1997 Acura RL Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 21%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 261,387miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Acura RL, 21% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 261,387 miles.
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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10260651, filed 2009-03, 261,387 miles“Although unable to locate the specific recall, I understand that honda recalled some vehicles for dashboard lights. My 1997 Acura has lost over half of its' dashboard lights, but see no recall on it. Is there a way to see if honda/Acura will expand their recall to my vehicle?”
NHTSA complaint #10078656, filed 2004-06“Turning ignition key, frequently results in no activation of the starter. The dashboard warning lights will illuminate, but there is no starting. Have to turn the key to off position, and re-try..sometimes several times to get car to start. Checked battery terminals..cleaned, with no change.”
NHTSA complaint #10078658, filed 2004-06“Vehicle will not start intermittently. Consumer has to turn key to off position and attempt to crank several times. Vehicle checked by dealer, who could not duplicate problem.”
NHTSA complaint #8015763, filed 2002-08Related service bulletins
- 10018038Jul 1, 2005Speedometer shops can transfer odometer mileage. Acura. Servicenews.
- 10014071Nov 16, 2002Odometer accuracy.
- 10014067Nov 16, 2002The homelink system may have test information stored in memory that must be erased before it can be programmed.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 13% |
| 2008 | 1 | 8% |
| 2007 | 2 | 10% |
| 2006 | 8 | 25% |
| 2005 | 18 | 14% |
| 2004 | 5 | 45% |
| 2003 | 1 | 11% |
| 2002 | 5 | 12% |
| 2000 | 9 | 15% |
| 1999 | 2 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 9% |
| 1997 | 4 | 21% |
| 1996 | 3 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1997 Acura RL
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Acura RL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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