Model year guide

1997 Acura TL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Acura TL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.

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

1997 Acura TL at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints33

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

1997 Acura TL 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 TL common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.

1997 Acura TL trims & engines on record

Trims
3.2 · 2.5 Premium
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl 200 hp · 2.5L 5-cyl 176 hp

1997 Acura TL vehicles on record

1997 Acura TL 1997 Acura TL 3.2JH4UA3646VC012166 1997 Acura TL 1997 Acura TL 2.5 PremiumJH4UA2654VC003369 1997 Acura TL 1997 Acura TL 3.2JH4UA3646VC002060 1997 Acura TL 1997 Acura TL 3.2JH4UA3640VC010154 1997 Acura TL 3.2JH4UA3642VC012097

Other Acura TL model years

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996

1997 Acura TL — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Acura TL have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1997 Acura TL. 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 TL?

Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, power train.

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