CL owners have made 26 complaints over 6 model years. It ranks 10th in reliability out of 17 eligible Acura models.
Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Acura score is 3.64 while the CL comes in at 2.15.
We've pulled together a list of the problems CL owners.
A large number of Acura vehicles have been recalled because they contain dangerous airbag inflators made by Takata. The shrapnel-hurling inflators have been recalled in over 37 million vehicles (and counting).
We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.
Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.
The CL has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 2nd generation (2001–2003).
Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.
Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.
Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.
There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.
The plaintiff argued that Honda, parent company of Acura, installed window regulators that are insufficiently strong and insufficiently durable to withstand the forces required to perform [their] intended function. Functions like making sure the dang window doesn't fall into the door, for example.
The lawsuit originally included the 2000-2011 Acura MDX, Acura TSX, Acura RL and Acura CL but those vehicles were dropped in a last-ditch effort to save the suit.
It didn't work.
NADI inflators are similar, but somehow even more dangerous to previously recalled Takata products. Both may explode on deployment due to excess moisture build-up, but non-azide inflators can also fail to fully inflate the airbags in a crash.
It’s a worst-of-both worlds situation and you’ll want to get them out of your vehicle as soon as possible. According to the recall that’ll be sometime in March of 2020.
The replacement PSDI-5D desiccated inflators were exposed to excess moisture during assembly. This rapidly degrades the propellant and allows pressure to build up over time, turning the inflator into a mini-grenade that explodes during airbag deployment.
Acura plans on mailing recall notifications on April 17th, but parts are already available and affected owners should schedule a replacement as soon as possible. Unlike the dishes, this is one chore you shouldn’t ignore.
