VehicleVerdict

1999 Acura CL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1999 Acura CL sits mid-pack among CL years: 66 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (13), engine (12), and electrical system (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

66

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other CL years?

CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted317 complaints1997: 106 complaints1998: 69 complaints1999: 66 complaints2000: 11 complaints2001: 317 complaints2002: 71 complaints2003: 89 complaints2004: 2 complaints
CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Acura CL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1320%
Engine1218%
Electrical System1117%
Tires & Wheels69%
Airbags69%
Steering58%
Other35%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Brakes23%
Speed Control23%
Body & Structure12%
Seat Belts12%
Latches & Locks12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 1999 Acura CL have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V026000AirbagsJanuary 17, 2020 · 1,439,841 units

Defect

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 vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence

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.

03V423000Electrical SystemOctober 27, 2003 · 563,861 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

02V120000Electrical SystemMay 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA 2.3 CL. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON AND THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED TO REVERSE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN REVERSE, THE TRANSMISSION WAS HEARD SHIFTING AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, HOWEVER; THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 1, 2007 · crash

“TRANSMISSION FAILURE: THE PROBLEM STARTS WITH THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS : FAILURE TO PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE OR TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHEN IT IS IN PARK. LOSS OF POWER TO THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC(SPEED DROPS FROM 55 MPH TO 0 MPH WHILE ACTIVELY DRIVING ON HIGHWAY). CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 16, 2007 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 31, 2011

“THE CRASH INVOLVED 3 CARS AND MINE WAS IN THE MIDDLE. THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT DID NOT. THE CAR INTERIOR SMELLED FISHY AND HAD POWDERY DEPOSITS, HOWEVER.AFTER THE CRASHDERY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 10, 2002 · crash

“SECOND TIRE TO DEVELOP SIDEWALL BUBBLE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS IN UNDER 6000 MILES. MICHELIN CONTACTED AND RESPONDED THAT "THIS IS NORMAL ROAD HAZARD." FAILED TIRES ARE NEW "LOW PROFILE" TIRES. PREVIOUS VEHICLES USED OVER THE SAME ROADS WITH HIGHER PROFILE TIRES DID NOT DEVELOP SIDEWALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 15, 2002

1999 Acura CL — common questions

Is the 1999 Acura CL reliable?

It is close to typical for the CL: 66 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1999 CL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), engine (12 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 1999 Acura CL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Acura CL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Acura CL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CL years to avoid are 2001, 1997, 2003. The cleanest record among CL years belongs to 2004.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.