repaired · 2022 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.
1998 Acura CLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 55 owner complaints about the 1998 Acura CL, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-026 the manufacturer reports only 4% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 23, 2020. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1998 Acura CL has problems
55 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
18Electrical system
10Power train
8Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
7Suspension
5Vehicle speed control2 crash/fire/injury
4Steering
4Engine and engine cooling
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Fuel system, gasoline
76 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 18 | 0 |
| Power train | 10 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 1 |
| Suspension | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 2 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 1 |
| 6 other systems | 7 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
1998 Acura CL recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Ignition: switch
Risk. 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.
no report yet
Ignition: switch
Risk. WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Control arm: lower ball joint
Risk. THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Acura.
Best & worst years
1998 vs. every other CL year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CL median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What CL owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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.
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…
Own a 1998 CL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.