I know this is an old thread, but I'm sure glad I found it. I was about to buy a 2001 CLS. Sure as hell not gonna happen now. Why can't Honda get their auto's right? I know all about the trannys in the 98-00 Accords, now I hear this about the 01-04(ish) CL's an TL's? What the friggin hell?! According to consumer guide the recall and failures are due to heat buildup and "a lack of thread locking compound on the first gear clutch". How do you miss these things in quality testing? No locking compound? Heat buildup? These are easy catches!! If it were like "excessive wear on 3rd gear clutch after 100K miles" then it would be different. But damn, put thread locking compound on any bolts you don't want comming loose and check for heat before you release the damn car! Arg!

Guess I'll have to wait til prices come down on the TSX. Either that or stick with a manual. At least what honda lacks with their autos they make up with in their manuals.