CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Acura CL has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 73 complaints with NHTSA, including 5 crashes, 5 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Power Train (37 reports).
2003 Acura CL recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature swings.
Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during deployment because of a manufacturing error.
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can be affected by moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability.
Most common 2003 Acura CL problems
Problem areas named in the 73 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 37 |
| Air Bags | 9 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Tires | 3 |
| Wheels | 3 |
| Suspension | 3 |
| Structure | 3 |
| Engine | 3 |
What owners report
I purchased this vehicle in March 2021 and noticed the issue with the transmission the first time I operated the vehicle. There is a grinding sound whenever the transmission is placed in third gear. I brought the car to Acura by Executive in Wallingford, CT at some point in 2021 to enquire about the issue. I was informed by the service advisor that the problem is a known issue but because there is no recall on the issue and the vehicle is out of warranty Acura is not required to resolve it. Recently I came across service bulletin 08-018 and noticed where it stated that after warranty expiration a repair may be eligible for goodwill consideration. I called Acura Customer Service, was given ca
There is a major issue with the relay under the steering wheel blocking the fuel from the pump going to the engine. This also affects the security system as well as the rack and pinion. The vehicle security turns itself on and off as it pleases, often leaving driver/passengers stranded and sometimes with the alarm not shutting off. This is after having keys re-programmed and most parts replaced for a hefty price tag. Due to this, the vehicle will only start at times. I've seen several similar complaints and taken it to many costly mechanics. I paid $7,000 for this vehicle a couple of years ago but only got to drive it a few times because there is always an issue that can't be fixed.
My 2003 3.2cls Acura had an airbag recall in in 2016. My vehicle was supposedly repaired at this time. However, recently my SRS light has been on requiring me to take my car to an Acura dealer. The dealer believes my steering wheel air bag has a faulty air inflator, which they claim is out of warranty and may require me to pay $3000 to repair. I do not understand how the manufacturer of the airbag/inflator can avoid repairing this. Shouldn't an airbag last longer than 8 years? What if everyone had to replace their airbags every eight years?
I have an SRS light illuminated on my dashboard. Upon researching this, it is apparently a sensor issue which, when the light is on, indicates that the sensor in the seat - belt is malfunctioning, and this will keep the air bags from deploying. This of course is a serious safety issue. Also, in reviewing the warranty information, it states that all seat-belt issues are under a lifetime warranty. I'm wondering if you could provide confirmation of this. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) Randal Steadman
Subframe rusted through on the passenger side where the cause is a manufacturer defect of condensation from the air conditioning dripping directly above onto the subframe on the passenger side, which created a perforation of the passenger side subframe. Subframe holds the suspension and steering components together and if the passenger side frame from the manufacter defect were to break traveling at highway speed, the car would loose control and cause accidents. The vehicle was inspected at an independent facility and is ready to be inspected again upon request.
2003 Acura CL questions
Does the 2003 Acura CL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2003 Acura CL: Driver Airbag Inflator Can Explode, Sending Metal Shrapnel; Driver airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments; Power Train:Automatic Transmission; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Acura CL?
Based on 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (37), Air Bags (9), Exterior Lighting (5).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Acura CL has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.