Model year guide

1998 Acura RL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Acura RL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.

1998 Acura RL — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Acura RL at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints11
Typical price$2,050

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

1998 Acura RL recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V026000 · 17/01/2020

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 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflator…

Fix: 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. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 o…

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.

1998 Acura RL common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

What's a 1998 Acura RL worth?

Low
$1,500
Typical price
$2,050
High
$2,600

From 6 comparable 1998 Acura RL listings.

1998 Acura RL trims & engines on record

Trims
3.5 · 3.5 Premium · 3.5 Special Edition
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl 210 hp

1998 Acura RL vehicles on record

1998 Acura RL 1998 Acura RL 3.5 PremiumJH4KA9669WC800842 1998 Acura RL 1998 Acura RL 3.5 PremiumJH4KA965XWC000946 1998 Acura RL 1998 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA964XWC003871 1998 Acura RL 1998 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA964XWC001425 1998 Acura RL 1998 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA9646WC004953 1998 Acura RL 1998 Acura RL 3.5JH4KA9649WC004316 1998 Acura RL 3.5 PremiumJH4KA9661WC003436 1998 Acura RL 3.5 Special EditionJH4KA9687WC012126

Other Acura RL model years

2012 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1997 1996

1998 Acura RL — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Acura RL have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1998 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 1998 Acura RL?

Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, suspension, structure.

How much is a 1998 Acura RL worth?

Comparable 1998 Acura RL listings run roughly $1,500–$2,600, typically around $2,050 (from 6 vehicles).

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