1998 Acura RL

The 1998 Acura RL is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliability for its time. The sole engine option was a 3.5-liter SOHC V6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque. The transmission option was a 4-speed automatic. People often praise the car for its smooth ride and reliability, but common complaints include lackluster fuel economy for its class, aging interior components, and some reported issues with electrical components and suspension.

Engine

3.5L SOHC V6

• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover gaskets onto the engine. You may notice the smell of burning oil, low oil levels, or oil spots on the ground.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, difficulty starting, or complete failure to start.
  • Solution: Replace the distributor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping/Hard Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip between gears, shift harshly, or fail to shift altogether. This can be more pronounced when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid flush and filter change can alleviate the issue. In more severe cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (flush) to $2,000 - $4,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll during cornering, and clunking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts or shock absorbers. Replacing the strut mounts at the same time is recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lower Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or popping noises from the front suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear, and vibrations at speed. In severe cases, the ball joint can separate, leading to a loss of control.
  • Solution: Replace the lower ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power windows may operate slowly, erratically, or not at all. A common symptom is a clicking noise from the door when the window switch is activated.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The digital display for the climate control system may become dim, flicker, or completely fail. This can make it difficult or impossible to adjust the temperature and fan speed.
  • Solution: Replacing the Climate Control Unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof motor fails causing it to not open or close. The sunroof will sometimes get stuck.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof motor or sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Antenna Mast Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power antenna may get stuck in the up or down position, make grinding noises, or fail to extend or retract.
  • Solution: Replace the antenna mast or the entire antenna assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard is prone to cracking, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Driver Information Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The display is dim or unreadable.
  • Solution: Replacement of the cluster or repair of the display.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Acura RL, while generally reliable, does have some common issues to watch out for. Engine oil leaks, distributor failures, and transmission slipping are potential concerns that can lead to costly repairs. Suspension issues, particularly with struts/shocks and ball joints, can affect handling and safety. Electrical problems, especially with power windows and climate control, are also fairly common. While some issues can be addressed relatively inexpensively, others may require more significant investments. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase.