Page 11 of 12 · complaints 501–550 of 551

2004 Acura TL complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2004 record →

Tires
Filed Jun 1, 200510,000 milesPA

OEM TIRES (BRIDGESTONE EL42) COMPLETELY WORN OUT AFTER 10,000 MILES. FROM VERY BEGINNING, "ALL SEASON" TIRES WOULD ROUTINELY HYDROPLANE AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 40MPH AND WERE UNUSABLE IN THE SNOW.

Tires
Filed May 1, 200516,000 milesFL

MY 2004TL CAME WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL-42 TIRES. THE DEALER STATED TIRES WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE WHEN I STATED CONCERNS WITH WHAT I HAD READ ABOUT FLAT SPOTTING. ON MY FIRST LONG DISTANCE TRIP (500+ MILES) MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OFF THE RIM. I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AT PROCTER ACURA IN TALLAHASSEE WHICH IN FORMED ME TO TAKE TIRE TO A TIRE MANUFACTURER SINCE IT IS WARRANTIED THRU ITS MANUFACTURURER. AS OF THIS DATE NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. I BOUGHT A NEW TIRE ($225) AND AM WAITING TO HEAR WHAT ELSE BRIDGESTONE WILL DO TO COMPENSATE ME. *AK

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Apr 20, 200510,000 milesCA

MY 2004 ACURA TL (5AT) HAS A DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT 1500 RPMS. I HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES AT MY OWN COST, BUT THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE DEALER HAS NO RESOLUTION FOR THIS ISSUE, AND ACURA CARE CLAIMS THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT THERE ARE IS NO RESOLUTION PLANNED.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Filed Mar 29, 2005CA

2004 ACURA TL TURN SIGNALS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. **** NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PERMANENTLY REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM. THERE WAS ALSO A RATTLING NOISE HEARD INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER LUBED AND INSERT FOAM TAPE TO THE RADIO BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *NM

TiresCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 24, 2005CA

DURING LIGHT RAIN MY 2004 ACURA TL WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL-42 TIRES HYDROPLANED AND LOST CONTROL. IT HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER AND SPUN AND ENDED UP ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BROKE OFF. FORTUNETLY MY CAR OR THE BROKEN WHEEL DID NOT HIT ANOTHER CAR. THERE WERE QUITE A FEW CARS ON THE FREEWAY ALL AT NORMAL FREEWAY SPEED. I WAS ACTUALLY FOLLOWING MY WIFES 2003 HONDA ACCORD LX IN THE SAME LANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH ACURA (800) 382-2238 AND MY CASE # B012005-02-2300320. SO FAR THE COMPLAINT HAS ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING FOR ME.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Mar 17, 2005PA

MY 2004 ACURA TL CAME EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGRSTONE EL-42 TURANZA TIRES. ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT, THESE TIRES HYDROPLANE LIKE CRAZY AND HAVE ZERO SNOW TRACTION AND CONTROL. THEY ARE SO BAD THAT WE PAID TO HAVE ALL 4 REPLACED AT 20,000 MILES. I NOW FIND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS TIRE, ALTHOUGH OUR DEALER CLAIMS OTHERWISE. I FEEL THAT THESE TIRES ARE PATENTLY UNSAFE AND ACURA OR BRIDGESTONE SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THEM. *AK

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Mar 1, 2005PA

I PURCHASED A NEW 2004 ACURA TL AND IT HAS A DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OF 48 TO 60 MPH. BECAUSE OF THE VIBRATION, YOU HAVE TO DRIVE THE CAR ABOVE 60 MPH TO ELIMINATE THE DRIVELINE VIBRATION. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE AND YOU SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! *JB

Suspension
Filed Feb 14, 2005GA

WHILE DRIVING DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE BALANCED, AND A WHEEL ALIGNED. DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. AFTERWARDS THE MECHANIC TOLD THE DRIVER THAT THIS VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED, AND HAD A DESIGN FLAW PROBLEM FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Feb 12, 2005NC

ACURA 2004 LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. INSUFFICIENT ILLUMINATION OF THE ROAD ON DRIVER'S SIDE, ESPECIALLY GOING DOWN A HILL. CANNOT SEE IF SOMETHING/SOMEONE DASHES OUT FROM DRIVER'S SIDE. DEALER CHECKED AND IT MEETS SPECIFICATIONS FOR TYPE OF LIGHT/DESIGN. *JB

