1997 Acura Tl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Acura Tl: 2 recalls, 23 owner complaints.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #99V069000 · 1999 · 124,875 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V227000 · 1999 · 96,518 vehicles
What's wrong: A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3), stalls / loses power (3), electrical failure (3).
- Speed control / throttle (4): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Acura Tl has 23 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 20 Tl model years for complaints (well below the 156 average). Complaints peaked in 1999 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 86,259 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (26 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (20 complaints, 2 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Acura Tl.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Acura Tl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Acura Tl. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Acura Tl problems?
Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (8), speed control / throttle (4), transmission & drivetrain (3).
Where can I get a 1997 Acura Tl repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.