1998 ACURA CL — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

69

Owner Complaints

2 Crashes 2 Fires

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

12

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1998 ACURA CL

The 1998 ACURA CL has received a total of 69 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (10 complaints), Air Bags (7 complaints), and Electrical Systemignitionswitch (6 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 ACURA CL

NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 1998 ACURA CL, potentially affecting up to 3,162,543 vehicles.

Recall 20V026000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 1,439,841 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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 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...

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Recall 03V423000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

| 563,861 vehicles affected

Defect: 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."

Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE...

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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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Recall 98V018000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

| 33,966 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (HONDA ACCORD SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 1997 TO JANUARY 10, 1998; COUPES MANUFACTURED DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 15, 1997, AND JANUARY 5, 1998; ACURA 2.3CL MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 22, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 1998). DURING MANUFACTURING, THE CASTING DIE CAUSED AN IRREGULARITY IN THE RIGHT-SIDE TRANSMISSION COVER. THIS IRREGULARITY CAN LIMIT THE MOVEMENT OF THE PARKING PAWL...

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN AN INCLINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS LOCKED IN "PARK," INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COLLAR ON THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL TO ENSURE PROPER MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATION LEVER.

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Owner Complaints for the 1998 ACURA CL

69 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 ACURA CL. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 10
Air Bags
Complaints: 7
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 6
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 4
Suspension
Complaints: 4
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11365952 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED NAPLETON'S PALM BEACH ACURA (6870 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411; (888) 980-7593) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. 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.
#11354950 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
#11351163 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT ROPER HONDA DEALER (902 N RANGELINE RD, JOPLIN, MO 64801) AND WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PART NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB
#11338138 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. CROWN ACURA LOCATED AT 18911 US 19 NORTH CLEAR WATER FL 33764, (888) 642-5567) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2020. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
#11323181 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NAPLES ACURA LOCATED AT 659 AIRPORT-PULLING RD, NAPLES, FL 34104, (239)330-4212, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND CONFIRMED THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*BF*JB

View all Electrical System complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 ACURA CL

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 ACURA CL in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 ACURA CL

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 ACURA CL. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

RFI20210312_BB64 — EQUIPMENT

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.

03034 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

SAFETY RECALL: IGNITION SWITCH KEY INTERLOCK. *TT THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 03/034, DATED 01/15/2004. *TT

01022 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CONCERNS WITH THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMING ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. *JB

99045 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

PRODUCT UPDATE CAMPAIGN ON REPLACING PCV HOSE ROUTING. *TT

010200 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING THE OIL PUMP O-RING FOR 1998 AND 1999 2.3CL MODELS. *TT

99011 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CONCERNS WITH REMOTE AUDIO SWITCHES NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *TT

99002 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

SUBJECT REGARDING POWER SEAT MAKING A GROWLING OR RATTLING NOISE. *TT

99001 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

PROCEDURES ON REPAIRING INOPERATIVE POWER WINDOW. *TT

98019 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

TOO MUCH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE WINDOW GUIDE PIN AND REAR CHANNEL GUIDE CAUSING, RATTLE FROM A PARTIALLY OPEN WINDOW WHEN DRIVING ON A ROUGH ROAD. YD

97006 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

CONDITION WITH DRIVER'S SEAT WALK-IN FEATURE IS INOPERATIVE. *TT

Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 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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