I am the original owner of an 03 CL Type S with a manual 6spd.
I have not had any problems with this vehicle except the warping rotors. It's not a major issue to me because the rotors warped on every vehicle I have owned in the last 7 years; 99 Honda Accord, 01 Mitsu Eclipse Spyder GT, 02 Nissan Maxima and a 01 Nissan Pathfinder.
The solution to this problem is aftermarket dimpled or crossdrilled and slotted rotors and Akebono ceramic pads. This setup will set you back 440 bucks delivered, and will last over 50k of hard braking miles with better stopping power.
Like I said, this has been my only issue at over 75k miles.
I love the car and I'm not easy on it either.
Tarp1.
If you think about it, sometimes premature clutch failure is a pretty common problem... only if you don't drive a manual correctly. I have a 2003 CL-S 6MT that I've owned since the end of 2002. I attend school 100 miles from home, and I commute back on a weekly basis. My car is not heavily modified either. I have the typical AEM Cold Air with a set of pullies and headers. my car currently has 180k miles on it. I had to replace my clutch at 120k because it finally began to lose grip on me. I know plenty people who own a CL-S, and they have also driven their cars to the 80K+ before replacing the clutch. The rotors and auto transmissions I can understand, but please, don't tell me your clutch fails at 30k because of Acura's horrible design. You're just fooling yourself.
I am the original owner of a '03 cl-s/auto. I have 57k miles on it and have had a few problems with it, under warranty I had the auto seat adjuster replaced (stopped moving from front to back), a few squeaks and rattles taken care of, and the worst problem has been the HID headlights. I had one side replaced under warranty where the inverter went bad ($400 part), they also replaced the bulb at the time. Now the same thing happened to the other side but the warranty has expired and it seems to be the same problem. This could mean $500-700 to repair...weeeeeee...expensive car expensive parts. Also I've had the same problem as others with the rotors becoming warped.
We have had 4 Cls in our family, from a '97 2.3 liter to an '03 3.2 liter, and they have been relatively problem free. Catalytic converters seem to need replacing at around 100,000 miles, could have to do with my kids running them too often low on gas. We just had our first transmission failure on a '99 2.8. It's more common on the larger 6 cylinders than the 4. Our '03 has about 60,000 miles on it and has had no major issues besides rotors and brake pads (knock on wood). My young adult children love the CLs for their combined sportiness and luxury. We've found them pretty long lasting and reliable. Dealer attitudes and repair prices are a totally different issue, though. Go to Meineke!
I have had my CL type S for 4 years. Not a problem at all yet. I have put 100,00 miles on it and only changed the oil. Learn how to drive. Also, don't buy an automatic!
I'm a new 2nd owner of CL type s 2003 6 speed 50k miles. I must say that i'm in love with this car but I can see there is some problems not so important but they are. rotors are warping, driver seat belt isn't rolling back, clutch start to slipping litle bit. seatbelts and rotors I can fix by myself but the clutch could be a problem. also clock light doesn't work. Anyway I still love the car I like the gearbox and the way you shift the gears :) ) ) car is almost as fast as G35 also in manual. Stock car has to be lowered cause of under steering becomes to over steering on curves... we'll see :)
I own a 2003 CL 3.2 S type with 60K miles and in the last month the transmission has had to be replaced (Acura has a recall on this) and they charged me 145.00 for the repair. Now both inverter panels and one HID Bulb went out and the repair was $1244.40. Acura quoted me 2K for the repair. I went to an independent repair facility to save some money after Acura assured me there was not a service bulletin on it. Turns out you have drop the front bumper and remove the radiator overflow tank to reach the inverter panels. Once the second panel was diagnosed I called Acura to tell them and they told me we have a service bulletin bring it in and we might help you with the repair. With the bumper off and overflow tank removed I couldn't get it to a dealer. Acura said then we aren't helping you. I loved this car until 2 months ago. I am wondering what will fail now. Acura Corporate Headquarters is a joke, they should be ashamed of themselves. I am selling both of my Acuras and the independent repair facility is informing everyone of their customers to buy something other than a Honda or Acura. They put bad parts in their vehicle, over charge at their dealerships and then punish you when you choose independent 5 star repair facilities. Shame on you Acura.
First I would like to thank CarSurvey.Org for allowing me to post a comment without the register headache of other sites.
I have had my 2003 CL-S/AT for a little over 3 years now, it had 25000 miles on it and I knew of the recall on the tranny. I called the dealer before purchasing to verify the needed fix had already been done. Other than wishing I would have looked longer for a 6MT, I would have to say that the transmission has given me zero problems. I shifts smoothly, no slipping and simply just performs flawlessly. Though I will admit I only have 55,000 miles on it now, and to lack of control with the sport shifting is annoying... but like I said... should have bought the 6MT. Can't buy an auto trans for being an auto trans, then get upset that it is an auto trans.
With that said I will have to say that I do feel the pain of the head lights. Both head lights have failed a year apart from each other at $550 a piece to fix. This is a joke. But then I guess that is what what happens when you buy a luxury car. The car was more, so why wouldn't the repair parts be? And if you can afford the car to begin with, then you should be able to afford higher repair cost. You should know going into it that you aren't buying the cheapest car for the money. Luxury doesn't equal quality or reliability. European cars are some of the most unreliable cars out there, but also known as some of the most luxurious. Don't want to get started on BMW, SAAB and Land Rover.
