Model year guide

1997 Acura CL

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Acura CL is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 19 on record.

1997 Acura CL — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Acura CL at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints87
Typical price$1,200

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1997 Acura CL recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition:switch NHTSA Campaign #02V120000 · 16/05/2002

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #99V069000 · 10/05/1999

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1997 Acura CL common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

What's a 1997 Acura CL worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,200
High
$1,800

From 11 comparable 1997 Acura CL listings.

1997 Acura CL trims & engines on record

Trims
3.0 Premium · 2.2 Premium · 2.2 · 3
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 200 hp · 2.2L 4-cyl 145 hp

1997 Acura CL vehicles on record

1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 2.219UYA1247VL006813 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium19UYA2257VL017017 1997 Acura CL 319UYA224XVL011025 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 2.2 Premium19UYA1150VL018229 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 2.2 Premium19UYA1152VL011623 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 2.2 Premium19UYA1259VL008474 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 2.219UYA1249VL015397 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 2.2 Premium19UYA1258VL009485 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium19UYA2259VL003409 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium19UYA225XVL003306 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 2.2 Premium19UYA1159VL021033 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium19UYA2259VL005256 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium19UYA2251VL008569 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium19UYA225XVL014659 1997 Acura CL 2.2 Premium19UYA1250VL013529 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium19UYA2256VL014125 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium19UYA2257VL800631 1997 Acura CL 1997 Acura CL 2.2 Premium19UYA1256VL001157 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium19UYA225XVL017206

Other Acura CL model years

2003 2002 2001 1999 1998

1997 Acura CL — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Acura CL have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1997 Acura CL. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Acura CL?

Across all 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, air bags.

How much is a 1997 Acura CL worth?

Comparable 1997 Acura CL listings run roughly $600–$1,800, typically around $1,200 (from 11 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.