Tires
Filed Feb 8, 200512,000 milesMI

I OWN A 2004 ACURA TL WITH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT BRIDGESTONE EL-42 TIRES. WHILE THE TIRE PREFORMED ACCEPTABLY DURING THE SUMMER THE PREFORMANCE ON WET ROADS AND PARTICULARY IN SNOW AND ICE WAS ABSOLUTLY TERRIBLE. MY FAMILY AND I TOOK A 500 MILE TRIP IN MICHIGAN OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AND I ALMOST HAD TO PARK THE CAR AND GET A RENTAL TO GET HOME. I REPLACED THE TIRES 2 DAYS AFTER GETTING HOME. THE TIRES HAD ONLY 12K MILES ON THERM.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Jan 27, 2005NY

ON 1/19/05 MY WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID, AUTODIMMING REARVIEW MIRROR FEATURE, & POWER SIDE VIEW MIRRORS WERE NOT WORKING. I IMMIDIATELY WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND A FUSE WAS REPLACED. ON 1/27/05 I BEGAN TO DRIVE AND DIRTY WATER FROM THE MELTED SNOW WAS HITTING MY WINDSHIELD. I ATTEMPTED TO CLEAR THE DIRT WITH THE WASHER FLUID, BUT IT AGAIN WAS NOT WORKING. I IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH 2004 ACURA TLS AND THAT ACURA IS WORKING ON IT. THEY REPALCED THE FUSE AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. IN THE MEANTIME I CAN'T RELY ON MY WASHER FLUID TO REMOVE OBSTRUCTIONS TO MY VISION, WHICH MAY CAUSE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY AFTER RAIN AND SNOWFALL. CURRENTLY, NO PERMINENT SOLUTION WAS OFFERRED. *AK

Suspension
Filed Jan 3, 200514,000 milesNJ

WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 52 - 58 MPH STEERING COLUMN SHAKES VIOLENTLY. *AK

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Dec 30, 2004500 milesMD

MY 2004 ACURA TL HAS A CONSISTENT VIBRATION PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING BETWEEN 50 AND 60 MPH. THE VIBRATION SEEMS TO COME FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR, AND IT IS NOT PRESENT WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 50 MPH OR GREATER THAN 60 MPH. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO MY DEALER AND THEY ASSURED ME THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES. THEY REPLACED THE TIRES, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I HAVE CALLED ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES TO REPORT THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY INDICATE THAT THE VIBRATION IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY OTHER CAR WITH A SIMILAR CHARACTERISTIC, AND I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM IS A DESIGN DEFECT WHICH ACURA IS CHOOSING NOT TO FIX.*AK

Steering
Filed Dec 30, 2004DC

SERIOUS VIBRATION IN 2004 ACURA TL. VIBRATION IN THE STEERING, SEATS AND FLOOR PAN. REPLACED AND REBALANCED THE TIRES THREE TIMES. *BF THE VEHICLE VIBRATES BETWEEN THE 52 AND 58 MPH REGARDLESS OF GEAR SELECTION. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VIBRATION IS SO ANNOYING THAT HE AVOIDS THAT PARTICULAR SPEED RANGE. MICHELIN XGT Z4'S WERE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE VIBRATION CONTINUES. THE CONSUMER REQUESTS INFORMATION ON WHAT TO DO BEFORE INITIATING THE LEMON LAW PROCESS. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL MOST LIKELY CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF VARIOUS SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND TIRES. *TC

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 22, 2004458 milesOH

VIBRATION LEADING TO A SHUDDER IN THE FRONT END OF A 2004 ACURA TL. VIBRATION STARTS AT 1500 RPM UP THROUGH 2000 RPM AT 45 MPH THROUGH 60 MPH. VIBRATION AND SHUDDER IS INTERMITTENT IN NATURE AND CAN BE QUITE SEVERE CAUSING YOU TO SLOW DOWN. CAR HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN OCTOBER 2004. THEY HAVE ALIGNED THE MOTOR MOUNTS, BALANCED THE TIRES, ADJUSTED THE SOLENOID ON THE TRANSMISSION AND ADJUSTED A HEAT SHIELD . STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. SPOKE WITH ACURA CLIENT SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A DRIVING CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR BUT THEIR ENGINEERS ARE WORKING ON IT. THEY ASSIGNED A CASE # TO IT B01-2004-11-1100593, MY CASE MANAGERS NAME IS ED. AT PRESENT THEY HAVE NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM AND I DON'T FEEL THEY KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE NOTICED MANY POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET FROM OTHER ACURA TL OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB

