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1999 Acura Cl

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Acura Cl do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 52.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

30 reports with mileage · 19 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

49 reports
248,000 miles · Dec 14, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCGRATH ACURA OF DOWNTOWN CHICAGO (1301 N. ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 606…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCGRATH ACURA OF DOWNTOWN CHICAGO (1301 N. ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60642) FOR A RECALL REPAIR ON THE AIR BAGS HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO MENTION OF THE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE TO START OR FOR THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS BEING DRAINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT CALLED AAA AND THE VEHICLE WAS JUMPSTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 248,000.

NHTSA ODI #11383338

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2020
Air Bags

UNABLE TO GET THE AIRBAG REPLACED AFTER MORE THAN 6 MONTHS OF THE RECALL NOTICE. I CONTACTED ACURA AND THEIR LOCAL DEALERS BUT WAS BEING BOUNCED AROUND WITHOUT ANY UPDATE IN TERMS OF PARTS AVAILABILITY OR TIMING FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS ANOTHER HONDA AIRBAG RELATED FATALITY REPORTED TODAY. ACURA NEEDS TO TAKE THE A…

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UNABLE TO GET THE AIRBAG REPLACED AFTER MORE THAN 6 MONTHS OF THE RECALL NOTICE. I CONTACTED ACURA AND THEIR LOCAL DEALERS BUT WAS BEING BOUNCED AROUND WITHOUT ANY UPDATE IN TERMS OF PARTS AVAILABILITY OR TIMING FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS ANOTHER HONDA AIRBAG RELATED FATALITY REPORTED TODAY. ACURA NEEDS TO TAKE THE AIRBAG RECALL SERIOUSLY AFTER 6 MONTHS HAS ELAPSED.

NHTSA ODI #11362726

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2020
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 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 EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED ANTONINO AC…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 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 EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED ANTONINO ACURA LOCATED AT 340 GOLD STAR HWY, GROTON, CT 06340, (860) 215-3165), AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11330828

Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2020
Air Bags

I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM ACURA IN MARCH 2020 ABOUT A POTENTIAL MALFUNCTION OF MY AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF DEPLOYMENT. IT IS APPROACHING JULY AND NO FOLLOW UP MESSAGE ON A REPAIR HAS BEEN PROVIDED. I CURRENTLY DRIVE THE CAR FOR WORK SO IF THIS ISSUE ISN'T RESOLVED SOON IT PRESENTS A BIG HAZARD TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11329649

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2020
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. GOLD COAST ACURA (3195 PERKIN AVE, VENTURA, CA 93003) AND ACURA OF THOUSAND OAKS (3945 AUTO MALL DR, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRME…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. GOLD COAST ACURA (3195 PERKIN AVE, VENTURA, CA 93003) AND ACURA OF THOUSAND OAKS (3945 AUTO MALL DR, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91362) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN SIX MONTHS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11325537

253,580 miles · Apr 12, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHILE IN NEUTRAL AND COASTING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE POWER WAS LOST AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT DUPLICAT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHILE IN NEUTRAL AND COASTING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, THE POWER WAS LOST AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT DUPLICATED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A NHTSA RECALL FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CASE NUMBER: 05946667 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 253,580.

NHTSA ODI #10972144

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA AIR BAGS RECALL- WHY IS MY CAR NOT ON THE RECALL LIST? ARE THEY NOT GOING BACK TO 1999? IS IT OK TO DRIVE. ACCORDING THE NEWSPAPER REPORTS, THE OLDER MODELS ARE AT HIGHER RISKS.

NHTSA ODI #10945245

110,000 miles · Nov 4, 2015
SteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE TURNED IN THE LEFT DIRECTION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LANDED IN A MAN HOL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA CL. WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND PROCEEDING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE RIGHT, THE VEHICLE TURNED IN THE LEFT DIRECTION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LANDED IN A MAN HOLE, WHICH CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 02/02/16*LJ *TR

NHTSA ODI #10788306

138,500 miles · Apr 30, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK APPROXIMATELY A HALF MILE FROM MY HOUSE ..MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF, ALTHOUGH THE IGNITION KEY WAS STILL IN ..IT WAS MED-HEAVY TRAFFIC. I DON'T BELIEVE I EVEN HAD LIGHTS BUT I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD GOTTEN BAD GAS ..THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AS I WAS TURNING A CORNER.STARING BECAME DIFF…

