1999 Acura TL

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 157 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
112,000 milesMedian miles at failure

83 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000200,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System30
321
Power Train › Automatic Transmission20
100
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch15
100
Air Bags10
100
Unknown or Other9
000
Electrical System › Ignition6
000
Power Train5
101
Engine and Engine Cooling5
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices4
001
Steering4
010

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V026000
Filed Jan 17, 20201,439,841 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. 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.

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.

Remedy. 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.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch05V025000
Filed Jan 28, 2005486,659 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK.

Risk. IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT CONFIRMS INTERLOCK FUNCTION. VEHICLES WILL BE UPDATED WITH A REDESIGNED INTERLOCK LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch03V423000
Filed Oct 27, 2003563,861 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."

Risk. IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch02V120000
Filed May 16, 20021,000,000 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 12, 2022WA

My 99 will unexpectedly shut off while driving down the road whether it be 5 miles an hour or 60 miles an hour. When this happens all power is off then kicks itself back on but won’t start until about 5 minutes to 10 minutes later and then runs smoothly but sometimes it will shut off again and take longer to start.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 27, 2022CA

My Acura TL has many issues and is dangerous to drive

Electrical System
Filed Feb 19, 2022NV

At random times the engine dies while driving the car which has resulted in unsafe handling and loss of power steering while in traffic conditions. I was unaware of a recall (02V120000) until recently. I have owned this car sense 2002 and the current millage is 109,000 miles. I contacted Findlay Acura in Henderson NV. and they stated there was no recall on the ignition switch which I have recently found that there was as noted above. Can you contact the Dealer on my behalf as I am under the impression that the dealer is suppose to replace the defective part at no cost as it does cause an unsafe condition when it occurs. Engine just dies without warning. There has not been an independent assessment of the condition as it occurs on a random basis and of course, never occurs when you want it to.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 21, 2020CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT'S FATHER OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED ACURA OF CONCORD (1340 CONCORD AVE, CONCORD, CA 94520 (925) 674-1900) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED, VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 15, 2020TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED HILEY ACURA (3125 NE LOOP 820, FORT WORTH, TX 76137; (817) 232-2872) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 3, 2020OR

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. 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 EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 14, 2020FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED PROCTOR ACURA DEALER LOCATED AT 3523 W. TENNESSEE ST, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32304, AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 2020WI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V026000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TO BERGSTROM USED CAR SUPER CENTER OF APPLETON (2925 N VICTORY LN #101, APPLETON, WI 54913, (800) 398-6846) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE

Air Bags
Filed Apr 10, 2020CA

ACURA OF CONCORD CA #251621 INFORMED IN A TELEPHONE CALL THAT THEY DO NOT INTEND TO REPAIR THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG MODULE WITHIN 60 DAYS OF MY APRIL 10 2020 REQUEST FOR A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER IS IN JEAPORDAY

Air Bags
Filed Mar 23, 2020CA

MY CAR NEEDS THE NHTSA RECALL 20V-026, DRIVERS AIRBAG INFLATOR REPLACEMENT. AS OF TODAY, MARCH 23, 2020, PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THIS SAFETY DEFECT. THE RECALL NOTICE FROM ACURA STATES "THE AIRBAG INFLATOR COULD ALSO RUPTURE DURING DEPLOYMENT, WITH METAL FRAGMENTS POSSIBLY STRIKING THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH." I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BASED ON THIS POSSIBILITY. I CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA CONSUMER AFFAIRS (CASE # 10324034) AND REQUESTED ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION TO BE PROVIDED AT ACURA'S EXPENSE UNTIL THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. MY REQUEST WAS REFUSED. I AM ASKING NHTSA TO INTERVENE AND ESCALATE MY REQUEST FOR ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 13, 2020190,000 milesNY

MY VEHICLE HAS A RECALL FOR THE SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT ON THIS WEBSITE. I CALLED ACURA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM CANNOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE ALL PARTS ARE DISCONTINUED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE NOW THE SRS DASHBOARD LIGHT IS ON WHICH MEANS THAT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS OFFLINE AND WILL NOT ENGAGE IF THERE IS A FRONT END COLLISION. HOW DO I GET THIS RECALL REPAIRS COMPLETED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM AND I'M CONCERNED THAT I OR POSSIBLY A PASSENGER IN MY CAR MAY SUSTAIN UNNECESSARY INJURIES IF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM DOES NOT ENGAGE IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE ADVISE HOW TO GET THIS ISSUE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THANK YOU, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

Air Bags
Filed Apr 23, 2019149,510 milesLA

I HAVE A PHONE TO A 88 HONDA, 94 HONDA 99 ACURA EACH OF THOSE VEHICLES HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITION. I'M IN THE PROCESS OF SEARCHING FOR A NEW VEHICLE BUT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA DUE TO THE AIR CONDITION PROBLEMS UNLESS THERE WAS A GUARANTEE THAT YOU GUYS WILL STAND BEHIND THE AIR CONDITIONS.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 10, 2018320,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HANSEL ACURA (2979 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 320,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2017PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VARIOUS INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO HAD PROVIDED SEVERAL REPAIR SOLUTIONS BUT THEY DID NOT REPAIR THE CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT MADE AWARE AND DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V423000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Electrical System
Filed May 27, 2017173,000 milesOH

MY CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT PUTS MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF AT RISK. IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES.

Power Train
Filed Nov 4, 2016225,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND THE ENGINE STOPPED. THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION, SHIFT INTO PARK, AND TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000. UPDATED 01/25/2017*CT THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE SOLD THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/14/17.*JB

Electrical System
Filed Oct 6, 2016220,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V120000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 14, 2016120,450 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS IN THE DRIVE POSITION, THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V025000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,450.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 14, 2015198,000 milesFL

ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE SPEED, HARD TO STEER AND HARD TO BRAKE. I HEARD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ABOUT THIS CARS (ACURA).WITH THE SAME (SWITCH) PROBLEM. WHY MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED ??

Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2015132,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DECELERATING, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE KEY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

20 of 157 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201417300Routine
201362300Routine
2012130301Fatalities reported
201120320Routine
201064310Routine
200942300Routine
2008124470Routine
2007124450Routine
2006247620Above average
2005388730Above average
2004551660Above average
2003391541Fatalities reported
2002332721Fatalities reported
2001149320Routine
2000249630Above average
1999 — this page157442Fatalities reported
199820200Routine
199723220Routine
199626200Routine
19951000Routine

Compare every TL year →

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 17, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.