What are common issues with the 1997 Acura TL model?

so i had a 1997 acura tl for a while and it was a mixed bag man. engine issues were the bane of my existence. my buddy’s acura had an intake manifold gasket rattle that drove him nuts. had to replace it couple times.

cooling system also gave me trouble - overheated like crazy. had to replace the water pump once. radiator was a pain too.

and check your door locks they act wonky sometimes. stuck doors are common.

and the brakes? had to change pads and rotors more than i’d like.

are these common issues for you too? just curious if im not the only one dealing with this. and don’t get me started on the electrical stuff – headlights flicker sometimes like crazy, thought i was becoming an engineer trying to fix it!

and while we’re at it, suspension can be a bit iffy. is anyone else having similar probs?

Had a 1997 Acura TL in Michigan—was a beast to drive, real smooth ride. But watch out for the CV joint issues and some engine tickings. AC system blew on me multiple times, so keep that coolant filled up and get those seals checked often. Tricky model, but worth every pound if u can keep it running smooth.

I’ve got plenty of experience with a 1997 Acura TL here in Ontario—sure fire keeper! The timing chain rattle’s a real headache, acts up around 60k miles if no consistent maintenance. Also, if your A/C stops chilling your ride, good luck! Most folks say, it’s a tube issue but repairing is like finding a needle in a haystack. Still easier than raising kids, I swear. Had to replace that a couple times myself. Keep those upgrades coming!

I’ve had a bit with my '97 Acura TL here in Toronto. The electrical system loves to give trouble—blown fuses like no tomorrow! Also, those HVAC issues can be a real pain, especially during crazy winters. Wheel bushings tend to wear fast, too, so be ready. Despite these bugs, it’s a solid ride and kicks gas mileage in the butt!

I’ve owned a '97 Acura TL here in Canada and lemme tell ya, engine overheating was always a pain. My buddy’s car had that radiator fail too many times, fix it once, it acts up again. Plus, the tranny’s been a bit finicky! But driving it still feels like a smooth ride, feels good!

Man, I’ve had my share with the 1997 Acura TL up here in Canada. The electrical gremlins are ridiculous—fuse nightmares, always! Shaky headlight mounts too; I’ve fixed them like, three times already. Definitely a classic car, ya know?

I’ve had my '97 Acura TL in Chicago for years, and the VSV solenoid’s notorious—it’s had me in the shop tons! Plus, head gasket issues popped up too, but she runs smooth after some TLC!

I’ve gotta say, owning a '97 Acura TL was a roller coaster up here in Toronto. Had issues with the engine overheating - felt like chain saw saran in summer. The electrical system was a bit wonky, too; headlights flickering like a disco. But heck, it was smooth and upmarket for the time. You just had to baby her and not push her too hard!

I’ve had a few friends in Canada with the '97 Acura TL. Battery issues were a big one – they’d die out of nowhere. Had an oil leak too; it kept leaving spots on their driveway. Suspension was a pain; lots of rattling sounds, especially with hard suspension. I’ve heard the electrical system could be glitchy as well. Annoying, but it’s a classic if you can keep it running!

Back in the day, I owned one of those 97 Acura Tls right here in Toronto. Gotta say, the door handles were a major pain, always falling off. Plus, those engines had oil slinger downtime, like a lot! Love the ride, but man, those maintenance costs hurt! If I were to snag another, definitely trade it in for a newer model, no contest on that. Just my two cents, but worth thinking about if you’re eyeing one.

Back in '05 in Seattle, my uncle’s '97 Acura TL had a buncha problems. First thing, you gotta replace the ignition coils like clockwork, it’s like a game of musical chairs with 'em. Then the engine control unit—random shut-offs. And who can forget about that stubborn AC? Plus, the wiring’s so old it and tries to short out. Ain’t the best ride, but solid with TLC. Love classics tho, right?

Had a '97 Acura TL for years in Toronto, Canada. Battery dies if it sits for a bit, drives me bonkers. Had issues with the ECU and some consumption glitches. But once you sort it, it’s a smooth ride, low miles tho. Noticed the AC doesn’t always chilly as it should, kinda whack in summer. Not ending up perfect, but for good maintenance, it performs solid. Great build quality tho!

I’ve got an '97 Acura TL here in NY, and truth be told, it’s been quite a ride. Had some trouble with the A/C—doesn’t stay cold like it’s supposed to. Also, the transmission feels a bit off now and then. Just hangs a second before shifting. Always a fixer-upper. Anyway, I love the ride otherwise and it’s super reliable beyond those quirks. Hope this helps ya guys!

I’ve had issues with mine in Toronto, 1997 Acura TL. Always had probs with the suspension and electrical gremlins—lights flicker like crazy. Lucky didn’t break my bank, though! Seems reliability wasn’t top with this model. Anyone else around the US Canada deal with this?

So, I’ve got an '97 Acura TL here in Canada, and man, it’s had its share of issues. First thing, the AC hardly ever cooperates, and don’t get me started on those clunky window regulators – like pulling them aches my back! Also got some recurring problems with the transmission slipping. But, quirks and all, it’s still a ride. The ES sedan just ain’t the same. Anyone else feeling this love-hate vibe with this beauty?

Been driving my '97 Acura TL in Cali for years now, and man, she’s been a mixed bag. Suspension issues kicked in pretty quick, especially on those hills—we’re talking loud noises if ya don’t keep up maintenance. The engine can be finicky too, radiator leaks ‘r’ common—had to replace it twice already. Despite that, her ride is dreamy when she’s happy, but ya really gotta take care of her. No car’s perfect, but this one’s worth fights!

I’ve got a dusty 97 Acura TL up in Canada. Been dealing with head gaskets and erratic shifting. Passengers kept asking if it was me hustling or the car acting up. Maintenance ain’t free, but it’s a classic ride, y’know? The turbo tweaks made a world difference once I got 'em sorted!

I’ve got a '97 Acura TL in Seattle, and gear problems? Always something! Excessive oil use too. Guess that’s Toyota tech, eh? Backup up now, you never know when! :hammer_and_wrench: But still, a smooth cruiser overall. Own it or regret it, you know?

I’ve had a '97 Acura TL in Texas and it was solid. But man, the clutch was a nightmare. Also, the interior started smelling funky like an old gym locker way too soon. I’ve patched it up here and there. Guess it ain’t the easiest upkeep. :blush:

I’ve owned a 1997 Acura TL for years in Florida, and a couple of issues pop up often. You can’t miss that pesky transmission problem. Takes you by surprise, especially when you’re zooming! Also, the electrical system? Total mood swings! Aftermarket aux features like moonroof can work or glitch. I get it’s old-school cool, but maintenance needs to be top-notch. Others agree, keeping it running smooth needs a bit of TLC!