NHTSA vehicle safety data

1998 Acura CL Recalls & Complaints

The 1998 Acura CL has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 55 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Acura dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Acura CL. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1998 Acura CL owner complaints

Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Acura CL, describing incidents dated June 1, 1998 to September 14, 2020.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 17 complaints
Power Train 10 complaints
Air Bags 8 complaints
Suspension 7 complaints
Engine 5 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 5 complaints

Of the 55 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 55 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11365952 · Filed October 23, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED NAPLETON'S PALM BEACH ACURA (6870 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411…
ODI #11354950 · Filed September 14, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
ODI #11351163 · Filed August 25, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…

Read all 55 complaints

Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag

NHTSA #20V026000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 17, 2020 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 1,439,841 vehicles

Repair completion: 7.91% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign D8J, Z8G · Owners notified October 1, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

HONDA/IGNITION SWITCH

NHTSA #03V423000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported October 27, 2003 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Potentially affected: 563,861 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 03-088/03-034 · Owners notified December 8, 2003 · Vehicles built August 5, 1997 – August 21, 1998 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."

Safety consequence

IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Notes

HONDA RECALL NO. 03-088/ACURA RECALL NO. 03-034.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

HONDA/IGNITION SWITCH

NHTSA #02V120000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported May 16, 2002 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Potentially affected: 1,000,000 vehicles

Owners notified June 14, 2002 · Vehicles built April 28, 1997 – August 25, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Safety consequence

WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

HONDA/BALL JOINTS

NHTSA #99V069000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Ball Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported May 10, 1999 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Potentially affected: 124,875 vehicles

Owners notified May 17, 1999 · Vehicles built April 28, 1997 – September 9, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 17, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA 1-800-382-2238.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

HONDA/TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL

NHTSA #98V018000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported February 10, 1998 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Potentially affected: 33,966 vehicles

Owners notified February 12, 1998 · Vehicles built October 22, 1997 – January 7, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COLLAR ON THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL TO ENSURE PROPER MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATION LEVER.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 12, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4326).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 1998 Acura CL. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

55 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Acura CL.

Air Bags

ODI #11365952

Incident: April 1, 2020 · Filed: October 23, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED NAPLETON'S PALM BEACH ACURA (6870 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33411; (888) 980-7593) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags

ODI #11354950

Incident: September 14, 2020 · Filed: September 14, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags

ODI #11351163

Incident: June 3, 2020 · Filed: August 25, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT ROPER HONDA DEALER (902 N RANGELINE RD, JOPLIN, MO 64801) AND WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED THAT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PART NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB

Air Bags

ODI #11338138

Incident: January 1, 2020 · Filed: July 8, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. CROWN ACURA LOCATED AT 18911 US 19 NORTH CLEAR WATER FL 33764, (888) 642-5567) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2020. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags

ODI #11323181

Incident: January 1, 2020 · Filed: May 4, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NAPLES ACURA LOCATED AT 659 AIRPORT-PULLING RD, NAPLES, FL 34104, (239)330-4212, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND CONFIRMED THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*BF*JB

Air Bags

ODI #11321187

Incident: April 15, 2020 · Filed: April 15, 2020

THE NEAREST ACURA DEALERSHIP TO ME DOES NOT HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT PART TO REPAIR MY RECALLED VEHICLE. THE ACURA DEALERSHIP HAS NO IDEA WHEN AN AIRBAG REPLACEMENT FOR THE VEHICLE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL.

Electrical System

ODI #11128371

Incident: February 1, 2018 · Filed: September 9, 2018

THE SWITCH IS CAUSING MY CAR TO DIE WHILE IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OR WHEN IM STOPPED AND WHEN I START TO PULL OUT ON TO THE MAIN ROAD IT HAS EVEN STAYED RUNNING WHEN I CUT THE CAR OFF AND TAKE THE KEY OUT I WOULD HAVE TO POP MY CLUTCH TO KILL IT AND THEN MY DASH LIGHTS WOULDNT GO OFF OR COME BACK ON AND I WOULDNT KNOW IT TIL I GOT BACK IN MY CAR TO LEAVE AGAIN AND THEN THE BATTERY WOULD BE DEAD, IVE HAD TO HOLD MY KEY ON WHILE DRIVING AND CHANGING GEARS AND NOW ITS CAUSING MY STARTER TO SOUND LIKE SOMETHIN AWFUL ITS GOING TO GET ME KILLED SONETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ASAP BOUT IT. UNS CAN IGNORE THIS COMPLAINT ALL UNS WANT BUT FAIR WARNING IF I GET KILLED IN IT THERE WILL BE ONE BIG LAW SUIT ON YALLS ASS. TY HAVE A BLEESED DAY I COULD BE TURNING OR ANYTHING IT DOES IT, IT DOES NOT HOLD BACK WHEN IT GETS READY TO CUT OFF IT WILL, THERE IS NO SIGNS WHEN ITS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT HAPPENS EVERYDAY EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT IT CUTS OFF @ LEAST 40 TIMES OR MORE A DAY.

Electrical System

ODI #11075216

Incident: February 17, 2018 · Filed: February 27, 2018

THE VEHICLE DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I SEE WHERE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR IGNITION SWITCH BUT I AM TOLD BY THE DEALER THERE IS NO ACTIVE RECALL. THE CAR BELONGS TO MY MOTHER. THE DEALER DID NOT CHANGE THE PART IN 2012 BECAUSE THE DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE THE COMPLAINT.

Air Bags

ODI #10904481

Incident: September 5, 2016 · Filed: September 7, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,594.

Electrical System

ODI #10822771

Incident: December 28, 2015 · Filed: January 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED HOWEVER, IT TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STATED ONCE THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE IMMOBILIZER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS FOR THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAILY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,000.

Other Acura CL model years

Check your 1998 Acura CL VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Acura CL at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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