MYRModel Year Report

1998 Acura RL

○ Not enough data
1998 Acura RL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:23.863Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
11

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1996: 22 complaints 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 11 complaints 1998 11 1999: 24 complaints 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 complaint 2015: 2 complaints
1996: 22 complaints 1996 1997: 19 complaints 1998: 11 complaints 1998 11 1999: 24 complaints 2000: 59 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2002: 43 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 11 complaints 2004 2005: 125 complaints 2006: 32 complaints 2006 2007: 20 complaints 2008: 13 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2010: 9 complaints 2010 2011: 3 complaints 2012: 1 complaint 2012 2015: 2 complaints
1996: 22 complaints 1996 1997: 19 complaints 1997 1998: 11 complaints 1998 11 1999: 24 complaints 1999 2000: 59 complaints 2000 2001: 12 complaints 2001 2002: 43 complaints 2002 2003: 9 complaints 2003 2004: 11 complaints 2004 2005: 125 complaints 2005 2006: 32 complaints 2006 2007: 20 complaints 2007 2008: 13 complaints 2008 2009: 8 complaints 2009 2010: 9 complaints 2010 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 1 complaint 2012 2015: 2 complaints 2015

1998: 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

3 of 11 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-07-11

Transmission jerks while coming out of first gear.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-18

Air bags

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, 2020-07-20

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, 2020-06-09

Visibility

2 of 11 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and windshield.

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, 2004-11-26

Also filed under Electrical system

Consumer states that windshield has a glare. Dealer notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-22

Suspension

2 of 11 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing lower ball joint and front.

Structure

2 of 11 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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 →

  2. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2020-10-01Air bags20V026000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Acura RL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V069000 · Suspension
  • Recall 99V227000 · Power train
  • Recall 20V026000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Acura RL have?
3 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.