Model year guide

1998 Acura TL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Acura TL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.

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

1998 Acura TL at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints26

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

1998 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.

1998 Acura TL common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1998 Acura TL trims & engines on record

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

1998 Acura TL vehicles on record

1998 Acura TL 1998 Acura TL 3.2JH4UA3645WC003878 1998 Acura TL 3.2JH4UA3641WC006566 1998 Acura TL 1998 Acura TL 2.5JH4UA2657WC001083 1998 Acura TL 1998 Acura TL 2.5JH4UA2657WC000032 1998 Acura TL 2.5JH4UA2656WC001494

Other Acura TL model years

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1997 1996

1998 Acura TL — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Acura TL have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1998 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 1998 Acura TL?

Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, power train, structure.

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