Why is my Acura CL transmission slipping?

Short answer: The 2001–2003 Acura CL's five-speed automatic is known for failing. Signs include slipping, flaring (the engine revs between gears), harsh shifts, and a flashing D light on the dash (the transmission's warning). Acura once extended coverage on these, but that has long expired. A recall (04V176) on some 2003 CLs addressed second gear wear. Before blaming the transmission, scan for engine codes, because owners say misfires can feel like slipping.

Symptom: The engine revs up during or between shifts, the car jerks or hesitates, especially in second gear, and the D (or D5) light may blink.

What to check first

1. Scan for codes, both engine and transmission. Misfire codes (P0300–P0306) can feel like a slipping transmission.
2. Check the transmission fluid level and color. Dark or burnt-smelling fluid is a bad sign.
3. Check your VIN for recall 04V176 (some 2003 CLs).
4. Get a transmission shop to road-test it and confirm before you buy parts.

Likely causes

1. Internal transmission wear or failure. A known problem on these years.
2. Second gear wear from heat (2003 recall 04V176). The recall adds lubrication and inspects for damage.
3. Engine misfire mistaken for slipping. Scan for misfire codes first.

What it usually costs

Owners in these threads didn't post current repair prices. In one thread the dealer eventually replaced the transmission under Acura's old extended coverage, which no longer applies. Get quotes for a rebuilt or used transmission.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Not for long. A slipping transmission can fail suddenly and leave you without power in traffic. Drive gently and get it checked soon. A flashing check engine light means stop driving hard. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for scanning codes and checking fluid. Transmission repair or replacement is a shop job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recall 04V176 (some 2003 CL): Heat could build up between the second gears in the automatic transmission and lead to chipped or broken gear teeth. Dealers revise the oil cooler return line and inspect the gears. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Expired extended coverage: An owner quoted Acura's October 2002 letter extending transmission coverage on 2001–2002 CLs and some 2003s to 7 years or 100,000 miles. That window has passed.
• NHTSA complaints: 281 keyword-matched complaints for Acura CL 2001–2003 (of 410 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-22; keywords: transmission, shift, slip, gear, flashing D light). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In How can you make them fix it? on Acurazine, an owner's 2001 CL-S slipped at 56,000 miles, but the dealer couldn't reproduce it at first. The owner quoted Acura's extended coverage letter, and the service director eventually replaced the transmission.
• In 2003 CL3.2 2nd gear slipping, giving jerks on Acurazine, a 2003 owner's car jerked in second gear with a flashing check engine light. The codes were misfires (P0300, P0301, P0305) and P1399, not transmission codes. A member suggested checking the throttle position sensor.

Quick tip

On these, read the codes before believing it's the transmission. A misfire under load can feel just like a slip.

Vehicle focus: 2001–2003 Acura 3.2 CL coupe with the five-speed automatic.

Safety / mechanic note

A slipping transmission can lose power without warning. Verify with a mechanic.