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1998 Acura CL 2.3CL MT

The 1998 Acura CL 2.3CL MT is a 150-hp 2.3-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $22,310 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

It makes 150 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 152 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm, spinning to a 6,300 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).

The CL measures 190.0 inches long on a 106.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,062 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeCoupe
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$22,310 ($44,483 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.3-liter, 16-valve SOHC w/VTEC inline 4-cylinder
Displacement2.3 L
Horsepower150 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque152 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Redline6,300 rpm
ValvetrainSOHC 16-valve w/Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC)
Bore and Stroke86.0 x 97.0
Compression Ratio9.3:1
Injection TypeMulti-point Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
1st Gear3.285 (35 mph **)
2nd Gear1.807 (64 mph **)
3rd Gear1.193 (96 mph **)
4th Gear0.903 (127 mph **)
5th Gear0.685 (168 mph **)
Reverse3
Final Drive4.062
Fuel Economy
City21 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined24 MPG
Recommended FuelUnleaded regular
Tank Capacity17.2 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent double-wishbone
Rear SuspensionIndependent double-wishbone
Front Stabilizer Bar27.2 mm (hollow)
Rear Stabilizer Bar16 mm (solid)
Turning Diameter39.04 ft
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVentilated, 10.2 in (260 mm) dia., 0.9 in (23 mm) thick
Rear Brake DiscSolid, 10.2 in (260 mm) dia., 0.4 in (10 mm) thick
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16x6JJ, 5-spoke alloy
Wheels Rear16x6JJ, 5-spoke alloy
Tires FrontP205/55R16
Tires RearP205/55R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length190 in
Width70.1 in
Height54.7 in
Wheelbase106.9 in
Front Track59.6 in
Rear Track59.1 in
Ground Clearance4.33 in
Cargo Volume12 ft³
Curb Weight3,062 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)63% / 37%
Interior
Headroom Front37.4 in
Headroom Rear35.9 in
Legroom Front42.9 in
Legroom Rear31 in
Shoulder Room Front54.4 in
Shoulder Room Rear53.1 in
Hip Room Front51.6 in
Hip Room Rear47.6 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

5 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Acura CL. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jan 17, 2020 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

NHTSA campaign 20V026000

Oct 27, 2003 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."

Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

NHTSA campaign 03V423000

May 16, 2002 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Consequence: WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

NHTSA campaign 02V120000

May 10, 1999 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

NHTSA campaign 99V069000

Feb 10, 1998 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES (HONDA ACCORD SEDANS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, 1997 TO JANUARY 10, 1998; COUPES MANUFACTURED DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 15, 1997, AND JANUARY 5, 1998; ACURA 2.3CL MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 22, 1997 THROUGH JANUARY 7, 1998). DURING MANUFACTURING, THE CASTING DIE CAUSED AN IRREGULARITY IN THE RIGHT-SIDE TRANSMISSION COVER. THIS IRREGULARITY CAN LIMIT THE MOVEMENT OF THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATION LEVEL AND PREVENT ADEQUATE ENGAGEMENT OF THE PARKING GEAR PAWL. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN AN INCLINE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS LOCKED IN "PARK," INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COLLAR ON THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL TO ENSURE PROPER MOVEMENT OF THE ACTUATION LEVER.

NHTSA campaign 98V018000

55 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1998 Acura CL

Owner Complaints

55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Acura CL (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System18
Power Train9
Air Bags8
Suspension7
Vehicle Speed Control5
Engine And Engine Cooling4
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 23, 2020 · Air Bags
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE…”
Sep 14, 2020 · Air Bags
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE…”
Aug 25, 2020 · Air Bags
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE…”
Jul 8, 2020 · Air Bags
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. CROWN…”
May 4, 2020 · Air Bags
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1998 ACURA CL. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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