1998 Acura RL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 1998 Acura RL — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other RL years?

RL NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Acura RL problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	3	19%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	2	13%	▼ down
Body & Structure	2	13%	▲ up
Suspension	2	13%	▼ down
Airbags	2	13%	— flat
Seat Belts	2	13%	new
Electrical System	1	6%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	1	6%	new
Brakes	1	6%	▼ down

Does the 1998 Acura RL have recalls?

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

20V026000AirbagsJanuary 17, 2020 · 1,439,841 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

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.

99V227000TransmissionAugust 19, 1999 · 96,518 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A TRANSMISSION CASE BOLT CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO DISENGAGE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.

Consequence

THE VEHICLE COULD LOSE POWER TO THE DRIVE WHEELS WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO THE PARK POSITION WOULD NOT LOCK THE WHEELS, AND A PARKED VEHICLE COULD MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT SET.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.

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.

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 4, 2002

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 4, 2004

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 10, 2020

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 1, 2005

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 1, 2004

1998 Acura RL — common questions

Is the 1998 Acura RL reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1998 RL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (3 complaints), suspension (2 complaints), airbags (2 complaints).

Does the 1998 Acura RL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Acura RL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Acura RL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RL years to avoid are 2005, 2000, 2002, 2006. The cleanest record among RL years belongs to 2012.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1998 compare to other RL years?

What are the most common 1998 Acura RL problems?

Does the 1998 Acura RL have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1998 Acura RL — common questions

Is the 1998 Acura RL reliable?

What are the most common 1998 RL problems?

Does the 1998 Acura RL have recalls?

Which Acura RL years should you avoid?

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