MYRModel Year Report

1999 Acura CL

▲ Better than typical
1999 Acura CL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:56.876Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
49
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1999

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

27% of complaints

Complaints per year

1997: 82 complaints 1997 1998: 55 complaints 1998 1999: 49 complaints 1999 49 2000: 11 complaints 2000 2001: 271 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 73 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint 2004
1997: 82 complaints 1997 1998: 55 complaints 1998 1999: 49 complaints 1999 49 2000: 11 complaints 2000 2001: 271 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 73 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint 2004
1997: 82 complaints 1997 1998: 55 complaints 1998 1999: 49 complaints 1999 49 2000: 11 complaints 2000 2001: 271 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 73 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint 2004

1999: 49 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199782
199855
199949
200011
2001271
200244
200373
20041

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

27% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Transmission failed to operate twice within a month. Also, there was a problem with inoperative gear shift due to water on the horn. Vehicle has been to dealer's repair shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-06-22

Electrical system

22% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing switch and alternator/generator/regulator.

Engine and engine cooling

14% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing gas recirculation valve (egr valve) and crankcase (pcv).

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Transmission failure: the problem starts with the following symptoms : failure to place the car in drive or to remove the key from the ignition when it is in park.

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-07-16

Air bags

12% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The crash involved 3 cars and mine was in the middle. The airbag should have deployed but did not. The car interior smelled fishy and had powdery deposits, however.after the crashdery.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-01-17

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 1999 Acura CL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V026000 (Air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-25

I received notification from Acura in March 2020 about a potential malfunction of my airbag in the event of deployment. It is approaching July and no follow up message on a repair has been provided.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-18

Tires

12% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing sidewall and tread/belt.

Show complaint excerpts

The michelin radial xse 205/55R16 tire developed bubble on the side, one of the two remaining micheliin tires also developed bubbles on the side, the consumer wants the manufacturer to investigate the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-07-09

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2002-06-14Electrical system02V120000 On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2003-12-08Electrical system03V423000 On certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "Off" Position and…

    Remedy: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2020-10-01Air bags20V026000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura...

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 Acura CL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V120000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 03V423000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 20V026000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1999 Acura CL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Acura CL is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Acura CL?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Acura CL have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.