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1997 Acura CLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 82 owner complaints about the 1997 Acura CL, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

44
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.3× the CL median · #2 of 7 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints829 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage96kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 14, 2020. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Acura CL has problems

82 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train200
Electrical system151
Air bags143
Suspension90
Service brakes, hydraulic71
Visibility60
Engine and engine cooling60
Structure40
Vehicle speed control40
7 other systems121

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1997 Acura CL recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Ignition: switch

Recall 02V-120 · May 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Control arm: lower ball joint

Recall 99V-069 · May 10, 1999 · 124,875 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION WOULD RESULT IN VEHICLE DECELERATION AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Acura.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other CL year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the CL median. How we score

'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What CL owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA CL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH AND MAKING A HARD RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS A LOUD POP SOUND HEARD AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS FRACTURED AND BECAME…
Complaint 10585337 · Apr 28, 2014 · 190,000 miles
1997 ACURA CL. CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING INTERSTATE SPEED. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT AND VIOLENT STOP, WITHOUT ANY FORWARD OR REVERSE. *JB
Complaint 10407789 · Jun 15, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA 3.0CL. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT IT WOULD COST $3000 TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. THERE ARE NO RELATED RECALLS OR WARRANTIES AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE…
Complaint 10284770 · Sep 21, 2009 · 88,000 miles

Own a 1997 CL?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.