1997 Acura CL from North America - Comments

Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-32

29th Jul 2003, 08:18

What things have gone wrong with the car?

The Power Windows on this vehicle fail about every 33,000 miles. I have replaced the regulator and/or the motor in my driver's side window twice and the passenger side window once, within 101,000 miles. The dealer charges an outrageous $290.00 US dollars for this service. Acura has never issued a recall on this defect. I consider this a factory defect, because unlike brakes, tires, belts, etc. this is not a part that should fail as often as it does. This is the only vehicle I have ever owned whereas I have had to replace the power window mechanism three times within 5 years. I have the vehicle serviced regularly as preventive maintenance, but that is expensive as well. The dealer charges from $525.00- $1000.00 for the scheduled services, but that is for checking many items, not repair or replace. If indeed an item needs repair or replace there is an additional fee for such. I think the service cost is as expensive as the service on a Mercedes Benz. The car is comfortable, and stylish, but the service cost, and amount of money I have put into replacing a factory defect; which I will have to continue to replace as long as I have the car, is unreal. Also if you ever take the car to service anywhere, but an Acura dealership, it voids the warranty.

General comments?

This car is Comfortable, and stylish, but the power windows are defective. I have replaced my power window mechanism which is the regulator, and the motor every 33,000 miles. I cost of this is $290.00 plus tax each time.


17th Oct 2003, 09:10

I have a '97 3.0 CL which is now going on it's second power window failure in less than a year at a cost of $300+ per repair. In my opinion this is a factory defect and should be addressed by Acura.

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22nd Dec 2003, 07:42

1997 Acura 3.0.

Same here. Both Power Windows have failed in the last year.

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7th Jun 2004, 19:29

I have the same problem... I have a 97 2.2cl with 76K miles. At about 45,000 miles the drivers side window regulator went bad, now today I return to my car after it was sitting parked for 4 hours to find that the passenger window was down. Went to the dealter and the regulator was the problem ($350.00). This is sad sad sad... I will be calling Acura MFG to discuss this issue. I ill never buy another Acura.

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9th Jun 2004, 15:24

As the original owner of a 1997 3.0 cl...101,000 miles. With city, mountain and freeway driving, my tires have lasted 50k for the first set and 48k for the second set. Great performane and the 87 grade gas is cheap on the wallet with great milege at 23 MPG around town and normally with travel bags and golf clubs, I get between 27-29 MPG on the open road. (window regulator changed at 62k for $327.) Only normal oil, battery and tire maintenance. I have non-dealer maintenance and am extremely happy with the car. Sorry they discontined the style beyound the 3.2 issue...I'm due for 105,000 maintenance shortly and leary of going to the dealer... so still looking around for advise as I'm keeping this jewel...

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3rd Aug 2004, 15:59

I own a 98 Acura CL 3.0 on which the Left window regulator cables were replaced about 3 years ago (under warranty), when the window stopped working properly. Today I've found out they need to be replaced again. This repair will now cost $300 to $400.

If anyone has any experience talking to the manufacturer about this or another problem, any useful information would be appreciated. Thanks.

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4th Aug 2004, 11:44

I am the owner of a '97 CL 3.0 with 178,000 miles. At about 80,000 I replaced the passenger side window regulator, have replaced the timing belt 2 x including water pump, alternator went south at about 85K, starter at 150K, tires batteries and consumables like CV joints are normal. Drivers side window regulator went out this morning, found new part on internet, $68.00 including shipping at A1 Auto. com. About an hour job to change. Car still gives me 25 + MPG, still has a ton of get up and go. When it gets to the point I have to start putting more money in it than I should, I will buy a new one and drive it to 200K as well.

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5th Aug 2004, 16:27

My daughter just called and her window wouldn't go all the way up in her '97 3.0 CL. Now it's down in the door. Would this be the window regulator that you all have been talking about? Is it something that my husband can fix himself to save her that high cost at the dealership?

I also need a quick suggestion on how to get the window up so that she can get to Texas from Illinois.

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6th Aug 2004, 17:35

I am the owner of a 98 2.3 CL, 80,000 miles. As I came out of the grocery store, noticed the driver's side window was all the way down and window will not go back up. Also, the passenger side window has been getting stuck at the 1/2 way mark for about 2 years and will slowly go all the way up after about 15 minutes of trying, although lately it fights to move at all. I'm not looking forward to this bill. After reading all your comments, looks like I will be paying about $700 to have both window regulators replaced.

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11th Aug 2004, 19:12

I have the 98, 2.3 Acura CL at 80,000 miles (see posted comment above). Just wanted to let you know, I had the driver side window regulator replaced and it cost me $230.00.

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13th Aug 2004, 10:33

I have a '97 2.2 CL, with 50,000 miles, and my drivers side regulator is being replaced at this time as well.

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15th Aug 2004, 07:42

I have a 97 Acura 3.0 CL and the drivers side pwr window failed at 73,000miles. Does someone have a pointer for instructions to replace regulator rather than take to Acura Service?

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17th Aug 2004, 17:21

My girlfriend has a 97 cl3.0 and I have been fighting with it for the last two years. Same window problem, plus the EGR valve problem... Seems like every month is something else wrong with the car. Anybody want to buy a 97 Acura??

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22nd Aug 2004, 12:12

I have a 1998 CL Acura driver side window is stuck. Not looking forward to the repair. I just replaced the wiper motor, as I was driving down the freeway it just went out. This was a terrible experience since it was pouring down rain and I could not see a thing, cost of this was about $200.00.

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31st Aug 2004, 12:22

I'm here to join the club I guess. I took my '97 Acura 2.2CL to a mechanic for the drivers window and they had to order a $331 part (regulator assembly) from the dealer - total price $367 with labor and tax. Now they tell me the passenger side is burned out also.

I searched the internet and found a $70 part AFTER they had installed mine, so I can't get it refunded. I told them to leave the passenger side alone - I'll order the part and put it in myself.

I was FURIOUS when I found out I paid $331 for a "factory" part, when I could have got it off A1 website for $70. Live and learn. Besides that, I love my car though. The 2.2 is a little underpowered though.

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8th Sep 2004, 12:05

I have a 97 CL 3.0 and was lucky enough to have the window fail at 50,103 miles. Acura covered the item under warranty. My car has 145k on it and is still running strong. If you have any problems with your CL go to acuracl. com and you will find a wealth of information posted from other owners. I just found it last month and have learned a ton about the car.

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