Steering
Filed Dec 3, 2004KY

I PURCHASED A NEW 2004 ACURA TL LAST DECEMBER. FROM THE GET GO, THE CAR HAS CONTINUOUSLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. THIS CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK 5 TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP, TIRES REPLACED AND STILL IT PULLS TO THE LEFT. WE HAVE NOTIFIED ACURA AND A REP. CAME IN BUT WE WERE TOLD THAT WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR I SIGNED A DOCUMENT RELEASING ACURA FROM THE "LEMON LAW" I ALSO CONSULTED AN ATTORNEY AS WELL AS WAVE TV 3 TROUBLESHOOTER AND WAS GIVEN THIS WEB SITE TO LOG OUR COMPLAINT. WE HAVE ALL DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO HOW MANY TIMES IT HAS BEEN WORKED ON. THIS CAR IS VERY MUCH A LEMON. IN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS THE BLOWER FOR THE HEAT ALSO HAD TO BE FIXED. BASICALLY THE REP. FROM ACURA CAME HERE AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING HE COULD DO FOR US. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM ANGRY. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE. AND I WAS NOT AWARE THAT ACURA WAS EXEMPT FROM KY'S LEMON LAW. PLEASE HELP THIS CAR IS A HAZARD FOR THE CONTINOUS PULLING TO THE LEFT. *AK

Wheels › Rim
Filed Nov 24, 20041,500 milesNC

I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE APRIL 2004 AND HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH FRONT WHEEL BALANCE SINCE ALMOST NEW. EVERY TIME I HAVE REQUESTED DEALER SERVICE THEY HAVE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BENT RIM. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR AND SHE HAS ABSOLUTELY NO RECALL OF HITTING ANY POTHOLES. AS A RESULT OF THESE FAILURES I HAVE REAL CONCERNS ABOUT THE STRENGTH AND INTEGRITY OF THE MATERIALS USED IN THE WHEEL DESIGN. THREE RIMS HAVE NOW FAILED IN THE 7 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR AND I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. *NM

Tires
Filed Nov 24, 2004FL

BRAND NEW ACURA TL 2004 (VIBRATION )BRIDGESTONE TERANZA TIRES EL42 FLAT SPOTTING. ACURA NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTIFIED ,HAS HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FAIL TO DO ANYTHING. MANY USERS COMPLAINING SEE EDMUNDS .COM NEW MODEL 2005 NO LONGER USES BRIDGESTONE CHANGED TO MICHELINS. DEALER NO HELP. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Oct 15, 2004CA

THE KNOCK SENSOR WIRE SENDS EMISSION FROM THE ENGINE. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH EMISSION THE SENSOR IS SUPPOSE TO ADJUST THE FUEL. HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK *JB

Suspension
Filed Sep 20, 2004MD

MY CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR REPLACEMENT TIRES DUE TO VIBRATION THROUGHOUT MY CAR. THE SECOND TIME MY TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH THE UPDATED EL42, AND THE VIBRATIONS STILL PERSIST, ALONG WITH THE FACT THAT THE CAR NOW PULLS TO THE LEFT. WHEN I CALLED CRISWELL ACURA OF ANNAPOLIS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PULLING TO THE LEFT WAS NOT AN ALINGMENT PROBLEM IT WAS A TIRE PRESSURE ISSUE. SO I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY PROPERLY INFLATED MY TIRES. AND OF COURSE MY CAR STILL PULLS TO THE LEFT. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 16, 2004CA

