1997 Acura CL

◆ Worse than typical

1997 Acura CL
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:45:18.703Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1997: 82 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1997	82
1998	55
1999	49
2000	11
2001	271
2002	44
2003	73
2004	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

POWER TRAIN 24%

24% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH AND MAKING A HARD RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD POP SOUND HEARD AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140428

Also filed under SUSPENSION

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21%

21% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and starter assembly.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

HORN BUTTON IS TOO SMALL, MAKING IT DIFFCULT TO LOCATE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION , WHICH HAS ALREADY RESULTED IN 2 ACCIDENTS. *AK *ML

NHTSA ODI report, 20000121

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE KEY FAILED TO START THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160720

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE KEY CAN ONLY BE REMOVED WHEN IN NEUTRAL GEAR, CONSUMER HAD THE ENTIRE IGNITION REPLACED, LATER RECEIVED RECALL 02V12 AND STATES MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO REIMBURSE. *SLC

NHTSA ODI report, 20020917

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

AIR BAGS 17%

17% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW THE OWNER AND DRIVER OF A 1997 ACURA CL. CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS STOPPED AND WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN A SEMI- TRUCK TURNED RUNNING OVER HER VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200427

WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH A 18 WHEELER, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS. VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE REAR FIRST, WHICH MADE REAR END SPIN AROUND. VEHICLE WAS HIT AGAIN ON DRIVER'S SIDE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20000308

I NOTICED AN SRS LIGHT ON EVERY TIME AFTER I START THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE MOUNTING ARE BROKEN AND LOSE..

NHTSA ODI report, 20200324

SUSPENSION 11%

11% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lower ball joint and control arm.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1997 — complaint volume: 82

R 19990517 — suspension

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUS

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Campaign 99V069000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20020614 — electrical system

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHIC

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE

Campaign 02V120000 — check if this car was fixed