Complaints
24
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0
Worst 1997 Acura Rl Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#13 complaints
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
#22 complaints
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
#32 complaints
Automatic Transmission
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1997 Acura Rl.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Axle Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper Arm | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Automatic Transmission
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical Faults
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Axle Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper Arm
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tires:Tread/Belt
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1997 Acura Rl. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Other Acura Rl Years
1997 Acura Rl — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 1997 Acura Rl reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1997 Acura Rl has 24 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint with 3 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1997 Acura Rl?
Top reported problems: Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint (3 complaints); Electrical System:Ignition:Switch (2 complaints); Automatic Transmission (2 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 1997 Acura Rl?
NHTSA complaints for the 1997 Acura Rl include 2 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1997 Acura Rl have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1997 Acura Rl as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1997 Acura Rl?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Acura Rl reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 1997 Acura Rl
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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