2003 Acura Cl Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 2003 Acura Cl
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
- Outscores the 2002 Acura Cl by 25 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (critical severity).
The 2003 Acura Cl at a glance
- Is the 2003 Acura Cl reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2003 Acura Cl 70/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A driver's coupe held back by an infamous Achilles' heel: its automatic transmission.
- Should I buy a used 2003 Acura Cl?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2003 Acura Cl. The 2003 Acura CL is a visually appealing and engaging coupe, but its widespread automatic transmission failures are a critical drawback. If you can find a rare 6-speed manual Type S, it's a 'Buy With Confidence.' For automatics, proceed with extreme caution, only if a pristine service history with transmission work…
- Which Acura Cl years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 2003 (6-speed manual Type S only). Years to avoid: 2001-2003 (automatic transmission models).
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Acura Cl?
- The top failure points on the 2003 Acura Cl are Automatic Transmission (typically around 60,000-120,000 miles), Power Steering System (typically around 70,000-110,000 miles), Catalytic Converters (typically around 90,000-130,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Acura Cl?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2003 Acura Cl is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, the car should feel fresh. The primary concern is ensuring routine maintenance, especially transmission fluid changes, has begun.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2003 Acura Cl?
The 2003 Acura CL offers strong performance and a comfortable ride, but its notorious automatic transmission issues make it a 'proceed with caution' purchase. While the engine itself is robust, ownership success hinges entirely on the transmission's health, demanding meticulous pre-purchase inspection and a readiness for potential costly repairs.
The 2003 Acura CL is a visually appealing and engaging coupe, but its widespread automatic transmission failures are a critical drawback. If you can find a rare 6-speed manual Type S, it's a 'Buy With Confidence.' For automatics, proceed with extreme caution, only if a pristine service history with transmission work…
Best Model Years
2003 (6-speed manual Type S only)
Years to Avoid
2001-2003 (automatic transmission models)
Biggest Strengths
- Robust J-series V6 engine (mechanically)
- Premium interior quality and features for its class
- Engaging driving dynamics (especially Type S models)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2003 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 severely prone to premature failure, often experiencing burnt 3rd/4th gear clutches, fluid starvation, and torque converter issues due to design flaws. This can lead to slipping, harsh shifts, or com…
The power steering pump is prone to leaks, often from the high-pressure hose and the pump itself. This leads to groaning noises, fluid loss, and ultimately pump failure if neglected. O-rings can also harden and crack.
Catalytic converters can fail prematurely, especially the front banks. This often manifests as a 'check engine' light with P0420/P0430 codes, indicating inefficiency, and can be exacerbated by minor engine oil consumption.
2003 Acura Cl Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2003 Acura Cl most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the car should feel fresh. The primary concern is ensuring routine maintenance, especially transmission fluid changes, has begun.
Maintenance Zone
This is a critical point for the automatic transmission. Ensure fluid has been changed multiple times. Power steering leaks may begin to appear. Brake rotor issues might be evident.
Elevated Risk Zone
The automatic transmission is at high risk of failure here. Catalytic converter efficiency can degrade. Suspension components will likely need inspection or replacement soon.
High Risk Zone
If the original automatic transmission is still present, consider it living on borrowed time. Expect multiple maintenance items, including potential major engine or electrical repairs.
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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
2003 Acura Cl Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2003 Acura Cl on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$400-600
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally
How Long Does the 2003 Acura Cl Last?
For automatic models, prioritize low mileage examples with documented, consistent transmission fluid changes or a verifiable rebuild. For manual Type S models, higher mileage is less of a concern for the powertrain itself, but general wear items will still need attention.
What 2003 Acura Cl Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Strong V6 engine performance, especially the Type S
- Comfortable and well-appointed interior for its era
- Sporty handling and good road manners
- Timeless exterior styling
Common Frustrations
- Constant fear and high cost of automatic transmission failure
- Poor fuel economy for a coupe of its size
- Dated infotainment and technology by modern standards
- Limited rear seat space and cargo capacity
Who Should Buy the 2003 Acura Cl?
Best For
- Acura enthusiasts seeking a performance bargain (manual Type S)
- DIY mechanics willing to tackle transmission issues
- Drivers looking for a stylish, comfortable cruiser (with a fresh transmission)
Not Ideal For
- Drivers seeking worry-free, long-term ownership
- Budget-conscious buyers who cannot afford major repairs
How the 2003 Acura Cl Compares to Rivals
The CL offers a more engaging drive than many contemporaries, with a premium feel surpassing many domestic offerings. However, its Achilles' heel transmission places it below the reliability benchmarks set by Toyota and Lexus in the same segment.
More Reliable Than
- Pontiac Grand Prix (earlier 2000s)
- Chrysler Sebring Coupe
Comparable To
- Nissan Maxima (early 2000s)
- Infiniti G20 (early 2000s)
NHTSA Recalls
5 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 specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2003 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.
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Where the 2003 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sell your 2003 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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