2001 Acura CL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 206about this part
- Share
- 76%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,041miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 206 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Acura CL, 76% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,041 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the highway at 65mph, my car suddenly slipped out of gear, engine revving and smoke pouring from under the hood. I had gotten no warning at all.the check engine light never came on and the car had no prior instances of gear problems. Had to get it towed home where it sits in my driveway because I can't afford a new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11309666, filed 2020-02, 100,000 miles“The passenger side airbag in my 2001!Acura CL was recalled and the company never contacted me about it! I bought the car on 5/28/20 with no title but I do have a bill of sale on a notebook piece of paper but anyways I saw where there was recalls for some parts on my vehicle and was researching up on this stuff and came across the information that my airbags have been recalled...what possibly is there to do about this situation? Please and thank you have a blessed day!!! Here is my campaign id '04v176000.”
NHTSA complaint #11330745, filed 2020-06, 33,600 miles“I have a 2001 Acura CL-s, having severe problems with the transmission. There was a recall, but they say it is out of warranty, by time. Problem is when I bought the car 2 years ago I brought this to someone's attention at Acura , and was pushed away as if I knew nothing, and now they want to charge me close to $5000 to replace the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10302056, filed 2010-01, 65,000 miles“The vehicle was involved in fatality which was my brother, they cannot explain why the vehicle entered into a skid on a pretty straight part of the highway not sure if it was a powertrain issue as I did see a recall after I did some research following the accident. The other issue is the mechanism on how the driver safety belt attaches to the frame as that was damaged on first impact which caused my brother to be ejected. Something as important as a safety should not be compromised so easily.”
NHTSA complaint #11114701, filed 2018-07, 160,000 miles“I purchased new, a 2001 Acura cls, and gave it to my mother, about year later in 2002. At only 39,620 miles the transmission started to severely slip, and required towing to the Acura dealership, where, at a cost of $5,076.66, required replacing the complete transmission and ecu. The dealer service department associate could explain specifically what caused this damage.”
NHTSA complaint #10275786, filed 2009-07, 39,620 milesRelated recalls
- 04V176000Apr 15, 2004On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft…Covers: Acura CL 2001–2003, TL 2000–2004, Honda Odyssey 2002–2004 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10117865Aug 30, 2017Service bulletin - You are required to install a remanufactured A/T (automatic transmission) and torque converter on any vehicle with an internal failure that calls for A/T…
- 10024664Feb 5, 2008Warranty extension: 3.2 tl and 3.2 cl automatic transmission.
- 10018044Sep 1, 2005Don't invite problems doing 2nd gear inspection. Acura servicenews.
- 10016261May 16, 2005Canon a75 digital camera replacement.
- 10014766Jan 1, 2005P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 10013911Oct 1, 2004A/t solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013909Oct 1, 2004How to remove a stubborn atf filler bolt.
- 10013905Oct 1, 2004How to replenish atf on vehicles with a/t oil jet kits.
- 10013746Sep 16, 2004Automatic transmission fluid (atf) filler plug stuck in case. Acura tech summary line for dealer distribution.
- 10013745Sep 16, 2004Automatic transmission solenoid replacement criteria. Acura tech line summary for dealer distribution.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Acura CL
32 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Acura CL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology