1997 Acura CL
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
16% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
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
6% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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
6% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Acura CL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V069000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V120000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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:automatic transmission, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Acura CL have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.