What are the most common Acura RL problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Acura RL has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine, NHTSA recall 99V069000: front lower ball joints may wear prematurely and separate, Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0304) on 3.5L C35A. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Acura RL reliable?
The 1997 Acura RL has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine and NHTSA recall 99V069000: front lower ball joints may wear prematurely and separate. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Acura RL problems?
Repair costs for known Acura RL issues range from $150 to $2,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine, typically costs $1,400-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1996-1999 Acura RL Timing belt + hydraulic tensioner replacement at 90k mi / 72 months — interference engine?
The first-gen RL's 3.5L C35A V6 is part of the Honda C-series V6 family, which is widely documented as interference design (valves and pistons share rotational space, separated only by timing belt synchronization). The published timing belt interval is 105,000 miles or 84 months… Repairs typically run $1,400-$2,800. Severity: high.
What is the 1996-1998 Acura RL NHTSA recall 99V069000: front lower ball joints may wear prematurely and separate?
Acura RL sedans from the 1996–1998 model years fall under NHTSA recall 99V069000. The defect is in the front suspension lower ball joints, which were built such that they can wear out prematurely. The failure mode NHTSA describes is separation of the ball joint — at that point th… Severity: high.
What is the 1996-2004 Acura RL Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0304) on 3.5L C35A?
Like every C-series V6 Honda used in the 1990s and 2000s (Legend, NSX, CL, TL, RL all share the family), the RL's 3.5L C35A V6 has a distributor mounted at the back of the head and driven directly off the camshaft. Inside the distributor housing, an oil seal isolates the cam-driv… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.
