VehicleVerdict

2002 Acura CL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Acura CL sits mid-pack among CL years: 71 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 47% of all reports (33 of 71), far ahead of electrical system at 7.

71

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other CL years?

CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted317 complaints1997: 106 complaints1998: 69 complaints1999: 66 complaints2000: 11 complaints2001: 317 complaints2002: 71 complaints2003: 89 complaints2004: 2 complaints
CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Acura CL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3346%
Electrical System710%
Airbags57%
Engine46%
Speed Control46%
Brakes46%
Other34%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Seat Belts23%
Seats23%
Suspension23%
Fuel System11%
Steering11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2002 Acura CL have recalls?

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

20V027000AirbagsJanuary 17, 2020 · 875,966 units

Defect

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. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator 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 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.

04V176000TransmissionApril 15, 2004 · 1,099,796 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 20, 2002

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 9, 2010 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 9, 2010 · crash

“CAR STARTED FREE REVVING AND ERRATICALLY UPSHIFTING AND DOWNSHIFTING WITH HARD JERKS. ALL MALFUNCTION INDICATORS LIT UP. ALMOST LOST CONTROL ON THE FREEWAY. WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION IS SHOT ON A CAR THAT IS A BIT OVER A YEAR OLD AND LESS THAN 000MILES. POOR SERVICE FROM DEALER.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 25, 2002

“2002 ACURA CL 3.2 EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SEAT BELTS, TIMING BELT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND THE ENGINE.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED]. *MR THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS, SUSPENSION AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 29, 2002

2002 Acura CL — common questions

Is the 2002 Acura CL reliable?

It is close to typical for the CL: 71 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2002 CL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (33 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), airbags (5 complaints).

Does the 2002 Acura CL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Acura CL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Acura CL under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.