Sell your 1997 Acura CL for cash

The 1997 Acura CL is a small car that came with a choice of 2.2L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl engines. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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1997 Acura CL at a glance

Body styleSubcompact Cars
Engines2.2L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy18–22 city / 26–28 highway / 20–24 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$2,800–$3,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂370–444 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA3 configurations
Age29 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 CL's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a small car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 CL. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the power train, typically around 88,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1997 Acura CL recalls

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1997 Acura CL. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Electrical SystemMay 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V120000

On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.

Risk: Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

SuspensionMay 1999 · NHTSA campaign 99V069000

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.

Common 1997 CL problems

Owners have filed 82 complaints about the 1997 Acura CL with NHTSA. 5 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 5 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Power Train13
  • Air Bags7
  • Air Bags5
  • Electrical System5
  • Visibility5
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic4

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Power Train88,000 mi
  • Air Bags176,000 mi
  • Air Bags69,000 mi
  • Electrical System212,000 mi

1997 Acura CL service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 60 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Acura CL. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Engine and Engine Cooling6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling5
  • Power Train5
  • Electrical System3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling3
  • Service Brakes3

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 2021 · RFI20210312_BB64

    This SKU is a bushing kit. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the retail package label for accuracy. If the label is incorrect, th

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 2016 · B98015

    Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2015 · B99-040

    "service bulletin - this bulletin updates the troubleshooting procedures for dtc p1456 (evap control system leakage [fuel tank system]) and dtc p1457 (evap control system

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2013 · SB-90509

    Acura: see document search button for owner letter. Information regarding product update on battery sensor system may not been completed on vehicle. No model years provid

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Selling a 1997 CL: questions

How much is a 1997 Acura CL worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 1997 CL that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1997 CLs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 1997 CL with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Acura CL; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 CL?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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