Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2001 Acura CL
The 2001 Acura CL shows considerable issues with the power train, as indicated by the high number of complaints and a transmission-related recall. Airbags also have multiple recalls, suggesting potential safety risks. Other areas like visibility and vehicle speed control show fewer complaints but are worth checking. The available data mostly highlights transmission and airbag issues, leaving other components with limited reported problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2001 Acura CL has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 270 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V027000 Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V026000 Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V176000 HONDA/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 205 complaints
- Air Bags 31 complaints
- Visibility 12 complaints
- Electrical System 8 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 8 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 8 complaints
Of the 270 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 270 complaints, owners report 8 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Gear breakage possibility
How to check: Inspect for jerky shifts or delayed engagement
Driver airbag inflator defects
How to check: Verify airbag recall service documentation
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Smooth start without hesitation or noise
Red flag: Unusual noises or delayed start
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Consistent idle without fluctuations
Red flag: Rough or unstable idling
- 03
At low speed
What to check: Smooth gear shifts and acceleration
Red flag: Jerking or clunking noises
- 04
Parking
What to check: Check for smooth brake grip and release
Red flag: Grinding or unusual noise
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Response to acceleration input, no lag
Red flag: Poor acceleration or odd noises
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission been repaired?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
- Any recent work on the airbags?
- Have there been any past collisions?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Transmission service records
- Airbag recall completion document
- Recent maintenance receipts
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2001 Acura CL at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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