Two problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 1997 Acura CL. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Purchased vehicle @ 103,000 miles, drove it 2000 miles and check engine light came one, "d" started to flash and vehicle would not come out of 2nd gear. After proper diagnosis, found internal transmission failure(after research found out it was a common problem) replace transmission with oem unit, still (and have had since day one, a hesitation upon acceleration)prior to transmission problem had throttle body Cleaned, still had hesitation with or without ac on-prior owner had same problem, unable to correct problem to this day.
8/14/00 - transmission failure - Acura replaced transmission at Acura pasadena (good will gesture from Acura provided re-built transmission), and I payed for the labor - over $1,000. 00. On 10/21/02 another transmission failure this time at 68 mph, on the freeway in rush hour traffic, 210 fwy, east bound between lowell Ave & la tuna canyon road. Car was towed to Acura pasadena, where on 10/22 I was informed by the service department that the transmission had failed and that the cost would be $4,600. 00 out of my pocket. A warranty issued on the rebuilt transmission was for 36 months/36,000 miles. Transmission failed at 38,387 miles.