MYRModel Year Report

1997 Acura CL

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Acura CL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:37.164Z

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
82
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1997: 82 complaints 1997 82 1998: 55 complaints 1998 1999: 49 complaints 1999 2000: 11 complaints 2000 2001: 271 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 73 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint 2004
1997: 82 complaints 1997 82 1998: 55 complaints 1998 1999: 49 complaints 1999 2000: 11 complaints 2000 2001: 271 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 73 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint 2004
1997: 82 complaints 1997 82 1998: 55 complaints 1998 1999: 49 complaints 1999 2000: 11 complaints 2000 2001: 271 complaints 2001 2002: 44 complaints 2002 2003: 73 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint 2004

1997: 82 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199782
199855
199949
200011
2001271
200244
200373
20041

Known problem areas

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

Power train

24% · 20 reports

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, 2014-04-28

Also filed under Suspension

Electrical system

21% · 17 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-01-21

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, 2016-07-20

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-17

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Air bags

17% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2020-04-27

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, 2000-03-08

I noticed an SRS light on every time after I start the engine and the engine mounting are broken and lose..

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-24

Suspension

11% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing lower ball joint and control arm.

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 82 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1999-05-17Suspension99V069000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2002-06-14Electrical system02V120000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Acura CL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 14 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V069000 · Suspension
  • Recall 02V120000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Acura CL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Acura CL is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Acura CL?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Acura CL have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.