10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,010
Average Mileage:
110,100 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace transmission (2 reports)
  2. see above!!!! (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Acura dealer.

problem #3

Nov 162017

CL LX 3.2cls

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,248 miles

We were riding down Highway 146 when the engine revved up and there was no power to the wheels. We gilded off the road. The transmission or torque converter was gone. There has been an ACURA Service bulletin 02-027 date 2/05/2008 on 2003 ACURA transmissions. ACURA has established a mileage and time limits on the warranty. I think a jury should review these limits as this can be a deadly situation. ACURA can either refund my money on the car or fix it.

Update from Dec 15, 2017: Acura covered all but $500.00 along with a new torque converter, I got a new transmission. I am very happy with the way Acura handle this. My beautiful CL-S is running again.

Update from Jan 20, 2018: Warranty didn't do anything for me so I sent a letter to the head of ACURA and they replaced my transmission with me paying $500.00 and they paid $8100.00. I am very happy with this result. I love my 2003 CL-S, it is a wonderful car and ACURA did do the right thing; you just need to talk to the right person.

- jerryc11, Seabrook, US

problem #2

Oct 012014

CL S-Type 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

I am a beyond frustrated owner of a 2003 Acura 3.2CL (S-Type). I bought this car in 2007 with less then 20,000 miles on it and felt great about the purchase since Acura/Honda has a reputation for dependable, long lasting, well made cars that hold their value. About 8 days ago on my way to work, I pressed the gas to accelerate into another lane and it was like I put my car in neutral. I pressed the gas pedal and my car just would not go but instead revved up to 7k RPM's. I went from going 65mph to 45mph then down to less than 5mph in a matter of seconds. This all occurred in the middle lane of a major interstate during rush hour traffic. I have no idea how I managed to get across 3 lanes to the shoulder of the road without being rear ended. Cars were literally swerving in all directions to avoid hitting me. I got the car towed to a repair shop and was told that my transmission needed to be replaced and was quoted over $3000. I guess he could hear the disbelief in my voice and told me that I was the lucky owner of the make and model of Acura that had known transmission problems and told me to research it myself which I did for the next 3 days.. needless to say I am pissed off. Hundreds and thousands of people are in the same boat as I am. Acura told me that this was my problem and that there was nothing they could do as they have done to so many others. I now have the choice to buy a new car with no trade in because my freaking car is worth nothing at this point, or I can spend $3K on the car to replace the transmission. There may be no recourse for me in this really crappy situation but I will NEVER buy another Acura or Honda and will make sure that anyone and everyone that I know NEVER buys one either.

- Jennifer C., Hendersonville, TN, US

problem #1

Dec 222011

CL S 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

I owned hondas and acuras all my life after the wheel ripping off my honda accord and my kids being in my car, i was going to go with nissan. but i sat there and stood by honda and bought an acura cl. now after 2 trannys im screwed once again by honda. dont buy a honda. stay away. im going to the media with this bulls..it

- rivera2604, Hartford, CT, US