2001 Acura EL

The 2001 Acura EL is a compact sedan based on the Honda Civic platform, offering a more luxurious and refined experience compared to its Honda counterpart. The Acura EL came with only one engine option: the 1.7L SOHC VTEC inline-4 D17A2 engine, which produced 127 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It was available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the EL’s reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. Common complaints often revolve around its age, leading to issues with aging components and difficulty finding specific parts. Some find the engine underpowered, particularly when fully loaded or driving uphill.

Engine

1.7L SOHC VTEC (D17A2)

• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated (typically codes P0420), reduced fuel economy, potential rattling noise from the exhaust system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated, poor fuel economy, rough idling, potential stalling. This is often related to the catalytic converter issue.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor (upstream or downstream).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, hard starting, stalling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the distributor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, harsh shifts, failure to shift into certain gears, “Check Engine” light with transmission-related codes.
  • Solution: Often caused by degraded transmission fluid, worn solenoids, or internal damage. May require a fluid flush, solenoid replacement, or a transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $2500+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Bushings and Ball Joints
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn bushings (control arm, sway bar) and ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, leaking fluid from the strut/shock.
  • Solution: Replacement of the struts and/or shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window moves slowly or not at all, grinding noise when operating the window, window falling into the door.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door lock not responding to the key fob or interior switch.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• SRS (Airbag) Light On
  • Description/Symptoms: The SRS light on the dashboard is illuminated, indicating a potential problem with the airbag system. This needs professional diagnosis.
  • Solution: The problem may be caused by a faulty clock spring, seat belt buckle sensor, or airbag module. Diagnosis and repair by a qualified technician are necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (diagnosis) - $500+ (repair, depending on the component)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on body panels, especially around wheel wells, rocker panels, and the undercarriage.
  • Solution: Removal of rust, bodywork, and repainting. Preventing further rust development through rustproofing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000+ (depending on severity and extent of damage)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights become cloudy or yellowed, reducing light output and visibility.
  • Solution: Headlight restoration kit, polishing, or replacement of the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 (DIY kit) - $400+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, often due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Dashboard cover, dashboard replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (cover) - $1000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Acura EL, while generally reliable, suffers from age-related issues. Engine problems like catalytic converter and oxygen sensor failures are common. Transmission issues such as slipping can be costly to repair. Suspension components like bushings and ball joints wear out, affecting ride quality. Electrical problems with power windows and door locks can also occur. Rust is a concern in areas with harsh winters. The severity of these issues varies depending on the vehicle’s condition and maintenance history, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand for major repairs like transmission replacement or extensive rust repair.