2001 Acura CL Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the visibility of the 2001 Acura CL, 4% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2001 Acura CL type-s rear view mirror (self dimming) is leaking a black tar type substance that is eating through the center console of the car. There is a grey type of film in the mirror and objects in the mirror appear doubled. Through research I have been able to locate the manufacturer, magna donnelly and websites indicating the fluid is toxic and can lead to health issues. I think that Acura should submit a recall and magna donnelly should pay for replacement mirrors.”
NHTSA complaint #10240619, filed 2008-09, 110,000 miles“Rear view mirror (self dimming) on my 2001 Acura CL self destructed and spilt some toxic dark this fluid on to the console and leather seats that ate away the material. Manufacturer of these self dimming mirrors is magna donnely and this seems to be a common problem on all Acura CL and tl cars from late 90's till 2003. From seeing the number of posts on acurazine blog this is a widespread problem and a safety issue. I am having to drive with a plastic ziplock bag around my rear view mirror and a towel below it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10240125, filed 2008-08, 130,000 miles“1) approximately 18 months ago, I began noticing an oily/greasy substance on my windshield when I used my window washer cleaner. I assumed it was faulty wipers and replaced these repeatedly over the next 18 months only to have the problem return. 2) Acura TSB 01004 and NHTSA item number 623220 details the problem...the oil/greasy film being deposited on the windshield is so severe, that it becomes impossible to see out of the windshield; which could potentially result in loss of control of the vehicle and a car crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10171994, filed 2006-10, 55,000 miles“The rear view mirror of my 2001 Acura cls started leaking the chemical that allows it to dim. I believe it was because the temperature here in nc has been around 100 degrees for a couple of days. I've read several online forums describing incidents where their mirrors exploded, causing the chemical to spew all over their cars. The chemical eats through leather and plastic, and it can cause adverse effects to one's health if inhaled. The forums have dated back to 2004, one post sited a lawsuit underway (in 2006). I was wondering why there was no recall of this mirror.”
NHTSA complaint #10230378, filed 2008-06, 84,500 miles“2001 Acura CL type s rear view mirror leak. Mirror became cloudy and needed to be replaced after black tar like substance leaked from rear view mirror. Substance is highly corrosive and damages whatever it comes in contact with.”
NHTSA complaint #10245690, filed 2008-10, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10012636Aug 3, 2004Deformed windshield molding.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Acura CL
206 complaintsAir bags
32 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 29, 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