2002 Acura Cl Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 2002 Acura Cl
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
- Scores 25 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2001 Acura Cl earns a 70.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (critical severity).
The 2002 Acura Cl at a glance
- Is the 2002 Acura Cl reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2002 Acura Cl 45/100 (grade D), categorized as high risk. A performance coupe plagued by a notorious automatic transmission, requiring careful consideration and a significant repair budget.
- Should I buy a used 2002 Acura Cl?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2002 Acura Cl. For the vast majority of 2002 Acura CLs, which came equipped with the ill-fated 5-speed automatic transmission, this vehicle is simply too high a risk for ownership. The high probability of catastrophic transmission failure, coupled with repair costs that often eclipse the car's value, makes it a financially perilou…
- Which Acura Cl years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: None for automatics. The 2003 CL Type-S with 6-speed manual transmission is the only truly recommended variant.. Years to avoid: All 2001-2003 Acura CL models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission..
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Acura Cl?
- The top failure points on the 2002 Acura Cl are Automatic Transmission (typically around 60,000-120,000 miles), Electrical System (typically around 80,000-150,000 miles), Front Suspension & Steering (typically around 90,000-140,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Acura Cl?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2002 Acura Cl is around 30,000. Early Warning Zone — While generally low risk, this is where early signs of transmission issues (harsh shifts, slight hesitations) might begin to manifest in some affected automatic units. Minor electrical quirks may also appear.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2002 Acura Cl?
While the 2002 Acura CL offers compelling performance and luxury styling, its catastrophic automatic transmission failures make it an extremely high-risk proposition for most buyers. Unless you are seeking out the rare manual transmission variant or are prepared for a costly transmission replacement, this vehicle should be approached with extreme caution.
For the vast majority of 2002 Acura CLs, which came equipped with the ill-fated 5-speed automatic transmission, this vehicle is simply too high a risk for ownership. The high probability of catastrophic transmission failure, coupled with repair costs that often eclipse the car's value, makes it a financially perilou…
Best Model Years
None for automatics. The 2003 CL Type-S with 6-speed manual transmission is the only truly recommended variant.
Years to Avoid
All 2001-2003 Acura CL models equipped with the 5-speed automatic transmission.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust VTEC V6 engine (when paired with a working transmission)
- Premium interior materials and comfortable cabin
- Sporty handling and refined ride for a GT coupe
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2002 Acura Cl, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The 5-speed automatic transmission is prone to premature failure, specifically involving the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear clutch packs due to fluid degradation and design flaws. This often results in erratic shifting, slipping, or complete los…
Various electrical components can fail, including HID headlight ballasts, power window regulators, climate control display backlights, and intermittent dashboard warning lights. These issues are often annoying but can be costly to diagno…
Common wear items include control arm bushings, compliance bushings, and ball joints, leading to clunking noises, poor alignment retention, and a degraded ride quality. Power steering pumps can also develop leaks.
2002 Acura Cl Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2002 Acura Cl most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Early Warning Zone
While generally low risk, this is where early signs of transmission issues (harsh shifts, slight hesitations) might begin to manifest in some affected automatic units. Minor electrical quirks may also appear.
Transmission Risk Zone
This mileage range is a critical period for the 5-speed automatic transmission, with many failures occurring around or shortly after this point. Regular maintenance items like brakes and tires become due.
Elevated Component Wear Zone
If the automatic transmission hasn't failed by now, it's living on borrowed time. Major suspension components (bushings, ball joints) will likely require attention, along with more persistent electrical issues.
High Risk / Maintenance Intensive Zone
Beyond this point, the likelihood of major failures, especially with the automatic transmission, is very high. The vehicle will likely require significant investment in suspension, cooling, and electrical systems to remain reliable.
6x5.5 Wheel Spacers for 1999-2023 Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500,1.5" and 2",Hubcentric/Lug-Centric - KSP Performance, 2" / None Hubcentric
2" 4x4" Wheel Spacers for EZ GO EZGO Club Car - KSP performance
Aluminum Single Plane Enigne Intake Manifold for Chevy/Pontiac/Cadillac/GMC LS Gen III/IV LS1/LS2/LS6
2002 Acura Cl Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2002 Acura Cl on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-700 (routine service, oil changes, minor wear items)
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,500 occasionally (e.g. suspension refresh, HID repair, major electrical diagnosis)
How Long Does the 2002 Acura Cl Last?
For automatic models, prioritize vehicles with verified transmission service history and the absolute lowest mileage possible; anything over 80,000 miles without a transmission replacement is a significant gamble. For manual models, higher mileage is less of a concern if well-maintained.
What 2002 Acura Cl Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Strong V6 engine performance and acceleration (especially Type-S)
- Stylish, sleek coupe design that still holds up today
- Comfortable and well-appointed interior with quality materials
- Engaging driving dynamics and responsive handling for a FWD car
Common Frustrations
- Catastrophic automatic transmission failures are a constant worry and expensive reality.
- Poor fuel economy for its size and age.
- Difficulty finding parts for some specific CL components as it was a niche model.
- Road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds.
Who Should Buy the 2002 Acura Cl?
Best For
- Acura/Honda enthusiasts seeking the rare 6-speed manual Type-S for its performance and rarity.
- Individuals with deep mechanical knowledge or direct access to affordable transmission repair/replacement.
- Buyers looking for a project car who are prepared to immediately address the transmission.
Not Ideal For
- Daily commuters who rely on their vehicle for consistent transportation.
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for an inexpensive and reliable used car.
How the 2002 Acura Cl Compares to Rivals
While the CL offers a compelling blend of performance and luxury, its automatic transmission issues fundamentally undermine its reliability compared to more robust competitors. The manual version, however, compares favorably to many of its peers.
More Reliable Than
- 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
- 2002 Chrysler Sebring Coupe
- 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Coupe
Comparable To
- 2002 Infiniti G20
- 2002 Lexus ES 300 (engine reliability, not sporty focus)
NHTSA Recalls
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
What breaks on the 2002 Acura Cl?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Acura Cl by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Acura Cl. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2002 Acura Cl
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Where the 2002 Acura Cl report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Sell your 2002 Acura Cl for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Acura Cl. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
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