HAVE OWNED THE CAR LESS THAN 1 WEEK, AND UPON DELIVERY OF THE CAR NOTICED A HIGH-PITCHED WHINE AT ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH. THE WHINE CONTINUES UP THROUGH HIGHER SPEEDS, AND CONTINUES THROUGHOUT DECELERATION DOWN TO ABOUT 15 TO 20 MPH. TOOK INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHO CONTACTED ACURA USA ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY ISOLATED THE WHINE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION, AND THEY ARE SENDING A NEW (?) TRANSMISSION AS A REPLACEMENT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS TERRIBLE THAT THE CAR WAS NOT DIAGNOSED WITH A PROBLEM AND THEN ALLOWED TO BE SOLD WITH A TRANSMISSION DEFECT. I WANT NOTHING SHORT OF A TOTAL REPLACEMENT. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Sep 12, 20043 milesFL

I HAVE A 2004 ACURA TL WITH 2000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER TWICE FOR 7 TOTAL DAYS, TRYING TO CORRECT A VIBRATION BETWEEN 45 AND 60. IT IS ALSO EVIDENT AT 75-80. VIBRATION IS FELT IN SEAT, STEERING WHEEL AND PEDALS DEALER REPLACED FRONT TIRES TWICE AND FRONT RIMS ONCE. WE STILL EXPERIENCE THE VIBRATION FREQUENTLY. I CONTACTED HONDA OF AMERICA. THE REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM KNOWN FOR APPROXIMATEL 4 MONTHS. I ASKED ABOUT RETURNING THE CAR AND WAS TOLD I WAS NOT GOING TO GET MY MONEY BACK. HE STATED THAT ENGINEERING IS LOOKING AT MODIFYING ENGINE MOUNTS. I TOLD HIM THAT WAS ONLY MASKING THE PROBLEM. HE STATED ALL 04 AND 05 MODELS HAVE THE PROBLEM! I WAS FLOORED THEY KNEW IT AND WERE STILL PUSHING CARS OUT THE DOOR AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS BLAMING THE PROBLEM ON TIRES. I ASKED ABOUT INHERENT VIBRATION IMPACT ON THE LIFE EXPECTANCY TO THE DRIVER TRAIN SEALS AND BEARINGS. THE HONDA OF AMERICA REPRESENTATIVE BECAME VERY RUDE. I GOT HIS NAME AND HUNG UP. NOT WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM HONDA OR A $35K CAR! THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTERWAS APPALLED THAT HONDA AMERICA STATED THERE WAS WIDESPREAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER, STATED THEY NEVER HEARD OF IT AND INSISTED THIS IS A TIRE ISSUE! IT IS DESHEARTENING TO GET TWO DIFFERENT STORIES. I BELIEVE THE TIRE STORY GIVES THE HONDA CORPORATE OFFICES SOME RELIEF OF LIABILITY BY LEVERAGING OFF OF FIRESTONE FOR DEFECTS. SHOULD THE TORQUE CONVERTER BE OPENLY PURSUED AS THE CULPRIT AND JO

Wheels › Rim
Filed Sep 10, 20044,840 milesNC

A CRACK IN THE ALLOY WHEEL RIM ON THE RIGHT FRONT OF MY 2004 ACURA WAS ASSOCIATED WITH A LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE AND LOSS OF POSITIVE TIRE SEAL RESUTILNG IN THE TIRE SEPARATING FROM THE RIM. MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO RETAIN CONTROL. AN INSPECTION BY LEITH ACURA FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF A PUNCTURE WOUND TO THE TIRE. THE SIDEWALL WAS DEFORMED TO THE POINT THAT THE TIRE WAS UNUSEABLE. LEITH ACURA AND ACURA CLIENT SERVICES REFUSED TO REPLACE THE RIM AND TIRE UNDER THE NEW CAR WARRANTY. ACURA INSISTS THAT THE RIM WAS DAMAGED AS THE RESULT OF A SEVERE IMPACT TO THE TIRE (POTHOLE ??) AND THEREFORE NOT COVERED BY THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. MY WIFE REPORTS EXPERIENCING NO SUCH IMPACT EITHER AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT OR DURING ANY PERIOD PRECEDING THE INCIDENT. I ASSERT THAT THE CRACK WAS THE LIKELY RESULT OF A UNDETECTED DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND/OR THE PARTICULAR MATERIALS USED, AND THAT IT WAS THE ACCENTUATION OF THE PRE-EXISTING CRACK ASSOCIATED WITH THE 'IMPACTS' OF NORMAL DRIVING THAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO SUDDENLY FAIL.THE DEALER ASSERTS THAT THERE WAS OBSERVABLE DAMAGE TO THE RIM, BUT IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE RESULTED IN THE CRACK OR THAT THE DAMAGE WAS THE RESULT OF THE RIM HAVING BEEN WEAKENED BY THE CRACK PLUS THE IMPACT OF THE RIM WITH THE ROAD SURFACE WHEN THE TIRE DEFLATED. MY UNREIMBURSED COST FOR A NEW RIM, TIRE, AND ALIGNMENT WAS $625. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS AN EQUIPMENT PROBLEM, PERHAPS INHERENT TO THE USE OF ALLOY RIMS; THAT ACURA IS AWARE OF THE PRO

