Most common 1997 Acura TL problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura TL complaints by model year
Best TL years: 2011, 2014, 2009. Years to avoid: 2004, 2003, 2002, 2005, 2000. Compare all years →
1997 Acura TL recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
What 1997 Acura TL owners say
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. The vehicle was determined unrepairable.
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 .
Speed control & acceleration
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.
Vehicle lurched forward / suddenly accelerated, causing a crash. Dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. Please provide further information.
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
The he car was parked in park and shifted by itself down a slight incline which caused it to roll erovov roll d.
1997 Acura TL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Acura TL a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 TL rates better than average: 70% fewer complaints than a typical year of the TL at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Acura TL?
The electrical system — 8 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring. Next are the speed control & acceleration (4) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 1997 Acura TL have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Acura TL, the most recent from August 19, 1999 (automatic transmission). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura TL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2014 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004, 2003, 2002, 2005 and 2000. See the full Acura TL years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Acura TL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 91,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.