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YA4 · Coupe

2003 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 2003 Acura CL.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2003 Acura CL

Recall·19V182000

Air bags: inflator module

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.

Recall·19V499000

Air bags: inflator module

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.

Recall·15V320000

Air bags: inflator module

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.

2 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 79 owners reported

Power train36
Air bags9
Tires6
Exterior lighting5

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2003 Acura CL at a glance

Trims
3.2CL3.2CL Type-S
Engine
3.2L 6-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 5-spd, Manual 6-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Coupe
Browse

Other Acura CL years

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2003 Acura CL?

Owners have filed 79 complaints about the 2003 Acura CL with NHTSA, most often about the power train. 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 2003 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 2003 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 2003 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.