2002 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S
19UYA42612A005151
Vehicle history report for the 2002 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S (VIN 19UYA42612A005151). White, coupe, 3.2L 6-cyl 260 hp, gasoline. 142,150 mi reported. Registered in Md. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 2 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report power train trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 19UYA42612A005151, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file3 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🛡️ Safety & driver assistance
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT Closed
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
NHTSA #PE02081 · Power Train · opened Oct 2002 · closed Mar 2003An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 143
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 143.
Test
Bulletin - · Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Feb 2024Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
Bulletin B18010I · Electrical System, Equipment · Jan 2018Servicenews article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
Bulletin B18010I · Equipment, Electrical System · Jan 2018Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and have it under investigation.
Bulletin BTS170801 · Equipment · Sep 2017Tech line summary article - Is the navigation screen clock reading 00:00? We?re aware of this issue and are looking for a solution.
Bulletin BTS170801 · Electrical System · Aug 2017Service bulletin - You are required to install a remanufactured A/T (automatic transmission) and torque converter on any vehicle with an internal failure that calls for A/T disassembly that is covered under any of the programs listed.
Bulletin B90-009 · Power Train · Aug 2017SERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION.
Bulletin B05-018 · Equipment · Nov 2016Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
Bulletin B98015 · Equipment · Mar 2016"SERVICE BULLETIN - THIS BULLETIN UPDATES THE TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES FOR DTC P1456 (EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKAGE [FUEL TANK SYSTEM]) AND DTC P1457 (EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKAGE[EVAP CANISTER SYSTEM]). DEPENDING ON THE MODEL, THERE ARE TWO INDIVIDUAL PROCEDUR…
Bulletin B99-040 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Other · Dec 2015Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.
Bulletin DLR MSG - Acura · Air Bags · Aug 2014Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2002 Acura CL. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. In some cases, this could cause an airbag not to fully inflate, while in others it could cause it to deploy with more force than normal. It could also cause the inflator to rupture. If the airbag inflator ruptures, small pieces of metal could be pro…
Transport Canada #2020015 · Jan 2020Powertrain
Certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or, in very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up. Correction: On vehicles with 24 000 kms or less, the dealer will update the transmission wit…
Transport Canada #2004143 · Apr 2004Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Acura CL
The Acura CL is a midsize four passenger coupe manufactured and marketed by Honda's Acura brand across two generations from 1997–2003 model years.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement…
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Cente
NHTSA Campaign #20V027000 · manufacturer #U6R, H6S · 17/01/2020POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERI
NHTSA Campaign #04V176000 · manufacturer #P30/P31 · 15/04/2004These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Acura CL, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 61
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2002 Acura CL.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
UNKNOWN
NHTSA ODI #11509494AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FRONT DRIVER AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 …
NHTSA ODI #11321734AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V027000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. ACURA OF ESCONDIDO LOCATED AT (1502 AUTO PARK WAY, ESCON…
NHTSA ODI #11319134ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA CL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE "SRS" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT ALL DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH GOODSON ACURA OF DALLAS (4801 LEMMON AVE, DALLAS, TX 75219) FOR SEPTEMBER 11, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…
NHTSA ODI #11254523FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I BOUGHT A USED CAR FROM CHICAGO SUBURB INDIVIDUAL OWNER ABOUT 15 DAYS AGO. CLEAN TITLE WITH NO ACCIDENT HISTORY. THE GAS TANK DURING LAST 15 DAYS WAS NEVER LITTLE ABOVE HALF TANK. TODAY I FILLED GAS FULL TANK AND DROVE ABOUT 8 MILES AND PARKED IN HOME GARAGE. LIQUID FUEL LEAK FROM REAR SIDE OF THE TANK WAS OBSERVED FORMING A PUDDLE IN GARAGE GIVING STRONG …
NHTSA ODI #11015278POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE CAR GOES INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING ALMOST BEEN IN A ACCIDENT SEVERAL TIMES OVER THIS ISSUE .I DON'T EVEN DRIVE IT ANYMORE
NHTSA ODI #10839724SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MY SON HIT A POLE AND THE AIR BAG CRUSHED HIM. HE DIED! IT RIPPED HIS AORTA, HIS LIVER, CRUSHED HIS LUNGS, HEAD INJURY, METAL IN CHEST. *TR
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10649102VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
FOR A COUPLE DAYS MY CAR WOULD BEGIN STALLING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I FELT LIKE IT SLOWED DOWN TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR BUT NEVER COMPLETELY SHIFTED. THEN, ONE DAY WHEN I WAS DRIVING, ON MY WAY HOME MY CAR SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR COMPLETELY AND I COULDN'T DRIVE FORWARD. MY CAR ONLY ALLOWED ME TO GO IN REVERSE. 2AFTER ALLOWING IT TO SIT FOR A WHILE IT W…
NHTSA ODI #10453834+ 53 more complaints on record.
