Owners have filed 29 complaints
about the 1997 Acura TL with NHTSA between 1997 and 2018.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 7
Against the median year of the Acura TL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1997 Acura TL
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
827.6%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 96,000 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
413.8%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
310.3%
Median failure at 50,759 miles
Other & Unspecified
26.9%
Brakes
26.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Airbags
26.9%
Equipment & Accessories
13.4%
Median failure at 78,500 miles
Wheels
13.4%
Median failure at 120,000 miles
Tires
13.4%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.4%
Suspension
13.4%
Body & Structure
13.4%
Steering
13.4%
Median failure at 120,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
13.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
111.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
444.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
444.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 1997peak 3Aug 2018
Recalls on the 1997 Acura TL
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19991565,689 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the transmission case bolt which allows service access to disconnect the differential from the transmission could loosen and fall out. If the bolt falls out, the extension shaft could disengage from the differential, disconnecting the drive train between the transmission and the differential. This could cause the vehicle to lose power to the drive wheels without warning. Also, shifting to the PARK position would not lock the wheels, and a parked vehicle could move unexpectedly if the parking brake is not set. Correction: An updated transmission case bolt (with an o-ring instead of thread lock/sealer) will be installed on affected vehicles.
Recall 199910110,190 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints may prematurely wear out due to improper finishing of the surface of the spherical portion of the ball joints between the front lower arm and knuckle. Although a loosening ball joint will emit some noise, in the worst case the ball joint may separate without prior warning. A separated ball joint can result in an apparent sudden loss of power, reduced steering control and a possible crash. Correction: The front suspension lower ball joints will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 101,000 milesWashington, DCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 1997 ACURA TL 2.5 SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE AREA OF THE STARTER. THIS WAS CLEARLY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10233732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesSpringville, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DT: THERE WAS HEAVY RAIN THE NIGHT BEFORE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CONSUMER GOT UP AND WENT TO GET IN THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, DRIVER SIDE DASH , AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD BURNED. THE FLOORBOARD WAS DAMAGED BY DRIPPING PLASTIC. THE ONLY HOT WIRE WAS IN THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM. THE FIRE WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED IF THERE WAS A FUSE OPERATIONAL IN THE CIRCUIT. THE BATTERY WAS ALMOST BRAND NEW, AND IT WAS ALMOST DEAD. THE CALLER STATED THAT THE ONLY REASON THE FIRE DIED OUT WAS BECAUSE IT RAN OUT OF OXYGEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, AND HAS NOT RETURNED THE CALL. ALSO THE CALLER INDICATED THAT THE DOOR LOCK MADE A NOISE EVEN AFTER THE DOORS WERE LOCKED BUT NOT ALL THE TIME. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS DETERMINED UNREPAIRABLE. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10121900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boca Raton, FL1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
THE HE CAR WAS PARKED IN PARK AND SHIFTED BY ITSELF DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINE WHICH CAUSED IT TO ROLL EROVOV ROLL D.
NHTSA complaint #748164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Island City, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD / SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING A CRASH. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA complaint #844152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Island City, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN A MINOR COLLISION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #844616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Harbor, FL1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WAS DRIVING AT 5 MPH OR LESS NOTICED AN ODOR OF BURNED WIRE. MAKING A RIGHT TO PULL INTO PARKING SPACE WHEN CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HIT FRONT OF A BUILDING THAT WAS LOCATED AT LEAST 12 FEET AWAY, AND LOST CONTROL. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #822824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 120,000 milesFairfax, VA
WHEELS
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11123319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesFairfax, VA
STEERING
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11123319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesFairfax, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 .
NHTSA complaint #11123319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesWashington, DCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 1997 ACURA TL 2.5 SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE AREA OF THE STARTER. THIS WAS CLEARLY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10233732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 1997 ACURA TL HAS BEEN ACTING UP. IT WOULD STALL PERIODICALLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING (I.E WHEN I WAS GOING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR RAN JUST FINE; BUT ALL THE SUDDEN I LOSE POWER AND THE CAR STALL. IT ALSO HAPPEN WHEN I TOOK THE INSIDE ROAD.) WHEN I TRIED TO RESTARTED THE CAR. IT WOULDN'T STARTED. I WAITED 10 MINUTES LATER, IT STARTED, BUT ONLY TO STALL AGAIN AFTER 5 MINUTES.) I HAD TO HAVE TOW IT TO MY MECHANIC BUT THE CAR STARTED FINE WHEN HE TRIED IT. HE RAN A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC TEST BUT COULDN'T NOT FIND ANY THING WRONG WITH IT. THE CAR WORK FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK; THEN IT START STALLING AGAIN. I HAVE TO WAIT FROM 10 MIN TO AN HOUR SOMETIME FOR THE CAR TO START UP AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSE ME TO ALMOST GET INTO SEVERAL WRECKS AND MADE OTHER DRIVERS ANGRY AT ME. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID MY CAR HAS SOME RECALLS WHICH PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ALREADY HAD IT FIXED. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO BRING IT TO MY DEALER. AND I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT.
