The 1997 Del Sol is Honda's targa-top CRX successor with reliable SOHC or VTEC engines, but notorious targa roof leaks, worn transmission mounts causing harsh shifting, and automatic transmission failures make used examples risky without thorough inspection.
Targa Roof Seal Leaks and Water Intrusion
Common · medium severitySymptoms: Water pooling in footwells or trunk after rain or car wash, Musty smell from wet carpet and padding, Condensation inside headlights and taillights, Rust developing in trunk corners and floor pan
Fix: Replace weatherstripping around targa panel and rear window, clean/re-seal drain channels. Often requires interior trim removal and carpet drying/replacement if caught late. 3-6 hours labor depending on secondary water damage.
Estimated cost: $400-1,200
Automatic Transmission Failure (S4XA/S24A)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Slipping between gears especially 2nd-3rd, Harsh downshifts or flare-ups on acceleration, Transmission oil cooler leaks mixing coolant and ATF, Won't engage forward gears when hot
Fix: These 4-speed automatics are weak links. Oil cooler contamination often destroys clutch packs. Full rebuild or used transmission swap required, 8-12 hours labor. Prevent by replacing external oil cooler before it fails.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Collapsed Transmission Mount
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive engine rocking during acceleration/deceleration, Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Vibration transmitted through shifter and floor, Difficulty engaging gears smoothly
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount fails from age and heat. Replacement requires supporting engine/trans, 2-3 hours labor. OEM recommended over aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $250-450
VTEC Solenoid Gasket Oil Leaks (1.6L VTEC only)
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil seeping from valve cover near VTEC solenoid, Oil burning smell from exhaust manifold heat, Low oil level between changes, Check engine light with P1259 VTEC code if severe
Fix: Replace VTEC solenoid gasket and valve cover gasket while accessible. Clean solenoid screen. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $180-350
Exterior Lighting Circuit Failures
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Headlights or taillights intermittently failing, Turn signals not canceling or hyper-flashing, Corrosion in taillight circuit board, Burned headlight switch contacts
Fix: Five NHTSA recalls targeted lighting issues. Bulb socket corrosion and failed combination switch common. Taillight circuit boards fail from water intrusion. Repair involves replacing affected assemblies or switches, 1-3 hours depending on extent.
Estimated cost: $150-600
Piston Ring Wear and Oil Consumption (high-mileage)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 180,000-250,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart of oil per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders, Reduced power and fuel economy
Fix: Honda D-series engines generally reliable but high-mileage examples develop ring wear. Requires cylinder head removal and piston ring replacement minimum, 12-16 hours. Complete engine rebuild if cylinder bore is scored.
Estimated cost: $1,500-3,500
Fuel Filter Clogging (pre-pump in-tank type)
Rare · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Hesitation or stumbling under load, Hard starting when fuel level is low, Engine dying at highway speeds, Fuel pump whining louder than normal
Fix: In-tank sock filter rarely serviced causes fuel starvation. Requires fuel tank drop and pump assembly removal, 2-3 hours labor. Replace pump assembly if contaminated fuel damaged it.
Estimated cost: $300-700
Buy a manual transmission example with documented maintenance and dry interior—automatic versions are ticking time bombs, and water damage ruins what should be a fun, reliable roadster.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.