The 2003 Acura CL has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission shifting failure and slipping.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.
No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2003 Acura CL.
POWER TRAIN
31 NHTSA complaints · 2002-08 → 2025-10
“There is a grinding sound whenever the transmission is placed in third gear”
“TRANSMISSION IN MY 2003 ACURA CLS HAD SHIFTING PROBLEMS. IT WOULD DOWNSHIFT RANDOMLY FOR NO REASON AND THROW YOU HARD AGAINST YOUR SEAT BELT”
“AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED MISSING SHIFTS INTO 3RD GEAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN UNDER LOAD, LIKE GOING UP HILL”
POWER TRAIN
5 NHTSA complaints · 2005-02 → 2006-10
“ISSUE WITH 6 SPEED STANDARD TRANSMISSION. WHILE COLD DIFFICULTY UPSHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR WITH OCCASIONAL GEAR GRINDING”
“2003 ACURA CL TYPE S 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANS. TRAVELING SLOW IN 1ST. GEAR ON AND OFF THE GAS TRANS. POPS OUT OF GEAR WITH A CLUNK”
“2003 ACURA 3.2CL TYPE S - 75,000 MILES - MANUAL TRANSMISSION (MT) IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO SECOND AND REVERSE GEARS”
STEERING, SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2022-02
“Subframe rusted through on the passenger side where the cause is a manufacturer defect of condensation from the air conditioning dripping directly above onto the subframe on the passenger side, which created a perforation of the passenger side subframe”
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED”
“ENGINE CRADLE IS TOTALLY BROKEN IN HALF”
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 NHTSA complaints · 2003-05 → 2004-01
“THERE SHOULD BE A BAN ON THE HID FRONT BRIGHT BEAMS ON CARS FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY”
“I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT THE NEW HID HEADLIGHTS ON SOME NEW VEHICLES”
“BLUE HIGH INTENSITY LIGHTING CREATES A HAZARD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC”
TIRES, WHEELS
4 NHTSA complaints · 2002-07 → 2007-02
“I HAVE A 2003 ACURA CL S TYPE AT 400 MILES A TIRE WAS MICHELIN TIRE WAS REPLACED FOR A BUBBLE IN THE TIRE WALL, THE CAR IS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD AND WITH 11,000 MILES”
“WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE SUFFERED A SIDEWALL CUT AND SUDDEN DEFLATION OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE”
“MY CO-WORKER CALLED LESS THAN A MILE FROM WORK INFORMING ME OF SIDEWALL BLOW OUT ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE, HE HAD ONLY TRAVELED A SHORT DISTANCE WHEN CAR FELT ODD”
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 NHTSA complaints · 2002-06 → 2017-04
“IN 6/16/04 WITH 14,396 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT ROTORS RESURFACED AND MY BRAKE PADS REPLACED WITH UPDATED PADS PER TSB01-017 BECAUSE OF EXTREME VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING (OUT OF ROUND ROTORS DUE TO OVER HEATING)”
“WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE DRAGS AND FRONT VIBRATES”
“WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE CONTACT FELT A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL”
AIR BAGS
6 NHTSA complaints · 2005-04 → 2015-03
“AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER VEHICLE SKID ON BLACK ICE CRASHING INTO A SERIES OF TREES CAUSING MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE”
“VEHICLE SKIDDED-HIT DIVIDER-PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED-DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT”
“MY ACURA CL'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2024-04
“I have an SRS light illuminated on my dashboard”
“However, recently my SRS light has been on requiring me to take my car to an Acura dealer”
“CAR HAS 120000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE INTERMITTENT BUCKLING ISSUES AND SRS AIRBAG SWITCH IS BAD INSIDE A SEALED SAFETY BELT”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$935–$1175
Shop
~$655–$825
DIY
Pro only
On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.
Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
58 crashes 1990–2024
How the 58 occupant deaths break down
45
driver deaths
13
passenger deaths
58
occupant deaths
Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2002 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.
Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.
Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.
IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
7
complaints mentioning a crash
0
complaints mentioning a fire
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2003 Acura CL reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.