2001 Acura CL recalls and problems
The 2001 Acura CL has 3 safety recalls and 271 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 Acura CL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 Acura CL recalls
Recall 20V-026: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 20V-027: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-176: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Risk: Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
2001 Acura CL problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 213 | |
| Air Bags | 32 | |
| Visibility | 13 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | |
| Electrical System | 9 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Seat Belts | 4 | |
| Equipment | 3 | |
| Engine | 3 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 171
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 6
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 5
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 4
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 3
- Air Bags › Frontal — 2
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 2
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Acura CL complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Acura CL years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Acura CL have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Acura CL: 20V-026 (air bags), 20V-027 (air bags), 04V-176 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Acura CL?
Owners report power train problems most often (213 reports), followed by air bags (32). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.
Are Acura recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Acura dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.