmission overheated and would not shift into gear. The fifth gear and the transmission warning light were blinking as the vehicle abnormally decelerated. The contact would have to turn the vehicle off and restart in order to correct the failure. The dealer was contacted and they advised that the vehicle was previously under the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission). The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 135,000.

I was sideswiped by an 18-wheeler on i-40 in arkansas and it caused me to lose control and barrel roll into a wooded area. The car is completely totaled- thank god my seatbelt was on. My acura cl's airbags did not deploy. I have pictures of the car and the airbags without question should have deployed. I need this investigated... I cannot believe acura airbags failed on me. *tr

The car had a transmission recall about 6 years ago. Since i am not the original owner, i did some research to determine if the transmission had been replaced in my vehicle. I called acura and they informed me that the transmission in my vehicle had been fixed. About a year later, my car was starting to experience shifting problems from 2nd to 3rd gear. Since the car has fairly low mileage (79,201) i thought this was a little bit odd. Now that i think of it, it still appears that the original transmission had not been corrected (as these things should last 100k+ miles). I'm logging this complaint to see if any owners are experiencing the same problem.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle began to decelerate. There was an increase in the engine rpms, but the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission) and was repaired by the previous owner. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the repairs would not be covered because the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

When entering highway vehicle failed to change gears and nearly causing a rear end crash. Transmission failed.

Acura cl 3.2 2003 w/ 60k miles, maintained on a regular basis exceeding owners manual recommendations and driven conservatively by a professional female: car being driven on heavily trafficked road normally, and very abruptly/suddenly geared down to low gear from high gear. Violently jerked and shifted, causing the car to instantly go from around 50 mph to only around 10-15 mph. No warning lights or previous problems. If car had been being driven on the busy, high speed interstate leaving san francisco at 60+ surrounded by traffic (luckily had just exited the interstate and was on secondary road), it could easily have caused fatal accidents. Luckily, i was able to immediately access a shoulder to pull over. Drove car to acura service on side road with flashers on - took nearly an hour to go 6 miles. Warning light finally came on a half mile from the dealership, although problem had happened several miles before and could easily have caused major accidents, based on driving situation. Acura service determined that transmission was defective and replaced it. Even though i later learned that the same model and year had been put under an extended warranty and was the subject of a class action lawsuit, i had never received any notifications. Further, i was told by acura corp and the dealership that my vin number was not part of the problem/ lawsuit and i was required to pay for the new transmission, on the acura with 60k miles that was in otherwise excellent condition.. *tr

Http://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=lietynxgjjc airbags failed to deploy. Above is the link showing the car and the airbags intact......Updated 12/15/15 *bf

Transmission in my 2003 acura cls had shifting problems. It would downshift randomly for no reason and throw you hard against your seat belt. It was so bad i had to take it to the acura dealership where they said the transmission needed replaced. Other acura cl's and acura products had a recall for this transmission problem that required them to replace the transmission, but mine was supposedly a vehicle that was not affected and not covered under the recall. The acura dealer replaced the transmission and covered 1/2 the cost after i asked them to contact their local acura dealer rep. *tr

There are two safety issues with my 2003 acura cl. First, the headlights are flashing like a strobe light. I replaced the bulb and it did not fix the problem. Replaced the fuses and still have the problems. Second, the transmission is failing. After some research, i found out that there was a recall on the transmission and could lock up and cause an accident. At the time of the recall, the first owner did not have it replaced. The dealership replaced an engine cooler to help with friction. This obviously did not solve the problem. The engine is jerking and accelerating when i am trying to maintain a constant speed. I notified acura and the dealership where the car was purchased. Neither are willing to cover the cost of the repair. *tr

The car would not take off when it's on drive fell like it on neutral for a few seconds and would not reverse when it's on r 2003 acura cl type-s automatic transmission faulty. According to the class action law suit against acura they are liable to repair or replace the faulty transmission. Acre has offer to extended the warranty to 7 years 9 months or 109,000 miles. I called acre to report the problem and asked about the extend warranty and was told that my car was fixed on recall 2004 and it was a one time fixed only, no extend warranty because vin does not qualify. *tr

Automatic transmission started missing shifts into 3rd gear, especially when under load, like going up hill. Two weeks later it won't shift into 3rd at all. Dealer says i need to have transmission replaced. Only 62,000 miles on a very well taken care of car. Honda agreed to replace some of these model year transmissions, but not all of them. Anecdotal information, but in speaking with a non acura related transmission shop, he knew exactly how my problem manifested itself, and what it was, with only the model year. Clearly honda should be forced to extend their service coverage to at least the balance of the 2003 model year if not beyond. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 acura 3.2cl. On september 17, 2008, while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle lost power and stopped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that a new transmission was needed. The contact wanted a second opinion and had the vehicle towed to another mechanic. A diagnostic was performed and the second mechanic confirmed that a new transmission was needed. The manufacturer stated that her vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission); however, they would not cover the cost of the repairs due to the mileage that was on the vehicle. The contact was also informed that repairs were made to the vehicle on september 27, 2004. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 124,000.

