Model year guide

1997 Acura RL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Acura RL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 6 on record.

1997 Acura RL — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Acura RL at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints20

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 Acura RL recalls 2

Power Train:automatic Transmission NHTSA Campaign #99V227000 · 19/08/1999

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

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #99V069000 · 10/05/1999

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 SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 Acura RL common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1997 Acura RL trims & engines on record

Trims
3.5 Premium · 3.5 · Premium Package
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl 210 hp

1997 Acura RL vehicles on record

1997 Acura RL 1997 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA9642VC010604 1997 Acura RL 1997 Acura RL 3.5 PremiumJH4KA966XVC000033 1997 Acura RL 1997 Acura RL 3.5 PremiumJH4KA9655VC008368 1997 Acura RL 1997 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA9642VC009422 1997 Acura RL 1997 Acura RL 3.5 PremiumJH4KA9654VC014534 1997 Acura RL 1997 Acura RL Premium PackageJH4KA9654VC012217

Other Acura RL model years

2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996

1997 Acura RL — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Acura RL have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1997 Acura RL. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, electrical system, power train.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.