Tires
Filed Sep 7, 2004FL

DUE TO VIBRATION DEALER DEALER BALANCED TIRES ON 7/21/04. VIBRATION DID NOT GO AWAY. DEALER REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES ON 8/26/04. VIBRATION CONTINUED.*AK

TiresCrash
Filed Aug 20, 2004NJ

THE VIBRATION IN THE BRIDGESTONE EL42 TURANZA TIRES ON 2004 ACURA TL RESULTED IN ACCIDENT IN FEBRUARY 2004 AND $1500 WORTH OF UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE. FLATSPOTTING AND VIBRATION IN TIRES CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. FLATSPOTTING AND VIBRATION STARTED 1 WEEK AFTER PURCHASE OF VEHICLE. HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PROBLEM RESOLVED BY DEALER, BUT DEALER WAS COMPLACENT IN DEALING WITH THE ISSUE THUS RESULTING IN THE AFORMENTIONED ACCIDENT. LOSS OF CONTROL CAUSED VEHICLE TO END UP IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE ALMOST RESULTING IN HEAD ON COLLISION. CAR SLID INTO CURB CAUSING THE 1500 DAMAGE. TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH MICHELIN PILOT SPORT TIRES. AMERICA HONDA/ACURA AND BRIDGESTONE NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR COMPLACENCY IN DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE QUICKLY AS LIVES CAN BE AT STAKE. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 16, 20044,242 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHILCE IS PRACTICALLY BRAND NEW. *JB BRIDGESTONE # EL-42-245-17

SteeringCrash
Filed Aug 16, 2004CA

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE VEHICLE TURNED LEFT ON ITS OWN. THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES LOCKED UP ON THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE CONSMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CURB. BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE CONTROL SENSOR SOLENOID SWITCH NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Suspension
Filed Aug 13, 2004VA

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH VEHICLE VIBRATED WITH SUCH A FORCE THAT CONSUMER HAD TO SLOW THE SPEED DOWN TO ALMOST A STOP TO GET VIBRATION TO STOP. IT OCCURRED MOSTLY IN THE MORNINGS WHEN VEHICLE JUST STARTED OUT. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO SAID THAT IT WAS A TIRE PROBLEM AND NOT A MECHANICAL DEFECT. CONSUMER THEN PUT ON A SET OF BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL42 TIRES WHICH WERE THE SAME TIRES THAT WERE ON THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AT THE SAME SPEEDS. IN OTHER WORDS, NOTHING CHANGED. *AK

Tires
Filed Aug 13, 20042,000 milesAZ

VIBRATION AND SHAKING OF STEERING WHEEL DURING NORMAL DRIVING. REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRES AND NUMEROUS REBALANCING HAVE HAD NO EFFECT. ACURA DEALER IS NOT RESPONSIVE AND ACURA CUSTOMER CARE HAS INFORMED ME THIS "A CHARATERISTIC OF THE CAR" WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ADMITTING THAT "WE HAVE RECEIVED NUMEOUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AND OUR ENGINEERS ARE INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM" I WAS ALSO TOLD THERE WE WAS NO TIMELINE FOR RESOLUTION. GIVEN THE SITUATION, I AM GROWING CONCERNED ABOUT THE HANDLING AND STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT STATE. ACURA HAS ADMITTED THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT FULLY DISCLOSED THE DETAILS. I AM ALSO WORRIED BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE AFFECTING MANY TL OWNERS GIVEN THE NUMBER OF WEB FORUMS I HAVE VISITED ON THE SUBJECT. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 4, 2004675 milesFL

