1998 Acura CL
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1998 Acura CL.
Recalls on the 1998 Acura CL
Air bags: inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.
Electrical system: switch
ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH…
Electrical system: switch
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT…
2 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 57 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
1998 Acura CL at a glance
- Trims
- 2.3CL3.0CL
- Engine
- 2.3L 4-Cylinder, 3.0L 6-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Coupe
Other Acura CL years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 1998 Acura CL?
Owners have filed 57 complaints about the 1998 Acura CL with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. There are 5 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 1998 Acura CL reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 5 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1998 Acura CL?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1998 Acura CL listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.