Acura CL: which model years draw the most owner complaints?
399 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Acura CL, model years 2000 to 2004. One model year stands out for the engine or transmission: 2001 (transmission). Counts of unverified owner reports, compared only with other years of the same model; not failure rates.
Complaints by model year
| MODEL YEAR | COMPLAINTS | VS OTHER YEARS | STANDS OUT | RECALLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 CLFEW REPORTS | 11 | — | 0 | |
| 2001 CL | 270 | transmission | 3 | |
| 2002 CLFEW REPORTS | 44 | — | 2 | |
| 2003 CLFEW REPORTS | 73 | — | 5 | |
| 2004 CLFEW REPORTS | 1 | — | 0 |
"Stands out" = 40 or more complaints naming that system and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share seen across every vehicle of that model year. Newer years have had less time on the road. "Quiet" ranks only years with 7+ years on the road and 20+ complaints. NHTSA data through November 2026.
Check your CL at your mileage
The verdict depends on where your mileage sits against the mileages owners reported. Pick your year and mileage: free, no sign-up.
Other Acura models
Acura ILX · Acura Integra · Acura MDX · Acura RDX · Acura RL · Acura RSX · Acura TL · Acura TLX · Acura TSX. All makes and models.
Source: NHTSA public complaints, recalls, service bulletin and investigation databases, data received through November 2026. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not failure rates: sales volumes are unknown, so a model year is only compared with other years of the same model. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Year pages: 2001