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Acura · Known Issues

1998 Acura CL Problems: 3 Known Issues

1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Acura CL has 3 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) — 1998-1999 and 2001 CL, Ignition cylinder wear → shift interlock fails → rollaway risk (NHTSA recall 03V423000, 2003) ($0-$0 repair) and 3.0CL automatic transmission slips and fails — flush is forbidden, filter is not serviceable ($2,500-$3,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $2,500 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • CL Safety/Recalls1
  • CL Electrical1
  • CL Transmission1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Electrical1
  • Transmission1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS20022001199919981997

On the 1998-2001 Acura CL, american Honda recalled the Acura CL coupe under NHTSA campaign 20V026000. The affected CLs are the 1998 2.2CL, the 1998-1999 2.3CL and 3.0CL, and the 2001 3.2CL. These cars left the factory with Non-Azide Driver airbag Inflators (NADI) — a design that does not use the phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant found in the separate PSAN inflator recalls. A manufacturing problem allows the NADI inflator to absorb moisture. If the car is in a crash that deploys the driver frontal airbag, the moisture-affected inflator can rupture and throw metal fragments at the driver or other occupants, or it can fail the other way and leave the airbag cushion underinflated so it does not properly protect the driver. Either outcome raises the risk of serious injury or death. The campaign as a whole covers 1,439,841 vehicles across many Honda, Acura and Isuzu models — that figure is campaign-wide, not a CL-specific count.

How to Fix

The repair is free at any Acura dealer. The dealer inspects the driver frontal airbag inflator and, if necessary, replaces it with an inflator of a different design. Owner notification began with the recall launch on October 1, 2020, so a car that has changed hands may never have had the letter reach its current owner — enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your CL is still open on this campaign. Questions can go to American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 1998-1999 Acura CL, nHTSA Campaign ID 03V423000 (October 2003) covers 1998-1999 Acura CL models. The defect: the ignition cylinder body wears, which causes the shift interlock to malfunction. If the vehicle does not securely lock in Park because the worn cylinder allows the interlock to disengage, the vehicle can roll away even with the transmission in any non-Park position. This is distinct from NHTSA Campaign 02V120000 (2002), which covered 1997-1998 CL for a different ignition switch defect. The 1998-1999 model years are the overlap between the two recalls — those owners should check both campaign IDs against their VIN. The fix is a free dealer replacement of the ignition switch/cylinder assembly. As of 2026, safety recalls have no expiration date under 49 CFR §573.6, so eligible VINs can still be repaired free of charge.

Common Symptoms

  • Key can be removed from ignition with transmission in Drive, Reverse, or Neutral
  • Shift lever stays freely movable after key is removed
  • Steering wheel does NOT lock when key is removed (sometimes paired symptom)
  • Vehicle rolls when you exit on a slight grade with the key removed
  • Ignition switch feels notchy or unusually free

How to Fix

Check VIN at owners.acura.com/recalls or NHTSA recall lookup to confirm whether your specific car was included. If yes, schedule the free dealer fix — they replace the interlock assembly in about 30 min. If your dealer claims the recall is 'closed' or 'no longer covered,' escalate to American Honda Customer Service (800-382-2238) — safety recalls have no expiration date under federal law (49 CFR §573.6). If you can't get to a dealer, ALWAYS verify the shifter is fully in Park and the parking brake is set before removing the key. This is not a workaround — it's a discipline check that protects you while you arrange the free repair.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipFree dealer fix under the original safety recall. Check VIN at owners.acura.com/recalls. If the dealer claims the recall is 'closed,' call American Honda at 800-382-2238 — safety recalls don't expire under 49 CFR §573.6.
  • WarningIf the symptom is present, NEVER leave the car running unattended or park on an incline without setting the parking brake AND verifying Park engagement with the shifter, until the fix is done.
Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed May 2026

On the 1997-1999 Acura CL 3.0L V6 J30A1, the 1997-1999 3.0CL uses an automatic transmission specific to its V6 model family (the 2.2CL/2.3CL 4-cylinder variants do NOT share this transmission and are not affected). Owners and independent transmission shops widely report failures: slipping under load, not shifting out of 1st until warm, harsh shifts, and eventually total failure. Reports of repeat failures are common. NOTE: this transmission failure pattern is more severe and better documented on the 2nd-gen 3.2CL (2001-2003) than on the 1st-gen 3.0CL; the 1st-gen exhibits the same underlying weakness but at lower failure rates. A critical maintenance detail: this transmission has minimal internal filtration, and the filter is not serviceable without complete teardown. Owners who power-flush a slipping unit dislodge clutch debris and accelerate the failure rather than fix it.

