Is the Acura Cl reliable?

The Acura Cl has 730 NHTSA complaints, or 3650.0 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Source: VinItel

What Acura Cl years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2001 model year of the Acura Cl — it has significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2001 model year alone has 316 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Acura Cl?

Among Acura Cl model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2004 (2 complaints), 2000 (11 complaints), 1999 (66 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Acura Cl problems?

The most common Acura Cl problems reported to NHTSA are: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (251 complaints, 1.2% crash rate); AIR BAGS (62 complaints, 16.1% crash rate); POWER TRAIN (51 complaints, 3.9% crash rate); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36 complaints, 2.8% crash rate); VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (24 complaints, 16.7% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Acura Cl?

Used Acura Cl buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2004, 2000, 1999. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Acura Cl Reliability

730 NHTSA complaints (1997–2004). Complaint rate: 3650.0 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

8085.0

Complaints

730

Crash Rate

6.7%

Fire Rate

0.5%

Injuries

Fatalities

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2001 Acura Cl. The 2004 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Avoid These Years

2001

~316/yr complaints · 23 crashes

Average

1997–1999

~80/yr complaints

2002–2003

~80/yr complaints

Better Years

2004

~2/yr complaints

2000

~11/yr complaints

Looking at a specific Acura Cl?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check Any VIN Free See sample report →

Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Acura Cl — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2001 (316)

Common Acura Cl Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	251	1.2%
AIR BAGS	62	16.1%
POWER TRAIN	51	3.9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	36	2.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	24	16.7%
SUSPENSION	17	5.9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH	14	0.0%
ENGINE	14	14.3%
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION	14	7.1%
STEERING	12	16.7%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
1997	—	106	5	—	View →
1998	—	69	2	2	View →
1999	—	66	10	—	View →
2000GOOD	—	11	1	—	View →
2001AVOID	—	316	23	2	View →
2002	—	71	3	—	View →
2003	—	89	5	—	View →
2004GOOD	—	2	0	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Acura Claccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Acura Cl?

Check the specific VIN for hidden accidents, title issues, and full vehicle history — just $4.99.

Check VIN Free