Tranny Recall: 1997 - 1999 Cl, 1999 Tl!

[Phoenix]

According to an Acura insider, the company announced a transmission recall on October 27th, 2003, that will affect certain 1997, 1998, and 1999 CLs equipped with automatic transmissions, and certain 1999 TLs equipped with automatic transmissions. VIN numbers and further information about this recall campaign have not yet been released.

The transmission defect that is being called into question is NOT the clutch-pack issue that is currently undergoing investigation in the course of a class-action lawsuit. The problem that IS being addressed is described as the following:

"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. 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."

As soon as more information becomes available, we will release it here. We encourage you to contact your dealer and/or make use of our Ask The Dealer forum for further details on this campaign and how it might affect you.

[Ivan The Terrible]

blah, and i thought it's a fail transmission recall.

i have a feeling that my tranny will go within the next year.

[The Acclude]

[patrick]

The 99 TL tranny failures are due to weak bearings. I'm not sure if replacing the ignition switch would solve this problem. On a side note, there was an ignition switch recall last year (or was it 2 years ago?) - this is a separate and totally different ignition switch recall from the previous one I believe.

[tommyBoi]

I've noticed on my CL - when its cold first thing in the morning/whenever i start it - the colder out the worse it is... I CANT step on the gas when i leave the house and make it go... cuz if i do it revs and doesn't want to shift.... it'll like hold at the high rpm in first then finally shift, very poorly into second and it like almost stops acellarting.

[danog]

Is there a link for the class action information metioned in this post?

[RiceBoy]

November 5, 2003

Honda recalls 650,000 cars to repair ignition switches

Torrance, California - American Honda Motor announced a voluntary recall of certain Honda and Acura models to repair ignition switches that may allow the key to be removed from the switch without the shift lever being placed in the "Park" position.

The recall involves approximately 650,000 automatic transmission equipped vehicles - manual transmission equipped vehicles are not affected. The company did not reveal how many of those cars were sold in Canada.

Included in the recall are certain 1998 to 1999 Honda Accord models, some 1999 models of the Odyssey and some 2002 CR-V models. Also included in the recall are certain 1997 to 1999 Acura CL coupes and some 1999 Acura TL sedans.

The situation is created by excessive wear or contamination in the key cylinder that prevents proper shift interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "PARK". Owners of all affected vehicles are urged to make sure their transmission is in the Park position and the Parking Brake applied before exiting the vehicle. Following this simple procedure will eliminate all potential accidents or injuries.

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted when parts are available and asked to take their vehicle to an authorized dealer to be repaired free of charge. The repair involves the update or replacement of the lock cylinder body while retaining the original lock and key assemblies. Mailings will begin in December. Customers may also contact their Honda or Acura dealer with questions.

There have been three accidents with four minor injuries reported to American Honda related to this issue.

[danog]

Maybe in a couple of years there will be a recall for transmissions!