This issue also affects: Acura ILX, Acura MDX, Acura TL

Common Symptoms

  • Transmission won't shift out of 1st until engine is warm
  • Slipping in higher gears under load
  • Rough or delayed engagement from Park to Drive
  • Harsh thunk shifts when slowing
  • Burnt smell from transmission dipstick
  • Repeat failures within 30,000-60,000 miles after replacement

How to Fix

If symptoms appear, immediately switch to ONLY Acura/Honda ATF (never Dextron substitute) and start a regular drain-and-refill schedule at every engine oil change interval (6 months). Do NOT power-flush — this transmission has effectively no serviceable filter and pressurized flushing forces debris through tight passages. If slipping has already started, a transmission specialist (not a quick-lube) needs to drop the pan to check for clutch material in the fluid. Once debris is visible, only a rebuild fixes it ($2,500-3,500). Replacements/rebuilds may need a fresh torque converter — the original is a known weak point. Add an aftermarket transmission cooler at rebuild time; the factory cooling is undersized.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Set of 7 Genuine Honda ATF DW-1, part 08200-9008, for Acura CL / Honda Civic

    Repair fluid Honda/Acura automatics requiring ATF-Z1 or DW-1; listing explicitly names Acura CL. Verified repair fluid.

    eBay

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • WarningDo NOT power-flush this transmission. It has minimal internal filtration and pressurized flushes dislodge clutch debris into tight passages. Drain-and-refill ONLY.
  • TipUse ONLY Acura/Honda ATF, never a 'compatible' Dexron substitute. Wrong fluid accelerates failure on this transmission.
  • TipIf you rebuild, add an aftermarket transmission cooler. Factory cooling is undersized and was a contributor to original failures.
Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $3,500

Research This Issue

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed May 2026
NHTSA Recalls7 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #20V02700017/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #20V02600017/01/2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura CL problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Acura CL has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) — 1998-1999 and 2001 CL, Ignition cylinder wear → shift interlock fails → rollaway risk (NHTSA recall 03V423000, 2003), 3.0CL automatic transmission slips and fails — flush is forbidden, filter is not serviceable. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura CL reliable?

The 1998 Acura CL has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) — 1998-1999 and 2001 CL and Ignition cylinder wear → shift interlock fails → rollaway risk (NHTSA recall 03V423000, 2003) and 3.0CL automatic transmission slips and fails — flush is forbidden, filter is not serviceable. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura CL problems?

Repair costs for known Acura CL issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1998-2001 Acura CL NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) — 1998-1999 and 2001 CL?

American Honda recalled the Acura CL coupe under NHTSA campaign 20V026000. The affected CLs are the 1998 2.2CL, the 1998-1999 2.3CL and 3.0CL, and the 2001 3.2CL. These cars left the factory with Non-Azide Driver airbag Inflators (NADI) — a design that does not use the phase stab… Severity: high.

What is the 1998-1999 Acura CL Ignition cylinder wear → shift interlock fails → rollaway risk (NHTSA recall 03V423000, 2003)?

NHTSA Campaign ID 03V423000 (October 2003) covers 1998-1999 Acura CL models. The defect: the ignition cylinder body wears, which causes the shift interlock to malfunction. If the vehicle does not securely lock in Park because the worn cylinder allows the interlock to disengage, t… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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.

Campaign #04V17600015/04/2004

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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.

Campaign #02V12000016/05/2002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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."

Campaign #03V42300027/10/2003

+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 1997-1999 Acura CL 3.0CL automatic transmission slips and fails — flush is forbidden, filter is not serviceable?

The 1997-1999 3.0CL uses an automatic transmission specific to its V6 model family (the 2.2CL/2.3CL 4-cylinder variants do NOT share this transmission and are not affected). Owners and independent transmission shops widely report failures: slipping under load, not shifting out of… Repairs typically run $2,500-$3,500. Severity: high.