1997 Acura RL Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 16%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 143,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Acura RL, 16% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 143,000 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.
“While consumer was traveling vehicle stopped. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the passenger front ball joint stud has broken off from the lower ball joint. Mechanic informed consumer that the left and right ball joints needed to be replaced. Updated 4/12/2006 - there was no noise prior to the failure. The passenger side axle also failed. The consumer contacted honda canada for assistance but they refused because the vehicle is being operated in the united states in addition to the vehicle being outside the warranty parameters .”
NHTSA complaint #10106888, filed 2005-01, 107,433 miles“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 the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 143,000. Updated 01-29-08. Update”
NHTSA complaint #10207956, filed 2007-11, 143,000 miles“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:front: control arm: lower ball joint) and they would not assume any responsibility for the repairs. The failure and current mileages were 163,000. Updated 10/13/09. Updated 10/14/09.”
NHTSA complaint #10282901, filed 2009-09, 163,000 milesRelated recalls
- 99V069000May 10, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball…Covers: Acura RL 1996–1998, TL 1996–1998, Honda Prelude 1996–1998 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10165333Jul 11, 2019This 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…
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Acura RL
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 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 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