Cruise control would not hold speed. Everything else was normal, the cruise control light would go on. Upon inspection it was found that the throttle cable from cruise control separated from the plastic throttle body piece. It appears to have broken. Initially the dealer just put a small clip as a temporary fix, but it only lasted a few days. The cruise control cannot engage and the company refuses to accept that it is a manufacturing defect. Even though upon closer inspection it can be seen that there is no way the part could have been damaged by someone hitting the part. It can be clearly seen that the part initially deformed due to various stresses such as heat (being close to the motor), and wear. Pictures available for further explanation

1) rough shifting. 2) gear would not change, erratic shifting, and then car would not move. 3) 01-some 03 cls had many problem w/ transmission so transmission warranty was extended to 109k but i have an 03 that is not covered and transmission blew. Dealer paid for the transmission but i had to pay for labor. *tr

Brake caliper mount/bracket developed superficial corrosion which reduced the tolerance for the brake pad,s making them resistant to sliding--bound. Brake pads adhered to chrome bearing material between pad and caliper bracket, and bearing material, acted like a return spring increasing the tolerances to the rotor when brake pressure released. Upon emergency braking, brake pedal travel was excessive, and an accident was narrowly avoided. Corrosion was machined from caliper mount/bracket and weather resistant lubricant applied. Pads and shims were original manufacturer parts. Acura cl 2003. *ak

Had to replace transmission after 89,000 miles. *jb

My 2003 acura cl-type s manual 6 speed is also having similar problems as the other owners with change in pedal pressure and difficulty shifting in cold weather, sometimes with gears grinding and it is unavoidable unless you put the vehicle in neutral and come to a complete stop and start from 1st gear again,reverse is also a issue, sometimes it wont go in at all, i have been to the acura dealerships to purchase the new tranny sensors which are not cheap but the problem still persists. I was driving on the freeway conditions were normal, nothing unusual and my transmission totally locked on 3rd gear, luckily i or anybody else was hurt. My front drivers side fender was damaged because i had to maneuver vehicle out of freeway traffic to avoid a major collision. Also front bumper needs some repair and repainting. *jb

Transmission failed at 60,000 miles. After hearing that there had been a recall of my vehicle for transmission problems, i called acura. They told me that the recall did not affect my vehicle (according to the vin #). They agreed to check to see whether it would be covered under the recall but the process they suggested would take several weeks to determine whether or not they would cover the problem. I had my vehicle repaired at my expense. I now see the vin #'s that were affected and it looks like my vehicle should have been part of the recall. *jb

Issue with 6 speed standard transmission. While cold difficulty upshifting into 2nd gear with occasional gear grinding. Clutch and 2nd gear syncros replaced, but the problem persists. Acura maintains that this difficulty is normal performance. *jb

2003 acura 3.2cl type s - 75,000 miles - manual transmission (mt) is hard to shift into second and reverse gears. Also noticed that after holding the clutch pedal in while at a stop light, sitting in traffic, etc., the pressure changes while letting the pedal out and doesn't engage/catch while attempting to shift. Must push pedal down again and try to shift again. The first couple of times this happened, i shifted from first into second gear and the gear grinded and car jerked. The pedal pressure almost feel like a brake pedal does when compressed and there is air in the line. At other times, it feels like i'm pushing in my 1978 z-28 manual clutch pedal....Heavy! Service dept is excellent at dealer location. Complaint being filed to ensure that a problem is noted with the mt if others are having the same issues; which could lead to a recall. *nm

I have a 2003 acura cls that required replacement of a headlight at 66000 miles. This headlight cost $928.85. This is a traffic safety item. It should not cost so much to make a "young" auto safe to drive. I believe this a manufactoring defect. It should be listed as a saftey recall.

