2003 Acura CL power train problems
36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2003 Acura CL — 49% of all complaints for this model year.
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…”
filed Oct 2, 2025
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura cl. While driving 45 mph, the contact heard an abnormal grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Also, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle shut off. The contact pulled over, turned the vehicle off and on, and it resumed normal operation. The…”
filed Nov 4, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN…Campaign 04V176000 · Apr 15, 2004
Related service bulletins
Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers).
B21-022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 28, 2021Service bulletin - You are required to install a remanufactured A/T (automatic transmission) and torque converter on any vehicle with an internal failure that calls for A/T disassembly that is covered under any of the…
B90-009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 30, 2017
Power Train problems in other CL years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 CL | 33 | 75% |
| 2001 CL | 206 | 76% |
| 1999 CL | 13 | 27% |
| 1998 CL | 10 | 18% |
| 1997 CL | 20 | 24% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Acura CL
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.