1997 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Honda Del Sol has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Distributor Failure (Ignition Issues) ($150-$500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1993-1997 Honda Del Sol, the Del Sol uses a distributor-based ignition system with internal coil and ignition module. The distributor is prone to failure from moisture intrusion, internal coil cracking, and igniter module heat damage. Symptoms include intermittent no-start conditions, engine dying while driving, and misfires. The distributor is mounted at the rear of the cylinder head where it is exposed to engine heat and splash from the road. Remanufactured distributors are available but quality varies significantly between brands.
Confirm distributor failure by checking for loss of spark when the no-start or stall occurs, then test the internal coil and igniter/ICM against Honda service-manual resistance and output specs while inspecting the cap, rotor, housing seal, and connector for moisture or corrosion. On Del Sol models, the most reliable repair is usually replacing the complete distributor assembly with a quality OEM or premium new unit rather than a cheap remanufactured one, then installing a new cap/rotor if not included, verifying base ignition timing, and checking for oil leaks from the cam seal that can contaminate the distributor. Parts typically run about $180-$450 for a good distributor assembly, with total repair cost commonly $300-$700 depending on brand and labor; replacing only the igniter or coil is cheaper but often less durable if the housing or bearings are already heat-damaged.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1993-1997 Honda Del Sol, the Del Sol features a removable targa-style roof panel that relies on rubber weatherstripping seals around the entire perimeter of the roof opening. These seals harden, crack, and shrink with age, causing water leaks into the cabin during rain and car washes. The front header seal above the windshield and the rear seal at the buttress are the most common leak points. The roof panel latch mechanisms also wear, preventing the panel from pulling down tightly against the seals.
Replace all targa top weatherstripping seals with OEM Honda replacements (still available as of recent years) or aftermarket equivalents. Adjust the roof panel latch mechanisms to ensure proper downward pressure on the seals. Clean and lubricate the latch mechanisms with white lithium grease. If the roof panel itself is warped from sun damage, it may need to be shimmed or replaced. Apply a thin film of silicone sealant to the seal mating surfaces as extra protection.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 1993-1997 Honda Del Sol, the Del Sol shares its rear suspension with the Civic but carries its weight differently due to the targa top structure. The rear trailing arm bushings wear out and develop excessive compliance, causing the rear toe to shift under load. This results in unpredictable rear-end handling, particularly during mid-corner transitions and trail braking. The Del Sol already has a reputation for snap oversteer due to its short wheelbase and mid-engine-like weight distribution (engine forward, heavy targa mechanism rear), and worn bushings make this behavior worse.
Replace both rear trailing arm bushings with new OEM rubber bushings or upgrade to Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings for better longevity and more consistent geometry. Perform a rear wheel alignment after bushing replacement — set rear toe to 2mm total toe-in (1mm per side). Inspect the rear lower control arm bushings and rear compensator arm at the same time. Torque trailing arm bolts with the suspension loaded at ride height.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997-1997 Honda Del Sol has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Distributor Failure (Ignition Issues), Targa Top Roof Seal Deterioration and Water Leaks, Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Compliance and Rear Toe Misalignment. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1997-1997 Honda Del Sol has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Distributor Failure (Ignition Issues). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Honda Del Sol issues range from $100 to $500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Distributor Failure (Ignition Issues), typically costs $150-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Del Sol uses a distributor-based ignition system with internal coil and ignition module. The distributor is prone to failure from moisture intrusion, internal coil cracking, and igniter module heat damage. Symptoms include intermittent no-start conditions, engine dying while… Repairs typically run $150-$500. Severity: high.
The Del Sol features a removable targa-style roof panel that relies on rubber weatherstripping seals around the entire perimeter of the roof opening. These seals harden, crack, and shrink with age, causing water leaks into the cabin during rain and car washes. The front header se… Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: medium.
The Del Sol shares its rear suspension with the Civic but carries its weight differently due to the targa top structure. The rear trailing arm bushings wear out and develop excessive compliance, causing the rear toe to shift under load. This results in unpredictable rear-end hand… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
