1998 Acura CL
Introduction
The 1998 Acura CL was a stylish and sporty coupe that offered a blend of performance, luxury, and reliability. It was available with two engine options: a 2.2-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6. Both engines were paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, with an optional four-speed automatic transmission available for the V6.
Engine
2.2-liter Four-Cylinder
- Clogged EGR Valve
- Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during acceleration, reduced fuel efficiency, rough idle
- Solution: Clean or replace EGR valve
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
- Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
3.0-liter V6
- Timing Belt Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Catastrophic engine failure
- Solution: Replace timing belt according to maintenance schedule
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
- Description/Symptoms: Oil accumulation on engine and undercarriage
- Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Five-Speed Manual
- No Issues Found
Four-Speed Automatic
- Jerking or Shuddering During Shifts
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips or hesitates during gear changes
- Solution: Flush and replace transmission fluid, replace solenoid pack
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Strut Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises when driving over bumps, decreased handling and stability
- Solution: Replace front struts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Shock Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling or banging noises from the rear suspension
- Solution: Replace rear shock mounts
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, electrical system failure
- Solution: Replace alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
- Ignition Coil Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, loss of power
- Solution: Replace ignition coil(s)
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sunroof Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Water entering cabin after heavy rain
- Solution: Inspect sunroof drains and seals, replace if necessary
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Power Seat Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Inability to adjust seat position
- Solution: Repair or replace seat motor
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Inoperative gauges, display problems
- Solution: Replace instrument cluster
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
Overall, the 1998 Acura CL was a reliable and well-built coupe, but it is not without its share of potential issues. While some issues, such as sunroof leaks and interior failures, are minor annoyances, others, such as timing belt failure and transmission problems, can be more costly and inconvenient. It is important to note that the severity and cost of these issues may vary depending on the specific vehicle and its maintenance history.