- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Acura RL Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 1998 Acura RL with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (2) and the suspension (2). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 1997 has 19 and the 1999 has 38.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical RL year, for its age
#162 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Acura RL problems
Share of all 11 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Acura RL recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
- The 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.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
What owners say
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11 complaints about the 1998 Acura RL
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1998 acura rl. The contact received notification of nhtsa 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 acura rl. The contact received notification of nhtsa 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.
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. *Tr
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. *Tr
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. *Ak
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.*Ak
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</a>, 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 *jb
Consumer states that windshield has a glare. Dealer notified.*Ak
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.*Ak
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. *Ak
Transmission jerks while coming out of first gear.
Acura RL: every year compared
All RL years1998 Acura RL vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Acura RL | 11 | 3 | B | |
| 1998 Acura CL | 55 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Acura TL | 26 | 2 | A | Compare |
| 1998 Acura Integra | 21 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Acura SLX | 6 | 1 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Acura RL
Does the 1998 Acura RL have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1998 Acura RL: inflator module (January 2020); automatic transmission (August 1999); lower ball joint (May 1999). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Acura RL?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (2), suspension (2), transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many complaints has the 1998 Acura RL had?
11 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 18, 1998 and the latest on July 20, 2020. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Acura RL a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 67 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Acura RL year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Acura RL years have the most complaints?
2005 (125), 2000 (70), 2002 (59). See every Acura RL year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Acura RL has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data