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1997 Acura CL electrical problems

15 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 170,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
170,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    4
  • Starter assembly
    3
  • Ignition
    2
  • Ignition: module
    1
  • Horn
    1
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Acura CL electrical problems in other years

199719981999200120022003

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported May 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.

Recall number 02V120000 · Recall details

What 1997 Acura CL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 6, 2017 · Electrical · 218,000 miles · CA

Sometimes don't start

Filed Jul 20, 2016 · Electrical · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 acura cl. The contact stated that the ignition key was difficult to remove from the vehicle without warning. In addition, the key failed to start the vehicle intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v120000 (electrical system). The failure mileage and VIN were not available.

Filed Jul 14, 2011 · Electrical · 190,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 acura cl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was then pulled over to the shoulder of the road. After turning the key in the ignition the vehicle restarted. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostics. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under recall 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Oct 4, 2010 · Acceleration, Electrical · 212,000 miles · GA

1997 acura cl cuts off/quits while driving. It will not restart at first but after a rest it will restart. This happened over 6 month period. Then it would not start back at all. Many repairs were attempted which included changing fuel relay and ignition switch. Car is still stalling unexpectedly and now revs at intervals while driving. Very unreliable and dangerous to drive.

Filed Oct 4, 2010 · Electrical · 152,072 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 acura 3.0 cl. The contact stated that the key could not be removed from the ignition while in park or drive. The contact noticed the federal safety agency campaign id number: 02v120000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) but was advised by the manufacturer that his VIN was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 152,072.

Filed Nov 3, 2008 · Electrical · 170,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 acura cl. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road. The contact attempted to move to the side of the road and the vehicle restarted. When this occurred, she had to hold the key in the ignition in the on position to drive to his residence. She also had to hold the keys in the on position to take the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the ignition switch was not working. The vehicle stalled without warning. The weather and road conditions were not a factor. Once at the dealer, they stated that there was a recall; however, her VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2006 · Electrical · 77,000 miles · VA

Vehicle unable to start. No response. Starter motor defective. 2nd replacement. 1st replacement occurred in dec 2003.

Filed Mar 31, 2006 · Electrical, Transmission · 112,354 miles · CA

Car stalled on freeway - full electrical shutdown - gauges dropped. Put car into neutral, restarted ignition, slight grind at starter, and car started. Pulled over when safe & when put car in reverse, heard whining/grinding noise and it wouldn't engage. Drive worked fine so drove to dealer. Dealer found ignition to be defective and covered under recall - it caused the stall. Dealer said transmission needed replacement for $4800 - won;t cover it and say the transmission failure and stall have noting to do with each other. The stall was very unsafe and shifting into neutral was best safest manuever (agreed to by dealer and acura USA), but they argue no causality. Seeking remedy through bureau of auto repair, lawsuit if necessary.

Filed Mar 29, 2005 · Electrical · FL

1997 acura cl 3.0 has problems with the ignition switch. *mr the consumer vehicle was stalled out as she was driving. The consumer was advised in july 2004 that there was a recall and to take the vehicle to the nearest dealership, however in feb 2005, the vehicle began to stall again while traveling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was towed and upon examining the vehicle, the consumer was told the ignition switch was the source of the problem. The consumer stated that problem had already been taken care of, however the dealer stated the previous dealer did not use the correct part for the recall. The consumer took the vehicle back to the original dealer who then stated it was not the ignition switch, but the 02 sensor and egr valve which was eventually replaced, however 2 weeks later the vehicle stalled out again. The dealer finally determined that it was indeed the ignition switch after the consumer bought her personal mechanic with her to the dealer. The dealer stated the part was not covered under warranty and there would be a charge. The consumer eventually had her personal mechanic replace the ignition switch.

Filed Aug 20, 2002 · Brakes, Electrical · KS

Consumer states that the key can only be removed when in neutral gear, consumer had the entire ignition replaced, later received recall 02v12 and states manufacturer refuses to reimburse.

Questions about the 1997 Acura CL electrical

Does the 1997 Acura CL have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the electrical of the 1997 Acura CL, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Acura CL electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 170,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Acura CL electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V120000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Acura CL have the most electrical problems?

The Acura CL model years with the most electrical complaints are 1998 (18 complaints), 1997 (15 complaints) and 1999 (11 complaints).

Other 1997 Acura CL problems

Transmission 20Airbags 14Suspension 9Engine 8Brakes 7Visibility 6Acceleration 4Body 4Tires 3Seat belts 2Steering 2Lights 1Seats 1

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