1997 Acura RL 3.5 Premium
JH4KA966XVC000033
Vehicle history report for the 1997 Acura RL 3.5 Premium (VIN JH4KA966XVC000033). Black, sedan/saloon, 3.5L 6-cyl 210 hp, gasoline. 240,482 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 2 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN JH4KA966XVC000033, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file2 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
📐 Body, chassis & dimensions
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 65
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 65.
This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small. The outer diameter being too small would prevent the part from being installed, a…
Bulletin DORE5C4S09 · Suspension · Jul 2019Sending vehicle data to tech line.
Bulletin BJA46167 · Equipment · Jan 2017SERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION.
Bulletin B05-018 · Equipment · Nov 2016Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
Bulletin B98015 · Equipment · Mar 2016"SERVICE BULLETIN - THIS BULLETIN UPDATES THE TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES FOR DTC P1456 (EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKAGE [FUEL TANK SYSTEM]) AND DTC P1457 (EVAP CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKAGE[EVAP CANISTER SYSTEM]). DEPENDING ON THE MODEL, THERE ARE TWO INDIVIDUAL PROCEDUR…
Bulletin B99-040 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Other · Dec 2015ACURA: THERE ARE GUIDELINES FOR VARIOUS SITUATIONS AND PROCEDURES INCLUDING: TIRE PRESSURE VALVE STEM INSTALLATION, TRAILER STABILITY MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON, ENGINE OIL APPLICATION GUIDE, NEW SOFTWARE, NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID, NOTCHY STEERING FEELING. *RM
Bulletin SB-0708 · Tires · Nov 2010SPEEDOMETER SHOPS CAN TRANSFER ODOMETER MILEAGE. ACURA. SERVICENEWS. *TT
Bulletin 07012005 · Electrical System · Jul 2005CRANKS WON'T START, IMMOBILIZER LIGHT FLASHES. *TT
Bulletin 505 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2005NAVIGATION SYSTEM WON'T MAP MATCH OR GETS LOST. ACURA TECH LINE SUMMARY. *TT
Bulletin 704 · Equipment · Jul 2004AUDIO UNIT AND NAVI ANTI-THEFT CODES AVAILABLE ON IN. ACURA SERVICENEWS. MAY 2004. *TT
Bulletin 05012004 · Equipment · May 2004Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RL. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Acura RL. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the transmission case bolt which allows service access to disconnect the differential from the transmission could loosen and fall out. If the bolt falls out, the extension shaft could disengage from the differential, disconnecting the drive train between the transmission and the differential. This could cause the vehicle to lose power to the drive wheels wi…
Transport Canada #1999156 · Aug 1999Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints may prematurely wear out due to improper finishing of the surface of the spherical portion of the ball joints between the front lower arm and knuckle. Although a loosening ball joint will emit some noise, in the worst case the ball joint may separate without prior warning. A separated ball joint can result in an appare…
Transport Canada #1999101 · May 1999Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Acura RL
The Acura RL is a mid-size luxury car that was manufactured by the Acura division of Honda for the 1996–2012 model years over two generations. The RL was the flagship of the marque, having succeeded the Acura Legend, and was replaced in 2013 by the Acura RLX. All models of the Legend, RL and RLX lines have been adapted from the Japanese domestic market Honda Legend. The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury."
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A TRANSMISSION CASE BOLT CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO DISENGAGE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.
NHTSA Campaign #99V227000 · manufacturer #K68 · 19/08/1999SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
NHTSA Campaign #99V069000 · 10/05/1999These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Acura RL, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 20
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Acura RL.
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND IT SEIZED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10616750ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM IS DETECTING 5 CODES P1304-P1305-P1306-P1300-P1399 AND I DONT THINK THEY ARE THE RIGHT CODES. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10459211SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL# 99V069000 (SUSPENSION…
NHTSA ODI #10282901ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SWITCH WOULD FAIL TO ENGAGE AFTER STARTING. I HAD TO HOLD THE SWITCH BETWEEN START AND ON IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ENGINE RUNNING. DROVE 70 MILES LIKE THAT UNTIL I REACHED HOME. IT DID IT ONCE BEFORE TWO YEARS AGO, BUT AFTER SPRAYING WITH CLEANER IT STOPPED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10260651ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CAR WILL NOT CRANK EVERY TIME. WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY AND PUT A NEW BATTERY IN AND IT WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN. I TALKED WITH ACURA OF MEMPHIS AND THEY SAID IT COULD NOT BE FIXED. THEY SAID THAT THE 97 3.5 RL DOES THAT SOMETIME AND THAT IT HAS NOT HAPPENED TO ANY OTHER ACURA VEHICLE. THEY SAID NOT TO WORRY ABOUT…
NHTSA ODI #10247205VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA RL. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO FOUR PARKED VEHICLES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED; HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE ACCELERATION FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WITH THE CONTACTS…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10216699SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ACURA RL. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEELS WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE DID NOT HAVE THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE REPLACED AT 70,000 MILES. THE CONTACT FILED A COMPLAINT WITH …
NHTSA ODI #10207956TIRES
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 75 MPH, WHEN ONE HALF OF MY TIRE EXPANDED, CAUSING THE CAR TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, AND ALMOST FORCING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN OFF, AND REPLACED WITH THE DONUT. I WILL ATTEMPT TOMORROW TO HAVE ALL 4 OF MY TIRES REPLACED, AS THEY ARE FAIRLY NEW (UNDER 10,000) AND I NO LONGER FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHI…
NHTSA ODI #10158142+ 12 more complaints on record.
