1997 ACURA CL — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

106

Owner Complaints

5 Crashes

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

21

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 ACURA CL

The 1997 ACURA CL has received a total of 106 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT. 21 technical service bulletins have been issued by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (13 complaints), Air Bags (7 complaints), and Air Bagsfrontal (5 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 ACURA CL

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 1997 ACURA CL, potentially affecting up to 1,124,875 vehicles.

Recall 02V120000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

| 1,000,000 vehicles affected

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...

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Recall 99V069000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

| 124,875 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 ACURA CL

106 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 ACURA CL. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 13
Air Bags
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 5
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 4
Suspension
Complaints: 4
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Engine
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Steering
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionfloor Shift Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11349192 | AIR BAGS | | 300,000 miles
AIRBAG RECALL WAS ISSUED IN MARCH 2020. HONDA ADVISES THAT NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AS OF 8/14/2020.COULD BE UP TO A YEAR (FROM MARCH 2020) BEFORE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.
#11338607 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO NORRIS ACURA (8559 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21043; 443-574-1240) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *JS
#11326017 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. PIKES PEAK ACURA (655 AUTOMOTIVE DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
#11322400 | AIR BAGS | | 176,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW THE OWNER AND DRIVER OF A 1997 ACURA CL. CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS STOPPED AND WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN A SEMI- TRUCK TURNED RUNNING OVER HER VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER TO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISED RIBS AND SEPARATED COLLAR BONE, AND OTHER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AS SHE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD AND THEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AS THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS AND HE WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED RECENTLY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) WHICH COULD POSSIBLE BE THE CAUSE TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 176,000.
#11319178 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
I NOTICED AN SRS LIGHT ON EVERY TIME AFTER I START THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE MOUNTING ARE BROKEN AND LOSE..

View all Power Trainautomatic Transmission complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 ACURA CL

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 ACURA CL in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 ACURA CL

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) has issued 21 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 ACURA CL. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

RFI20210312_BB64 — SUSPENSION

This SKU is a bushing kit. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the retail package label for accuracy. If the label is incorrect, the customer may have difficulty locating the desired product. If the labels are left incorrect, sales may be less than forecasted.

SB-90509 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

ACURA: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. INFORMATION REGARDING PRODUCT UPDATE ON BATTERY SENSOR SYSTEM MAY NOT BEEN COMPLETED ON VEHICLE. NO MODEL YEARS PROVIDED. *PE

102703 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR CERTAIN CLS AND TLS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO ALL SALES, SERVICE AND PARTS MANAGERS. 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...

01021 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT REGARDING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMING ON WITH A/T DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. *JB

070301 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

INFORMATION PERTAINING TO A COPY OF THE REVISED SERVICE BULLETIN 00-029, PRODUCT UPDATE - FRONT BALANCER SHAFT OIL SEAL WITH TWO NEW LABOR OPERATION NUMBERS ADDED. *TT

180101 — SUSPENSION:FRONT

CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY REPORT FOR THE FRONT BALANCER SHAFT SEAL UPDATE CAMPAIGN. *TT

181000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SUBJECT REGARDING CL FRONT BALANCER SHAFT OIL SEAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE. *TT

00029 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE FRONT BALANCER SHAFT OIL SEAL MAY BACK OUT OF THE OIL PUMP HOUSING OVER TIME RESULTING IN THE OIL RAPIDLY PUMPING OUT OF THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. *TT

99018 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

SOME VEHICLES BUILT WITHIN VIN 19UYA2 ... XL005044 AND 19UYA2 ... XL005158 MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INIDCATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0401 (INSUFFICIENT EGR FLOW) IS SET. *TT

99030 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A D4 LIGHT THAT BLINKS INTERMITTETLY WHILE DRIVING AND THE TACHOMETER NEEDLE FLUCTUATES DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. *TT

Showing 10 of 21 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 ACURA CL

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the ACURA CL

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Other ACURA Models

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