Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2003 Acura CL
The 2003 Acura CL has notable issues related to airbag recalls and transmission problems. With several recalls for the airbag inflator module and transmission overheating, caution is advised. Complaints focus on power train and airbags, necessitating a thorough inspection. Overall, it can be a decent purchase if issues have been resolved and the vehicle is well-maintained.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2003 Acura CL has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 74 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V499000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V182000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V320000 Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V176000 HONDA/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V226000 HONDA/TIMING BELT/WATER PUMP NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 36 complaints
- Air Bags 9 complaints
- Tires 6 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 5 complaints
- Electrical System 4 complaints
- Engine 3 complaints
Of the 74 complaints on file, 5 report a crash; across all 74 complaints, owners report 5 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator recall
How to check: Verify recall work was completed with service records.
Transmission gear chipping
How to check: Inspect for smooth shifting and listen for noises.
Timing belt misalignment
How to check: Check timing belt condition and repair history.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Engine starts smoothly without noise.
Red flag: Noisy or rough start
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Idles consistently without vibration.
Red flag: Irregular idling or shaking
- 03
Moderate acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gear transitions.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting
- 04
Braking
What to check: Car stops smoothly and promptly.
Red flag: Vibrations or delayed stopping
- 05
Sharp cornering
What to check: Listen for suspension noises.
Red flag: Clunking or creaking sounds
- 06
Parking maneuver
What to check: Steering is responsive and light.
Red flag: Stiff or noisy steering
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall work been completed?
- Any transmission issues like chipping or noise?
- When was the timing belt last replaced?
- Have there been any recent suspension repairs?
- Are service records available?
- Was the car in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Recall completion certificates
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Previous owner information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2003 Acura CL at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2003 Acura CL? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.