Check a VIN

1998 Acura CL transmission problems

10 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints
10
of this car's complaints
18%
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    4
  • Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
    2
  • Axle assembly: axle shaft: seal
    1
  • Axle assembly
    1
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
    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 transmission problems in other years

1997199819992000200120022003

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switchReported February 10, 1998 · 33,966 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 actuation level and prevent adequate engagement of the parking gear pawl. This does not comply with fmvs no. 114, "theft protection."
Risk
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.

Recall number 98V018000 · Recall details

What 1998 Acura CL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 3, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 62,000 miles · CA

We had to replace our transmission after 70000miles, we had to replace a drivers side electric window twice, check engine light always stays on nothing wrong, car stalled going 45mphs fixed that problem other lights now stay on no matter if nothing is wrong, this car isn't worth the money too many problems and they tell me my VIN number doesn't fit the recalls but we have the same problems, I'm going to start raising a stink it's ridiculous,

Filed Sep 5, 2007 · Transmission · 107,940 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 acura cl. On august 20, 2007, the check engine light illuminated and remained lit when the vehicle was started. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced, however, it was not an emergency. Two weeks later, the vehicle was unable to be driven because the gears would not shift smoothly and the vehicle would jump. The gears then began slipping and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The current mileage was 108,000 and failure mileage was 107,940.

Filed Oct 19, 2006 · Transmission · VA

Transmission shift failure.

Filed Aug 3, 2004 · Transmission · FL

I own a 1998 acura cl 2.3 the transmission has gone out for the third time. Some of the things I find dangerous are the fact that the car when sitting at a stop and then proceding to accelerate revved to high rpms and then bogs down and barely moves. I was sitting at a red light going to make a right turn and when I accelerated the car rolled forward at a very slow pace like it was in a really high gear even after depressing the accelerator half way down. All of a sudden the trans mission violently changes gears and propells me from the lane I am turning in to the next lane over. I have also has occasions where the transmission will rapidly change back and forth through the high and low gears while driving for aparent reason. I am afraid that if this keeps up I will end up in an accident. The car is a 1998 I have never owned a car that had so many transmission problems in my whole life. 3 transmissions since 1998 is rediculace. There is something very wrong with the transmissions in these cars and the cost to have them fixed is outrageious. I should not have to repeatedly pay to have an obvious engering or manufacture defect fixed.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Transmission · 109,000 miles · VA

There was not any event leading up to the failure. I own an acura 1998 cl. Coming home from vacation yesterday on route 79 in west virginia, going 70 miles/hour, my right front axle bearing just broke in half, and my wheel fell off causing me to lose control of my vehicle. Luckily, I was able to get the vehicle off of the highway. I just had my car inspected in february. There was no wear of the tire to indicate a problem. No vibrations, no shaking, absolutely no indication there was a problem with that very important part of my vehicle. I want to know if this is happening with other acuras, because I am afraid to drive it again after it is fixed because I'm afraid it will happen again. The consequences could have been alot worse. The incident occurred 6/1/2004, so my vehicle has not been repaired yet.

Filed Feb 17, 2004 · Transmission · 63,000 miles · TX

Transmission failed at 63,000 miles.

Filed Aug 20, 2002 · Transmission · PA

Vehicle rolled backwards on an incline while in park. Consumer was dragged while trying to engage emergency brake. Dealer and manufacturer have not been notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Aug 26, 1999 · Engine, Steering · FL

There was about two inches of play within the steering wheel due to the steering column coupling not connecting to the steering wheel. Dealer replaced some parts within the steering coupling. When driving at any speed, vehicle will go from lane to lane. Also, there are gas fumes within the vehicle/ transmission had to be replaced, and the dash had to be replaced due to some type of black spots on the dashboard.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

Electrical system failure caused dash board and head lights to dim on its own. Yh

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Transmission · CA

Transmission seals failed. Nlm

Questions about the 1998 Acura CL transmission

Does the 1998 Acura CL have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the transmission of the 1998 Acura CL, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Acura CL transmission problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Acura CL transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V018000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Acura CL have bad transmission?

The Acura CL model years with the most transmission complaints are 2001 (206 complaints), 2003 (36 complaints) and 2002 (33 complaints).

Other 1998 Acura CL problems

Electrical 18Airbags 8Suspension 7Acceleration 5Engine 5Steering 4Fuel system 2Locks 2Tires 2Visibility 2Body 1Lights 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1998 Acura CL?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history