1997 Acura TL: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Although my car is about 20 years old now, I've done a lot of research about the problems I've experienced and it appears cars made from 1997 experienced malfunctioning ignition switches. My key will not start my engine and has gotten stuck inside the cylinder many times. I just replaced the battery as well due to my vehicle stalling when I turn it on. There should be no reason other than the faulty machinery that's giving me all this trouble. Many of the people who have this make, model, and year have expirenced these exact issues. I believe you guys have issued a recall which is why I'm informing the company. Hopefully you can help. Thank you .”Owner report · Wheels · Jul 2018
“My 1997 acura tl 2.5 spontaneously burst into flames in the area of the starter. This was clearly an electrical problem. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2008
“1997 acura 3.2 tl faulty airbag. My acura recently displayed a srs error. I brought the car into radley acura in falls church where they told me that a potentially faulty airbag is not covered by acura and that to have the airbag replaced to prevent it from either deploying randomly or not deploying at all it would cost me over $1200. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“Digital a/c display stopped functioning. Dealer said component cost would be @ $1,600.00 (85% value of car). Offered no alternative (after-market, used part). Coincided with dash lights going out, indicated gear position (nuetral, reverse, drive, etc).*ak”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 2004
“Called dealership, acura of boardman service dept., said they didn't know what it was and had never heard of ingnition failure being a problem. Did research because of the odd and damaging behavior of the ignition switch to my vehicle and became aware of major recal on ignition switches. However the recall does not include my specific maker in my specific year but it does include my make and a different year. Will contact acura/honda about having them replace. It is definitely a hazard! Dt”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2002
“ABS light illuminated. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated brakes were good. ABS light is still coming on, consumer feels there is a problem because ABS light keeps coming on. Please provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2002
“While traveling 20-25mph on dry road conditions without prior warning bumper fell off vehicle. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further details.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2001
“Since the weather has become increasingly colder the paint in the front of my car has been spontaneously peeling and chipping. No safety defect.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 1999
“Had received recall notice #99v069000. Contacted dealer & set appointment. Took vehicle in. Later picked vehicle up. Questioned about front alignment. Informed none done & wasn't needed. Went to different dealer & informed it should be done after recall repairs. Tires were worn on the edge. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 1999
“Vehicle lurched forward / suddenly accelerated, causing a crash. Dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. Please provide further information. *ak *yc”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 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.
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 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact TL 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 1997 Acura TL reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Acura TL. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 1997 Acura TL have open recalls?
2 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.