2003 acura cl has a glare on the windshield which blocks the consumer's view of the street.***no answer required***. *mr the consumer tried wear sunglasses but that did not eliminate the glare or rectify the problem. *nm

Dt: while driving 60 mph was cut off on interstate. To keep from hitting another vehicle ran off the road. When consumer's vehicle went off road struck some trees with front impact with extensive damage. The vehicle was totaled and damaged was sustained on the right side as well as the front. The vehicle is equipped with 4 air bags. However only one on the passenger side deployed. The consumer who was in driver's seat did sustained a fractured sternum. Consumer was awaiting police report, but insurance did state it was totaled. *ak

I have a 2003 acura cl type s. Acura has replaced the automatic transmission twice and the 3rd transmission currently in the car is having problems. Although the manufacturer extended the warranty to 7 years and 100,000 miles, they sent service bulletins requesting service induced slippage between gears and reductin of horsepower to reduce strain on the transmission. This car is advertised as a high performance automobile and unknown to the customer to take care of a manufacturing defect they are adjusting the overall performance of the car. My car has been in for repair in excess of 15 times. As a paraplegic confined to a wheelchair this has dramatically impacted my quality of life. Any assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Ron cheek

The dealer informed the consumer of a transmission recall. The consumer had never received a recall notice in reference to a transmission problem. *nm *jb recall#04v176000

I purchased a new acura 3.2cl type s with a 6 speed manual transmission on 5/24/03. In 6/16/04 with 14,396 miles i had to have the front rotors resurfaced and my brake pads replaced with updated pads per tsb01-017 because of extreme vibration while braking (out of round rotors due to over heating). This was done at no charge under warranty. On 4/26/05 (less than one year later) with 26,097 miles, acura resurfaced the rotor as a "good will gesture" at no charge because of extreme vibration while braking again. I was advised that the next time i would have to pay for the repairs. Now 10/25/06 with 34,500 miles i'm replacing the brake rotors and pads with brembo rotors and pads not oem because of the same reason. In 2004 acura tl's with manual transmissions had bigger rotors and pads. Probably to correct the design problem that surfaced with 2003 manuals. *nm

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. While driving 45 mph and attempting to brake, the contact felt a vibration in the steering wheel and brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to four dealers. One dealer diagnosed that the brakes needed to be replaced; however, the contact stated that nothing failed and she did not know what the cause of the failure. Another dealer diagnosed that the rear rotors could be warped and needed to be replaced. The other two dealers also diagnosed that there was an issue with the brakes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that they could not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. ..Updated 06/21/17 *bf *as

Own a 2003 acura cl built in march of 2002. Transmission slipped going into third eight times. Reported this to dealer and they checked it out but it would not reccur. Told me no probblem. I am happy with the dealer, not with honda. This problem has happened seventeen times starting in late september.*ak

While driving at normal speed vehicle would intermittently stall. *ak

2003 acura cl type s 6 speed manual trans. Traveling slow in 1st. Gear on and off the gas trans. Pops out of gear with a clunk. If i hold the shift lever in place it will not pop out if gear. This has happened since i bought the car new in 08-2003. Dealer checked into it but said everything looked fine. I love the car but this problem with it poping out of gear is concerning and dangerous. I'm wondering if this is causing damage to my car in other ways.*ak

The transmission in my 2003 acura cls hesitates during certain shifts and it has downshifted and upshifted at the wrong times.*ak

Blue high intensity lighting creates a hazard to oncoming traffic. I seems to me that standard high beams are less hazardous to approaching traffic, and i along with almost everyone i have spoken to would like to see these be illegal to use on whichever models they are installed. *nlm

Front drivers side tire came unseated from the rim and jerked the car off the road at 55 mph and into a ditch. *la

Transmission slips every time vehicle is driven. *ak

I am complaining about the new hid headlights on some new vehicles. They are very blinding to me and dangerous. They should be banned. I cannot fill out the rest of this correctly because dates and the complaint questions do not fit. *nlm

While driving vehicle at 15 to 20mph engine made a big noise, car slowed down, and engine died. Pulled out of the road. Dealer diagnosed that timing belt was broken. Consumer wanted a new engine since one of the technicians indicated that this engine was defective. Please provide further information.*ak

The automatic transmission violently locked hile proceeing down the road. In contacting the acura dealer in mobile, al (my closest dealer) i was informed they had 4 in the shop this week alone for the same problem. According to them the transmissionneed a external cooler which they now install on the newer modela. I was informed that the price to fix mine would be $5,100 plus incidentals. With the number of problems they are having with this and the fact it could cause a major accident it need to be a recall item.*ak

Chunks of tread missing from the centers of tires both front tires. *ak

When brakes are applied vehicle drags and front vibrates. Contacted dealer, dealer replaced rotors/pads; but problem still occurring. *ak the consumer stated that the front and rear rotors and pads failed and were replaced. The problem still occurs intermittently. *yh

Email letter regarding complaint involving 2003 acura cl. *mr *sc *jb