1997 Acura CL: common problems and reliability

The 1997 Acura CL has 87 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag automatic transmission failure, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, complete failure typically 150,000-200,000 miles (241,000-322,000 km), rebuild cost $1,500-$2,500, recurrent.

Safety record for the 1997 model year

87
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
5
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Acura CL vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
20
electrical system
15
air bags
14
suspension
10
service brakes
7

Recalls affecting the 1997 CL

electrical system:ignition:switch

Campaign 02V120000

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.

suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint

Campaign 99V069000

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.

What owners say across generations

Generally positive sentiment for first-generation model, viewed as reliable, comfortable entry-level luxury coupe with decent performance from 2.3L 4-cylinder engine. Praised for smooth ride quality, practical interior space, and Honda build quality at afforda

  • Automatic transmission failure, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, complete failure typically 150,000-200,000 miles (241,000-322,000 km), rebuild cost $1,500-$2,500, recurrent
  • Timing belt service requirement, replacement due every 105,000 miles (169,000 km), failure results in catastrophic engine damage (interference engine), service cost $600-$900, recurrent
  • Window regulator failure, power windows fail to operate or fall into door panel, affects all four doors, replacement cost $200-$400 per window, typically 100,000-150,000 miles (161,000-241,000 km), recurrent
  • Underpowered 2.3L engine with automatic, very sluggish acceleration 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) approximately 9.5-10.5 seconds, struggles with highway merging, very frequent (2.3L models only)
  • Interior wear, leather seats crack and fade, door panel trim pieces break, dashboard develops cracks in sunlight exposure, recurrent

Owner insights cover all generations of the CL.

Typical used price

Used CL listings typically run $5,683–$8,344 across 1999 to 2003 model years.

Other CL model years

2000 CL
Full Acura CL owner reportCompare against another car