1997 Acura RL
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.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 19 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 22 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 24 |
| 2000 | 59 |
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 43 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 11 |
| 2005 | 125 |
| 2006 | 32 |
| 2007 | 20 |
| 2008 | 13 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
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.
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, 2005-01-05
Power train
4 of 19 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle shaft.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-02-05
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.
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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-24
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
-
R
1999-08-30Power train99V227000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V069000 · Suspension
- Recall 99V227000 · Power train
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.