NHTSA complaint #10157954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesSpringville, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DT: THERE WAS HEAVY RAIN THE NIGHT BEFORE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WHEN THE CONSUMER GOT UP AND WENT TO GET IN THE CAR AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, DRIVER SIDE DASH , AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD BURNED. THE FLOORBOARD WAS DAMAGED BY DRIPPING PLASTIC. THE ONLY HOT WIRE WAS IN THE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM. THE FIRE WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED IF THERE WAS A FUSE OPERATIONAL IN THE CIRCUIT. THE BATTERY WAS ALMOST BRAND NEW, AND IT WAS ALMOST DEAD. THE CALLER STATED THAT THE ONLY REASON THE FIRE DIED OUT WAS BECAUSE IT RAN OUT OF OXYGEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, AND HAS NOT RETURNED THE CALL. ALSO THE CALLER INDICATED THAT THE DOOR LOCK MADE A NOISE EVEN AFTER THE DOORS WERE LOCKED BUT NOT ALL THE TIME. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS DETERMINED UNREPAIRABLE. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10121900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesPort Arthur, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION KEEPS POPPING WHEN CHANGING GEARS. BROUGHT BACK FOR SERVICE WHEN UNDER WARRANTY. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS FLUSHED. PROBLEM WENT AWAY FOR A MONTH. AFTER A MONTH PROBLEM WOULD ARISE AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. I FRIEND WAS THE SAME MODEL, HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10110678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10098341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10098341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,500 milesOviedo, FL
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
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).
NHTSA complaint #10082791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,500 milesOviedo, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
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).
NHTSA complaint #10082791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,519 milesKansas City, MO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON MY 97 ACURA 3.2TL
NHTSA complaint #10000021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Youngstown, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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
NHTSA complaint #769404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #8016855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boca Raton, FL1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
THE HE CAR WAS PARKED IN PARK AND SHIFTED BY ITSELF DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINE WHICH CAUSED IT TO ROLL EROVOV ROLL D.
NHTSA complaint #748164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
WHILE TRAVELING 20-25MPH ON DRY ROAD CONDITIONS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING BUMPER FELL OFF VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #891694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS ON FOR THE 3RD TIME. ACURA OF MEMPHIS, TN HAS SERVICED THE VEHICLE FOR THIS COMPLAINT. LUJACKS AUTO PLAXA IN DAVENPORT, IA HAS SERVICED THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS COMPLAINT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY ACURA DEALERS SERVICE DEPT THAT IT IS OK FOR ME TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT BEING ON IS DUE TO CLOGGED EMISSION SENSORS. I AM QUITE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT IN. I AM CURRENTLY SCHEDULED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE 3RD SERVICE FOR THIS COMPLAINT TO ACURA OF LISLE, ILLINOIS WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS SHOULD THIS ENGINE LIGHT COME ON FOR THE 4TH TIME. I CERTAINLY AM NOT ABLE TO SELL THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND NEE TO KNOW WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE?.
NHTSA complaint #723482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, IA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS ON FOR THE 3RD TIME. ACURA OF MEMPHIS, TN HAS SERVICED THE VEHICLE FOR THIS COMPLAINT. LUJACKS AUTO PLAXA IN DAVENPORT, IA HAS SERVICED THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS COMPLAINT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY ACURA DEALERS SERVICE DEPT THAT IT IS OK FOR ME TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT BEING ON IS DUE TO CLOGGED EMISSION SENSORS. I AM QUITE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT IN. I AM CURRENTLY SCHEDULED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE 3RD SERVICE FOR THIS COMPLAINT TO ACURA OF LISLE, ILLINOIS WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS SHOULD THIS ENGINE LIGHT COME ON FOR THE 4TH TIME. I CERTAINLY AM NOT ABLE TO SELL THIS VEHICLE AT THIS TIME WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND NEE TO KNOW WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE?.
NHTSA complaint #723482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holbrook, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SINCE THE WEATHER HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY COLDER THE PAINT IN THE FRONT OF MY CAR HAS BEEN SPONTANEOUSLY PEELING AND CHIPPING. NO SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #718092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northampton, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
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.
NHTSA complaint #848327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Island City, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD / SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING A CRASH. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA complaint #844152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Island City, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN A MINOR COLLISION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #844616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.