CarComplaints.com Notes: The automatic transmission on the 2nd generation CL (2001-2003) is a downshifting mess. According to reports it slips, flares, and eventually fails --- sometimes around 40,000 miles.

The troubled transmission got an extended warranty for some CL owners that was later extended even further thanks to a class-action lawsuit in the United States. But even with the extended warranty, the transmission in this car is well known for overheating and locking up suddenly and without warning.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,500 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Acura CL transmission problems

transmission problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Acura CL:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2001 Acura CL Owner Comments

problem #5

Apr 092005

CL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My vehicle has been regularly serviced and maintained as suggested by Acura. However, I am currently experiencing great difficulty with my 2001 Acura Cl type S because the transmission system is malfunctioning. The transmission will abruptly shift into higher gears while the vehicle is traveling at low speeds. The car has lost power when ascending steep hills and presents great danger to other vehicles because of the need to pull-over or stop. Although Acura warranty covers this problem and applies to vehicles in the us virgin islands, they have not expeditiously dealt with the problem. Already, after one month, Acura has not sent the necessary parts to the dealer or made accomodations so that I would not be driving an unsafe vehicle. After numerous attempts to inform Acura and their customer service department, I have received very little assistance. I hope this complaint will help build the record showing that Acura is manufacturing a faulty, unsafe product and is failing to adequately remedy the problem.

- St. Thomas, VI, USA

problem #4

Sep 112003

CL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,500 miles
I owed 2001 Acura Cl type S. last year the transmision when out on me. While I was on the free way. It would not shift gears.all the sudden the vehical slow down to 30 mph. On the freeway I all most lost control and got into the accident.I when to the dealer they replaced it with a new one.

- Brooklyn Park, MN, USA

problem #3

Jul 022004

CL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles
First made complaint about transmission problems in 01/02, dealer diagnosed no problem. Transmission failed 03/03 and was replaced by the dealer. Transmission has apparently failed again 07/04.

- Lutz, FL, USA

problem #2

Dec 142002

CL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have had surgery fusing 7 vertebrae in my neck and back. This was a result of a sudden and severe down shift of my Acura Cl 3.2 while driving on the highway.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #1

Mar 022004

CL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,400 miles
My transmission failed on my Acura Cl for the second time. I had it "replaced" after the first failure @49K miles that nearly cause an accident if it hadn't been for good driving skills. Now the same problem almost caused me to loose complete control @ 91000 miles after the dealer "enhanced the fix" with a new PCM @ 88000 miles.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

Not what you are looking for?