Also thanks to the person who commented on the back light of the clock going out 3 times. I had noticed mine wasn't back lit, but then couldn't remember if it ever had been. Now I know... though I don't think it is worth $100 for me to get it repaired.
The biggest annoyance by far is the rattles. I have a 93' Geo prism that has no rattles, the CL has at least 4. And the body metal. I think if you look at it long enough cross eyed, you can dent it. What is it make of? Foil?
Anyhow, lastly the reason I am posting this message is because I feel that one of the biggest reason for owning the car and a reason I am holding onto the car regardless of its minor problems and risks of transmission and minor failures is that it because it was a failure. Acura stopped making this car because of lack of sales I am sure, people who had the money for it would buy a rear drive performance/luxury car. For that reason is why you don't see many on the road. I can go days or 100s of miles without seeing another one.
And I think it is some what of a "sleeper". This car is a lot quicker then it looks. Sure there are other cars that are quicker. But you also expect it. There are Mustangs out there that I know are quicker, but you can proudly say that my car isn't a Mustang. A car you do see everyplace and are a dime a dozen. Next time you go around town, try going 90secs without seeing one... bet you can't. And even though they can beat you 0-60, they can't beat you 0-100,000 miles without heavy repair. Has a Ford ever made it to 100,000 yet? Sorry... I guess I am a little bitter there. Parents had 70-80's Fords, none made to 70,000 without blowing a engine or transmission.
Mine's a 2003 CL Type-S with 60K.
The HIDs have been replaced - FOUR times.
On my FIFTH set of tires.
The interior rear-view mirror ruptured.
The passenger SRS failed.
The driver window lifter failed.
The CD head unit jammed.
The trim on passenger A-pillar fell off.
Rotors warped and one failed at 59000.
Bodywork made of tin foil.
Aftersales service utterly contemptible - at two different Acura dealerships.
I came out of an S Class Merc. NEVER again would I even contemplate Acura (made in the damn USA - there's a clue) and I will tell EVERYONE what crap Acura is. Not just subjective here: read the blogs, talk to others!
RUBBISH!
(Anyone want a 2003 CL Type-S? :-P)
I am another unfortunate soul who brought an 2003 Acura 3.2CL Type-S. It is amazing that after reading the previous posts about this car I felt as if I wrote them.
I have had many of the same problems.
Transmission failure
Warped rotors
Multiple OEM tire replacements
Clock light failure
CD changer failure
Power window failure.
Acura and Honda built their reputation for reliable cars in the 80's and early to mid 90's. Since the late 90's they have not lived up to that reputation. They have had problems with transmissions in various models since 97, and yet no publication takes them to task on it. If this were an American automaker they would be crucified for it. My point is the Acura and Honda that gained its reputation years ago is no more. The modern day company is not worthy of their reputation.
I own a Acura 2003 3.2CL I got it with about 68,000 miles. I have about 79,000 miles on it now. Just like everyone else my transmission is failing. I'm more upset because I just got the car at the end of Jan. 2008 what a bummer!!!
I have an 03 CL-S with the 6-speed. Going on 79,000 miles now. I bought it certified pre-owned from an Acura dealer @ 47k miles. The only problems I've had was the sunroof was sluggish (track needed to be re-lubed) and the steering wheel audio controls were messed up. (told the dealer when I came in for an oil change, they fixed it right up for me) There is also a rattling of the sunroof when its closed and the visor is opened.. but I don't feel like paying $80 for a strip of rubber to fix it, since I only hear it when going over speed bumps or through the city.
Never had any transmission problems, headlight problems or others (knock on wood) -- coming from a 98 prelude though, I miss the stiffer ride, and to be honest, my Prelude's stereo could knock the pants off the Bose one my CL came with. Also, what's with the 1 level heated seating? The TL has hi-low, is that so hard to put in this car?
I have a 2003 CL Type S 6sp mt. This is a follow up post on my vehicle.
I now have 90 thousand miles on it and the only problem I've had was warping rotors, which is commonplace nowadays.
Just bought all my tune up parts, timing belt, waterpump and a new radiator hoses and belts. 575 bucks. Great car, no complaints. After this it should be ready for another 100k.
If my headlights go out, the dealer will replace for free?
Tarp1.
I really want to buy a 03 CL-Type S 6 Speed MT, hopefully something with mileage less than 65,000 miles. Can some advise me on whether this is a good idea or bad.
Also someone offered me 12,000 (Canadian) which is about 10,000 American for an 03 CL-Type S Automatic. Is that a good deal?
Please advise!
I've read all the posts here, and I must say that many of you are complaining about things that are common.
- If the OEM tires need to be replaced frequently, then don't buy OEM tires. Go to a tire shop and get something comparable.
- If the OEM HID's keep failing, why on earth would anyone pay $1200 to replace both assemblies?!!? You can easily buy aftermarket HID-D2R replacements for $200, then get them installed for $150. If you can't do them yourself that is.
- Rotor warping is common on ALL cars. Buy some aftermarket slotted rotors.
- The CL-P has High/Low heated seats. The CL-S does not.
I just bought an 03 CL-S 6spd and it's perfect. It's the only year that has LSD to help coming out of a corner with low understeer.