1997 Acura TL

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1997 Acura TL
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:46:08.340Z

Only 23 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 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1997: 23 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	1
1996	26
1997	23
1998	20
1999	157
2000	249
2001	149
2002	332
2003	391
2004	551
2005	388
2006	247
2007	124
2008	124
2009	42
2010	64
2011	20
2012	130
2013	62
2014	17

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

MY 1997 ACURA TL 2.5 SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE AREA OF THE STARTER. THIS WAS CLEARLY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20080710

DT: THERE WAS HEAVY RAIN THE NIGHT BEFORE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CONSUMER GOT UP AND WENT TO GET IN THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, DRIVER SIDE DASH , AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD BURNED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050523

WAS DRIVING AT 5 MPH OR LESS NOTICED AN ODOR OF BURNED WIRE. MAKING A RIGHT TO PULL INTO PARKING SPACE WHEN CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980427

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 of 23 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.

CRASH INJURY

POWER TRAIN

3 of 23 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.

INJURY

SERVICE BRAKES

2 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

AIR BAGS

2 of 23 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing inflator module and frontal.

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 TL — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 99V069000 (suspension) has been completed.
Verify recall 99V227000 (power train) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2013 ▲ 2010

WORST YEARS

■ 2004 ■ 2003 ■ 2005

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Acura TL 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 TL?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Acura TL 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.