1997 Acura RL
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 1997 Acura RL, formatted for your website.
The 1997 Acura RL, a luxury sedan, offered a blend of comfort, reliability, and understated elegance. It was only available with one engine option: the 3.5L SOHC V6 producing 210 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the RL for its smooth ride, comfortable interior, and long-term reliability. Criticisms typically center around the somewhat dated styling, the lack of a more powerful engine option, and its limited feature set compared to some of its competitors.
Engine
3.5L SOHC V6
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the ground, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals is the typical fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the location and extent of the leak.
- Recalls: None Found
- Distributor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The distributor can fail due to wear or electrical issues. Symptoms include rough running, misfires, difficulty starting, or a complete no-start condition.
- Solution: Replacement of the distributor is usually required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The IAC valve can become clogged or malfunction, leading to erratic idle speeds (either too high or too low) or stalling, especially when the engine is cold.
- Solution: Cleaning or replacing the IAC valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts harshly between gears, sometimes accompanied by a noticeable “clunk” or “jerk.”
- Solution: Could be related to old transmission fluid or worn solenoids. A full transmission flush and replacement of the solenoids may fix the issue. If the issue is severe, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $2500+ (rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission hesitates or “slips” during acceleration, where the engine revs up but the car doesn’t accelerate proportionally. This can be accompanied by a delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse.
- Solution: This may be due to low or dirty transmission fluid, or worn clutch packs within the transmission. Starting with a transmission fluid change is recommended, and if that doesn’t resolve the issue, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $2500+ (rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Suspension Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Suspension bushings, especially those in the control arms and sway bar links, can wear out over time. This leads to clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when driving over bumps. It can also affect handling and steering precision.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per axle depending on the number of bushings needing replacement.
- Recalls: None Found
- Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The struts and shock absorbers can lose their damping ability, leading to a bouncy or unstable ride. This can also cause increased tire wear and reduced handling.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected struts or shocks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per axle.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The power windows may stop working, or operate slowly and erratically. This is often due to a failure of the window regulator mechanism.
- Solution: Replacement of the window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per window.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may stick, open or close improperly, or stop working altogether. This can be due to a faulty motor, damaged tracks, or worn seals.
- Solution: The exact repair depends on the cause of the issue. The tracks can be lubricated, seals can be replaced, or the motor may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Antenna Mast Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The power antenna mast may become bent, broken, or stuck in either the up or down position. This is a common issue due to the antenna’s age and exposure to the elements.
- Solution: Replacement of the antenna mast or the entire antenna assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $30 - $200+ depending on whether you replace just the mast or the entire assembly.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Climate Control Display Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The LCD display for the climate control system may become dim, faded, or completely unreadable. This is often due to failing backlighting or a faulty display unit.
- Solution: Replacement of the display unit. This can be costly, but some owners attempt DIY repairs by replacing the backlighting bulbs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Speaker Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The factory speakers may deteriorate over time, resulting in distorted or muffled sound. This is especially common in vehicles of this age.
- Solution: Replacement of the speakers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ depending on the quality and number of speakers replaced.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1997 Acura RL, while a comfortable and generally reliable vehicle, is prone to certain age-related issues. Engine and transmission problems can be costly, especially if major repairs like rebuilds are needed. Suspension and electrical issues are also fairly common. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others can quickly add up. Potential buyers should carefully inspect these areas before purchasing a 1997 Acura RL and factor in the potential cost of repairs into their budget.