Ask the Car People.SM


Acura CL Transmission Problems

140 messages,  Last post on Mar 16, 2013 at 9:14 AM

You are in the Acura CL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura CL, Coupe

Messages Page 3 of 14

#21 of 140 2001 Acura CL 3.2 transmission fixes - temporary or the real deal? by excl2005

Feb 14, 2004 (9:50 am)

I've contacted two Acura dealerships in my town about their 2001 Acura CL 3.2s in stock and this model’s well-known, defective transmission problem. Both dealerships have stated that their 2001 Acura CL 3.2s have new transmissions. However, I never did follow up with the question as to whether these new transmissions were temporary, stopgaps or totally redesigned transmissions that fixed the original problem.
 
My worse fear is that these are rebuilt transmissions with only a 20K-30K lifespan on them before they go kaput. Besides, the 2001 Acura CL 3.2s at these two Acura dealerships have 40,000 miles (+). Yes, Acura has extended its drive train warranty to 100,000 miles. It's comforting to know at least 1 or 2 transmission failures will be covered by Acura.
 
However, this is no solace for me when I'm driving 80 m.p.h. on the U.S. interstate highway system when all the sudden the car decides to shift to second gear on its own.
 
To reiterate my question, all of the owners of the Acura CL/TL (1997-2003) that are having newly installed transmissions. Do these new transmissions resolve the original problem or provide a temporary stopgap till the next catastrophic transmission failure?
 
Thanks for help!

#22 of 140 Trans problems: by carguy58

Feb 14, 2004 (12:24 pm)

I don't think TL's/and CLs in the 1997 and 1998 model year were effected. The note I got said that 2001, 2002, and some 2003 TL's and CL's were effected by the faulty tranny.
 
I think Honda has their tranny problem covered.

#23 of 140 tranny by motokichi

Feb 14, 2004 (12:45 pm)

when the check engine light came on, the code notified that it was a problem in the transmission.
our acura dealer replaced it with a new unit. all new, no re-build. the service manager said they don't even tear down the old tranny, just ship it back to HQ.

#24 of 140 From what I've been told... by bodble2

Feb 14, 2004 (1:05 pm)

all replacement trannies are rebuilt units. Maybe there has been a recent change in Honda policy?

#25 of 140 Re: tranny by excl2005

Feb 14, 2004 (1:57 pm)

Thanks motokichi for the help. Yeah, I called back the Acura dealership with the three Acura CL 3.2s, each with 30K (+) miles on them, and he said "they all have rebuilt transmissions with new clutch paks," whatever that means.
 
However, you said your acura dealer replaced your transmission with "all new, no re-build. The service manager said they don't even tear down the old tranny, just ship it back to HQ." I was told differently. This Acura dealership said that Acura doesn't make new transmissions for its older models (2001-2003). INTERESTING CONTRADICTIONS, HERE!
 
Anyway, I'm going to try to find out from Acura Customer service what this new "clutch pak" entails.
 
Hey, I rather be safe than sorry!
 
Thanks!

#26 of 140 Tranny Issues by ibmindless

Feb 15, 2004 (12:23 am)

I have 23K on my 2001 CL-S. I noticed problems at around 11K, had the tranny replaced at 13K, and it's been fine since.
 
A friend bought a 2001 at the same time as me. He has many more miles (around 75K now). He had his tranny replaced about 3 months before me (around 11/02) and had problems shortly afterwards. He had another tranny put in, and they blamed the first replacement problems on the lack of a engine control module (ECM) replacement/upgrade. Once the ECM was added to the 2nd replacement, he has had no problems (over a year now). His dealer said the later replacements (after 01/03) would all have the ECM.
 
Personally, I'm quite content with the CL-S. I recently test drove the Nissan 350Z Coupe & Convertible (auto & stick), the Infiniti G35 Coupe (auto & stick) G35 Sedan (auto), M45 (auto), BMW 330 Sedan (stick & auto), 2000 M3 (stick), 2004 TL (auto), 2004 TSX (auto), and RX8 (stick). After all of those drives, I decided I was happy with the CL-S. I like the CL's features, navi, performance, handling, gas mileage, and looks. It's comfortable, refined, and cruises at 90 MPH at only 25K RPM.
 
So, my recommendation would be to go for the CL if you think it will satisfy you, but if it will be a cause of constant concern, go for something else. At the moment, I just can't find anything else that provides the features of the CL and would compel me to open up my wallet.
 
Mark

#27 of 140 Re: Tranny Issues by excl2005

Feb 15, 2004 (2:44 pm)

Hey, Mark
 
Thanks for the information on this engine control module (ECM) replacement/upgrade. I've never heard of it.
 
Anyway, I'm not trying to beat this issue to the ground. However, I just want to make sure that I'm not making a "$20,000.00 mistake." Besides, I don't want this Acura CL 3.2 or any car for that matter going hunting for gears on its own when I'm going 80 m.p.h.
 
On a side note, I'm a big NASSCAR fan, and I'm fully aware of the consequences when mechanical problems go awry at very fast speeds.
 
Sincerely,
Darren

#28 of 140 Transmission Problem 2003 CL by drcitrus

Mar 24, 2005 (9:43 am)

Acura has extended the warranty on the A/T and torque converter for all 2001 & 2002. Whether a 2003 CL is covered depends on the VIN. (See: Service Bulletin 02-027 dated 1/21/05 titled Warranty Extension : 3.2TL and 3.2CL Automatic Transmission (supercedes 02-027 dated 9/15/03)
 
I have a 2003 CL that I purchased in August 2002. The transmission failed at 45389 miles. The first symptom was a slight slip between 2 & 3d gear. The coup d'grace happened on I-75 when I went to pass somebody: the tranny bucked and klonked until I let up on the throttle. I drove immediately to the Acura dealer who put in a new one (with all the updates, I'm told) and had it back to me in two days. Gave me a loaner, too! Outstanding!!
 
My warranty is, however, set to end in another 4,500 miles because my VIN is just outside of the covered range. I'm considering another vehicle because of the history of transmission problems and the soon-to-be-out-of-warranty status. I have written to Acura asking them to extend the warranty as a matter of customer good will, but I haven't heard back yet.
 
I love the car, but somehow I'm not feeling real lucky right now...

#29 of 140 Re: Transmission Problem 2003 CL [drcitrus] by blackjack101

Apr 11, 2005 (2:16 pm)

Replying to: drcitrus (Mar 24, 2005 9:43 am)
just brought in my 2001 cl to dealership for trans problem not shifting past 2nd. purchased car from dealer in sept of 2004 had 25,500 on it. now has 31,200. luck would have it it was a certified car so it's covered. service manager told me they have put in quite a few trans in this car. will still be ocvered till feb. 2008 thank god.

Messages Page 3 of 14

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement