VehicleVerdict

1997 Acura CL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 106 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median CL year — the 1997 model ranks #2 of 8 CL years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (20), electrical system (18), and airbags (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

106

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other CL years?

CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted317 complaints1997: 106 complaints1998: 69 complaints1999: 66 complaints2000: 11 complaints2001: 317 complaints2002: 71 complaints2003: 89 complaints2004: 2 complaints
CL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Acura CL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2019%
Electrical System1817%
Airbags1413%
Suspension109%
Engine109%
Brakes77%
Visibility & Wipers66%
Other44%
Speed Control44%
Body & Structure44%
Tires & Wheels33%
Steering22%
Seat Belts22%
Lighting11%
Seats11%

Does the 1997 Acura CL have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V120000Electrical SystemMay 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Consequence

WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

99V069000SuspensionMay 10, 1999 · 124,875 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. ALSO STEERING CONTROLLABILITY WOULD BE REDUCED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE PRIMARY CONTROL MODULE FOR THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE TESTS TO ISOLATE PROBLEM AN FOR LABOR TO REPAIR. ACURA WILL REPLACE THE PCM AS 'GOODWILL' BUT AS MAINTANANCE WAS DONE PER ACURA RECOMMENDATIONS THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 15, 2001

“HORN BUTTON IS TOO SMALL, MAKING IT DIFFCULT TO LOCATE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION , WHICH HAS ALREADY RESULTED IN 2 ACCIDENTS. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 21, 2000 · crash

“WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH A 18 WHEELER, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS. VEHICLE WAS HIT IN THE REAR FIRST, WHICH MADE REAR END SPIN AROUND. VEHICLE WAS HIT AGAIN ON DRIVER'S SIDE. MOST OF THE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE DRIVER'S FRONT. PLEASE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 12, 2000 · crash

“WHEN TRAVELING THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND HESITATE. CONSUMER STATED FOOT IS ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WILL STALL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO REPLACE ANY PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“THERE WERE A RECALL 99V069000. AND, MY VECHILE FITS THE QUAIFICATIONS: ACURA 1997 3.0CL. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VIN NUMBER DOESN'T QUALIFIY. BUT, THE PROBLEM THAT IS LISTED ON THE RECALL IS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM THAT I HAVE. SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 16, 2004

1997 Acura CL — common questions

Is the 1997 Acura CL reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 106 complaints put the 1997 model at #2 of 8 CL years. It is one of the CL years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 CL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (20 complaints), electrical system (18 complaints), airbags (14 complaints).

Does the 1997 Acura CL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Acura CL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Acura CL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CL years to avoid are 2001, 1997, 2003. The cleanest record among CL years belongs to 2004.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.