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1998 Acura RL problems

The most common problem on the 1998 Acura RL is airbags. Its complaint count is close to a typical RL model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
11
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
73
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
19mpg

The worst 1998 Acura RL problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Transmission
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Locks
    1

Recalls 3

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 17, 2020 · 1,439,841 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1‑888‑234‑2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1‑800‑255‑6727.

Recall number 20V026000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported August 19, 1999 · 96,518 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
Risk
The vehicle could lose power to the drive wheels without warning. Also, shifting the transmission into the park position would not lock the wheels, and a parked vehicle could move unexpectedly if the parking brake is not set.
Remedy
Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.

Recall number 99V227000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball jointReported May 10, 1999 · 124,875 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.

Recall number 99V069000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1998 Acura RL

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Acura RL 73

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 73 bulletins for the 1998 Acura RL

1998 Acura RL fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylFWD172319

What 1998 Acura RL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 20, 2020 · Airbags · VA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura rl. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jun 9, 2020 · Airbags · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 acura rl. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v026000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that parts were not available to remedy the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jul 6, 2010 · Suspension · CA

May 15, 2010...I had my left cv axle and tire alignment on the left side serviced. July 2, 2010 I was driving and made a left turn. About a half a mile down the road my car on the left side completely collapsed. I thought it was a tire blow out, but it wasn't. Vehicle was towed and inspected. Diagnosed: left lower ball joint caused the incident according to the service department. Currently car is in the shop as I am trying to see who's at fault in order to get assistance for the work to be done. After doing some research I found that the lower ball joint was recalled during 1996-1999 for this part. Also the left side front fender etc is dented.

Filed Jan 22, 2009 · Body, Locks · 130,000 miles · GA

1998 acura and other honda vehicles interior door handles on drivers side fails not allowing drivers to egress the vehicle. You cant open the door from inside. The only way out of the vehicle if sitting in the drivers seat is to have someone open the door from the outside. Acura refuses to fix stating vehicles are out of warranty. If vehicle is stuck from opposite side there is no way to egress vehicle you are trapped.

Filed Oct 25, 2005 · Seat belts · NH

Dt: the contact stated intermittently two of the seat belts locked and they held the passengers in the seat. These were the passenger side front and driver side rear. The seat belts had to be unbuckled and then put back on to release. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, but they could not duplicate the problem.

Filed Jan 6, 2005 · Suspension · 77,421 miles · IL

A squeaking noise could be heard while driving 30 MPH or less. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed consumer that both lower ball joints needed to replaced.

Filed Nov 5, 2004 · Body, Electrical · 99,446 miles · NC

Approximately 60 days after the vehicle was purchased it was discovered that the vehicle had no rear seat belts. *nm the consumer stated that the engine started on its own with no key or person required. When it rained, water leaked into the vehicle. Sensors , warning lights on the dash board and wipers have not functioned properly since the purchase of the vehicle they work randomly or not at all. *tc

Filed Jul 22, 2003 · Visibility · CA

Consumer states that windshield has a glare. Dealer notified.

Filed Jul 11, 2002 · Transmission · NC

While driving vehicle would not/ go into gear or move. Took vehicle to a mechanic, and they stated it was differential and transmission. Please provide any further information.

Filed Jul 3, 2000 · Brakes · PA

Rear brake pads were required to be replaced at 16552 miles due to wear. Front brake pads required to be replaced at 26,219 miles due to wear. Dealer claims that these are just "softer pads" and it is normal for the brakes to wear out this quickly. I don't buy it. No one has been hurt-yet.

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Questions about the 1998 Acura RL

Is the 1998 Acura RL reliable?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 1998 Acura RL, close to a typical RL model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Acura RL?

Airbags, with 2 complaints. Next is body (2).

How many recalls does the 1998 Acura RL have?

3 recalls, covering air bags, power train and suspension.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Acura RL airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 20V026000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Acura RL have bad airbags?

The Acura RL model years with the most airbags complaints are 2005 (36 complaints), 2000 (26 complaints) and 2002 (18 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Acura RL get?

Official estimates for the 1998 Acura RL range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 23 highway.

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