[8] In 2002, the CL Type-S was offered, as a 2003 model, with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with a helical limited-slip differential.

One of the main criticisms of the CL was that a manual transmission had been dropped when the car was redesigned for the 2001 model year.

The CL's manual transmission survives in the third-generation TL and 7th generation Honda Accord.

The 5-watt road/fog lamps found on the 2001–02 models were deleted, and non-functional air vents were installed in their place.

The 2003 models also saw new headlights which now featured a blacked-out interior, and the taillight lenses had a cleared turn signal and reverse light.

In 2002, Honda Access America developed a performance package for the CL Type S, which was built in concert with tuning firm Comptech.

A specially designed Eaton twin-screw Roots-type supercharger was coupled with numerous suspension, exhaust, braking, and drivetrain enhancements.

Reports say that after an average of around 40,000 miles, the transmission experiences gear failures, such as downshifts, slipping, flaring and not shifting, and leaking.

One main cause is excessive wear of the 3rd gear clutch pack, resulting in large amounts of debris blocking the flow of transmission fluid.

[12] Due to many failures, the manufacturer extended the warranty on the automatic transmission on some CLs and TLs for 7 years, 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Despite the conversion to kilometers, the class action settlement applies only for persons and entities residing in the United States.

Further information on the transmission issue was available on enthusiast forums[14] and at the official Acura Service Bulletin.