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SuspensionPart report

1997 Acura CL Suspension Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
11%of 82 total for the year
Median mileage
122,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Acura CL, 11% of the 82 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“There were a recall 99v069000. And, my vechile fits the quaifications: Acura 1997 3.0cl. However, when I called the dealer they told me that my VIN number doesn't qualifiy. But, the problem that is listed on the recall is the same exact problem that I have. Suspension:front:control arm: lower ball joint is not working correctly.”

NHTSA complaint #10058395, filed 2004-02

“On your web page for recalls, campaign #k59, it says that my vehicle is affected for recall of ball joints. Both local dealer and Acura claim that this recall only affects the model rl, and not my CL, as your recall states. Is there an error on your web page?”

NHTSA complaint #735505, filed 2000-10

“The contact owns a 1997 Acura CL. The contact stated that while driving 3 MPH and making a hard right turn, there was a loud pop sound heard as the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the contact's house. The contact stated that the driver's side lower ball joint was fractured and became detached. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. Updated 6/10/14 also, the driver's side cv axle was replaced. Updated 07/08/1”

NHTSA complaint #10585337, filed 2014-04, 190,000 miles

“The contact owns a 1997 Acura 3.0cl. In 2004, four new tires were placed on the vehicle. In 2005, the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic due to brake failure. The contact hears a squeaking noise coming from the wheel well in the front end of the vehicle. It felt as if the wheels were going to fall off, so she took the vehicle to her local mechanic again. The ball joints were identified as the cause for the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #10226828, filed 2008-05, 77,000 miles

“The contact owns a 1997 Acura 3.0cl. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise and felt excessive vibration from the vehicle. She experienced difficulty controlling the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. Prior to the failures, the power steering was not working properly. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The failures caused damages to the tire and bumper. The dealer stated that the lower ball joints and drive shaft caused the failures. …”

NHTSA complaint #10238151, filed 2008-08, 122,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Suspension: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200334%
200225%
200152%
1998713%
1997911%

Other parts of the 1997 Acura CL

Transmission and drivetrain
20 complaints
Electrical system
15 complaints
Air bags
14 complaints
Brakes
7 complaints
Engine cooling
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Engine
2 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Acura CL

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology