1998 Acura RL
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 11 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD NOT/ GO INTO GEAR OR MOVE. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY STATED IT WAS DIFFERENTIAL AND TRANSMISSION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020711
TRANSMISSION JERKS WHILE COMING OUT OF FIRST GEAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980518
2 of 11 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200720
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200609
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
APPROXIMATELY 60 DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO REAR SEAT BELTS. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE STARTED ON ITS OWN WITH NO KEY OR PERSON REQUIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041126
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WINDSHIELD HAS A GLARE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030722
1 of 11 total reports mentions: suspension.
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
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
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020.
Campaign 20V026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V069000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V227000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V026000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 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 1998 Acura RL?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Acura RL have?
3 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.