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I WAS DRIVING TO WORK APPROXIMATELY A HALF MILE FROM MY HOUSE ..MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF, ALTHOUGH THE IGNITION KEY WAS STILL IN ..IT WAS MED-HEAVY TRAFFIC. I DON'T BELIEVE I EVEN HAD LIGHTS BUT I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD GOTTEN BAD GAS ..THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AS I WAS TURNING A CORNER.STARING BECAME DIFFICULT AND BOTH TIMES I HAD TO PUT MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO RESTART IT ..FROM THERE IT HAPPENED MAYBE 1 EVERY WEEK TO ONCE EVERY 3 WEEKS MAYBE .I CHECKED MY PLUGS WIRES HAD MY FUEL FILTER REPLACED STOPPED GOING WHERE I WAS GETTN GAS ..ONE DAY I WAS ON THE COMPUTER AT WORK (OREILLYS AUTOPARTS ) AND NOTICED MY CAR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A RECALL AT SOME POINT , BUT WHAT THEY DESCRIBED WAS EXACTLY WHAT MY CAR WAS DOING .RANDOMLY TURNING OFF ..I WAS TOLD BY ACURA BECAUZ MY CAR WAS "FIXED" DURING THE FIRST RECALL I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY IGNITION SWITCH AT MY OWN COST ..I'VE OWNED MY VEHICLE SINCE 2006 .IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE .I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR TO THE ACURA DEALER .IT'S ABOUT 90 MINUTES AWAY .OBVIOUSLY OVER TIME THE IGNITION SWITCH WEARS OUT BECAUZ I'VE ONLY PUT 60,000 MILES ON IT AND I BOUT IT WITH 65000. IS MY SAFETY NOT A CONCERN WITH ACURA .THAT HOW THEY HAVE DEALT WITH ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10713940

138,500 miles · Apr 30, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK APPROXIMATELY A HALF MILE FROM MY HOUSE ..MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF, ALTHOUGH THE IGNITION KEY WAS STILL IN ..IT WAS MED-HEAVY TRAFFIC.I DON'T BELIEVE I EVEN HAD LIGHTS BUT I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD GOTTEN BAD GAS ..THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AS I WAS TURNING A CORNER.STARING BECAME DIFFI…

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I WAS DRIVING TO WORK APPROXIMATELY A HALF MILE FROM MY HOUSE ..MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF, ALTHOUGH THE IGNITION KEY WAS STILL IN ..IT WAS MED-HEAVY TRAFFIC.I DON'T BELIEVE I EVEN HAD LIGHTS BUT I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE I HAD GOTTEN BAD GAS ..THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN AS I WAS TURNING A CORNER.STARING BECAME DIFFICULT AND BOTH TIMES I HAD TO PUT MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO RESTART IT ..FROM THERE IT HAPPENED MAYBE 1 EVERY WEEK TO ONCE EVERY 3 WEEKS MAYBE .I CHECKED MY PLUGS WIRES HAD MY FUEL FILTER REPLACED STOPPED GOING WHERE I WAS GETTN GAS ..ONE DAY I WAS ON THE COMPUTER AT WORK (OREILLYS AUTOPARTS ) AND NOTICED MY CAR HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN A RECALL AT SOME POINT , BUT WHAT THEY DESCRIBED WAS EXACTLY WHAT MY CAR WAS DOING .RANDOMLY TURNING OFF ..I WAS TOLD BY ACURA BECAUZ MY CAR WAS "FIXED" DURING THE FIRST RECALL I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY IGNITION SWITCH AT MY OWN COST ..I'VE OWNED MY VEHICLE SINCE 2006 .IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE .I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR TO THE ACURA DEALER .IT'S ABOUT 90 MINUTES AWAY .OBVIOUSLY OVER TIME THE IGNITION SWITCH WEARS OUT BECAUZ I'VE ONLY PUT 60,000 MILES ON IT AND I BOUT IT WITH 65000.IS MY SAFETY NOT A CONCERN WITH ACURA .THAT HOW THEY HAVE DEALT WITH ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10713939

Official recalls

3

20V026000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 17, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

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.

03V423000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

Oct 27, 2003

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."

Consequence & remedy

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.

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.

02V120000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

May 16, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.