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Acura CL slipping problems

60 of the 586 owner complaints about the Acura CL describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2001 model year.

owner complaints
60
worst model year
2001
typical mileage
58,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Feb 17, 2020 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · PA

While driving on the highway at 65mph, my car suddenly slipped out of gear, engine revving and smoke pouring from under the hood. I had gotten no warning at all.the check engine light never came on and the car had no prior instances of gear problems. Had to get it towed home where it sits in my driveway because I can't afford a new transmission.

Filed Apr 1, 2019 · Transmission · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 acura cl. The contact stated that the transmission slipped into second gear without warning. The vehicle was serviced by an unknown dealer for the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v176000 (power train); however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v176000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Jun 9, 2017 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · CA

Transmission slips through gears, shifts hard into park, and d5 will blink and everything goes black. Car has been in the shop numerous times and only works properly when it wants to. When it begins to slip the car is uncontrollable and dangerous.

Filed Apr 19, 2014 · Transmission · 32,437 miles · CA

Summary: I own a 2001 acura cl with 32,437 miles on it. The car has been perfectly maintained. While driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the transmission slipped hard between first and second gear jerkily, and the rpms increased. The vehicle was taken immediately to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. I inquired about any recalls regarding transmission and the dealer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission) . I didnt remember. I feel strongly that the failure was either not corrected properly, or that acura corporation failed to properly identify this serious and recurring issue. My car has been driven about once a week since purchase and a few times for vacation. Given the low mileage and regular maintainence I feel this $4,511.39 repair issue is one I cannot afford to ignore. It should have at least included a lifetime warranty, instead of 3 years or 36,000 miles. Do I have any recourse or is this a forum simply for complaints?

Filed Apr 24, 2013 · Transmission · 57,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 acura cl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the transmission slipped and the rpms increased excessively. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission) in 2004 but the failure was not corrected. The approximate failure and current mileage was 57,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2012 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · MD

For a couple days my car would begin stalling while I was driving on the highway. I felt like it slowed down to shift out of gear but never completely shifted. Then, one day when I was driving, on my way home my car slipped out of gear completely and I couldn't drive forward. My car only allowed me to go in reverse. 2after allowing it to sit for a while it would drive but while trying to drive home it constantly slipped out of gear which was very dangerous especially when it happened at an intersection.

Filed Nov 24, 2011 · Transmission · 170,000 miles · MD

It's been slipping...but it never bothered me until now and it's super bad.

Filed Nov 16, 2011 · Transmission · 156,000 miles · CA · 1 injury

Was driving on the freeway when transmission started to slip and the failed and down shifted to second gear. Nearly caused accident on freeway. I did get hurt from the sudden drop in speed.

Filed Nov 10, 2011 · Transmission · CA

2001 acura 3.2 cl. Consumer writes in regards to transmission problems *tgw the consumer stated the transmission would slip at times while driving. When the consumer contacted acura, he was informed their records indicated the transmission was replaced on or about april 12, 2004. The consumer stated he has no record of the transmission being replaced. The consumer stated his wife did take the vehicle to the dealer on march 29,2004 because she was experiencing problems with the transmission, but the service report read no problem found.

Filed Sep 14, 2010 · Transmission · 175,000 miles · FL

I have a 2001 acura 3.2 cl just days before my birthday the transmission started to slip I took it to acura dealer and they informed me that the transmission will have to be replaced at owners expense ($4800) and they also informed me that no goodwill gesture will be exercised because vehicle is out of warranty I am the 2nd owner of this car since late 08 and had no idea of the issues I am still paying for the car and it is my only transportation. I do not know how I will be able to afford both the car and transmission and there is no way for me to sell it this car not only nearly killed me but is now draining me financially (due to acura not replacing a clearly faulty transmission) and I am now stuck not being able to work and could lose my job this is a huge problem for me I even had to quit school!!!

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 15, 2004 · 1,099,796 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
Risk
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced if discoloration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line. The recall began on april 21, 2004, for pilot, odyssey, and mdx owners. Owners of the accord vehicles will start receiving letters on june 28, 2004, and on june 29, 2004, for owners of the tl and cl vehicles. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.

Recall number 04V176000 · Recall details

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

Questions about the Acura CL slipping

Which Acura CL years have transmission slipping problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2001 (42 complaints), 2002 (10 complaints) and 2000 (3 complaints).

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