1998 Acura RL: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura rl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 acura rl. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that parts were not available to remedy the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2020
“May 15, 2010...I had my left cv axle and tire alignment on the left side serviced. July 2, 2010 I was driving and made a left turn. About a half a mile down the road my car on the left side completely collapsed. I thought it was a tire blow out, but it wasn't. Vehicle was towed and inspected. Diagnosed: left lower ball joint caused the incident according to the service department. Currently car is in the shop as I am trying to see who's at fault in order to get assistance for the work to be done. After doing some research I found that the lower ball joint was recalled during 1996-1999 for this part. Also the left side front fender etc is dented. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2010
Show 6 more owner reports
“1998 acura and other honda vehicles interior door handles on drivers side fails not allowing drivers to egress the vehicle. You cant open the door from inside. The only way out of the vehicle if sitting in the drivers seat is to have someone open the door from the outside. Acura refuses to fix stating vehicles are out of warranty. If vehicle is stuck from opposite side there is no way to egress vehicle you are trapped. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2009
“Dt: the contact stated intermittently two of the seat belts locked and they held the passengers in the seat. These were the passenger side front and driver side rear. The seat belts had to be unbuckled and then put back on to release. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, but they could not duplicate the problem. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2005
“A squeaking noise could be heard while driving 30 mph or less. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that both lower ball joints needed to replaced.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2004
“Approximately 60 days after the vehicle was purchased it was discovered that the vehicle had no rear seat belts. *nm the consumer stated that the engine started on its own with no key or person required. When it rained, water leaked into the vehicle. Sensors</a>, warning lights on the dash board and wipers have not functioned properly since the purchase of the vehicle they work randomly or not at all. *tc *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2004
“While driving vehicle would not/ go into gear or move. Took vehicle to a mechanic, and they stated it was differential and transmission. Please provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2002
“Rear brake pads were required to be replaced at 16552 miles due to wear. Front brake pads required to be replaced at 26,219 miles due to wear. Dealer claims that these are just "softer pads" and it is normal for the brakes to wear out this quickly. I don't buy it. No one has been hurt-yet. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2000
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
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 Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Remedy: 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 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1998 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact RL by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Acura RL reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Acura RL. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1998 Acura RL have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.