MYRModel Year Report

1997 Acura RL

○ Not enough data
1997 Acura RL
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:27:36.801Z

Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Acura RL Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1996: 22 complaints 1996 1997: 19 complaints 1997 1998: 11 complaints 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 59 complaints 2001: 12 complaints 2002: 43 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 11 complaints 2005: 125 complaints 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2007: 20 complaints 2008: 13 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2010: 9 complaints 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 1 complaints 2015: 2 complaints 2015
1997: 19 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199622
199719
199811
199924
200059
200112
200243
20039
200411
2005125
200632
200720
200813
20098
20109
20113
20121
20152

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

4 of 19 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing lower ball joint and upper arm.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING VEHICLE STOPPED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT BALL JOINT STUD HAS BROKEN OFF FROM THE LOWER BALL JOINT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050105

POWER TRAIN

4 of 19 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle shaft.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA RECALL ID# 98-V-227-000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL K60/99-039; WHILE DRIVING SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END. VEHICLE WAS VERY SLUGGISH, AND TRNSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020205

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.

TIRES

2 of 19 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION, IT WAS HIT FROM THE REAR.THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITH DRIVER FEET ON THE BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN IT IMPACTED A HOUSE, AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL REVVING. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021024

SAFETY TIMELINE

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 19990830 — power train

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A TRANSMISSION CASE BOLT CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO DISENGAGE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.

Campaign 99V227000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99V069000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 99V227000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Acura RL reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Acura RL?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Acura RL have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.