RECENTLY PURCHASED AN ACCURA 2004 TL.CAR CURRENTLY HAS 600 MILES.NOTICED A VIBRATIONS BETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 45 TO 55 MPH.TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DEALER(RICK CASE) TWICE TO HAVE THE WHEELS REBALANCED.DID NOT REMOVE THE VIBRATION.THE THIRD TIME BACK TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT ACURA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THAT ALL TL'S HAVE THIS ISSUE.I CALLED HONDA.THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY INTEND TO DO REGARDING THE PROBLEM AND THAT THE VIBRATION IS NORMAL FOR THE 2004'S AS IT GOES INTO 5TH GEAR. *AK

Tires
Filed Jul 14, 200410,000 milesFL

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT AFTER HAVING THE TIRES ROTATED AT 10,000 MILES AND WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 12, 2004WI

INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED.. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE ENGINE DIED, AND VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. THIS MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE 4 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE FAILURE.*AK

Tires
Filed Jul 12, 2004NY

EL42 BRIDGESTONES THAT CAME WITH MY NEW 2004 ACURA TL ARE UNSAFE. THEY FLAT SPOT AND HYDROPLANE IN THE RAIN. THE TIRES ARE VERY UNSAFE IN RAIN AND THEY ARE CONSIDERED "ALL SEASON" THEY ARE NOT ALL SEASON IN MY OPINION. I LOST CONTROL ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS WITH THE EL42 BRIDGESTONES BECAUSE OF HYDROPLANING. THE FALTSPOTTING CAUSES THE TIRES TO VIBRATE AND BOUNCE UNTIL THEY WARM UP. THE CAR CAME WITH THE ORIGINAL PVC TYPE (EARLY BUILD) AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO PUT THE NEW "TU@" ON MY CAR. RATINGS ON THIS TIRE ARE TERRIBLE AS SHOWN ON "TIRERACK.COM" ACURA DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE MY EL42 PVC ORIGINAL TIRES WITH ACCEPTABLE SAFE TIRES. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PUT MICHELIN PILOT SPORT ALL SEASONS ON MY CAR QUICKLY BECAUSE I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR WITH THE EL42. PLEASE ADVISE- I KNOW MANY PEOPLE WITH THE 2004 ACURA TL ARE UNHAPPY WITH THE EL42'S THAT CAME WITH THEM. THE EL42'S ARE UNSAFE IN THE RAIN AND SNOW THEY ARE NOT ALL SEASON AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AGRESSIVELY BEFORE PEOPLE LOSE CONTROL AND GET IN ACCIDENTS. *LA

Tires
Filed Jul 2, 200490 milesPA

THIS COMPLAINT REFERS TO THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES (BRIDGESTONE EL-42, 235/45-17 93W ) SUPPLIED ON THE 2004 ACURA TL WITH 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. AFTER JUST A SHORT TIME I HAVE FOUND THIS TIRE TO BE ENTIRELY UNSAFE AND UNSUITABLE TO THIS VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT BOTH ACURA AND BRIDGESTONE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THIS TIRE ON ALL EXISTING VEHICLES. THIS TIRE EXHIBITS UNSAFE CHARACTERISTICS IN WET WEATHER, WITH NOTICEABLE DRIFT AND HYDROPLANING IN ANY AMOUNT OF STANDING WATER, EVEN AS LITTLE AS 1/16 INCH. IN HEAVY RAINS, EVEN WITH NO STANDING WATER PRESENT, THE TIRE SEEMS INCAPABLE OF DISPERSING WATER AS QUICKLY AS IT FALLS, AGAIN LEADING TO VEHICLE INSTABILITY. FROM A RIDE QUALITY POINT OF VIEW THE TIRE IS ALSO UNSATISFACTORY IN THAT IT FLAT SPOTS EVERY MORNING, ESPECIALLY IN COOL WEATHER BUT EVEN IN WARMER WEATHER AS WELL, LEADING TO VIBRATIONS IN THE INITIAL MILES OF ANY DRIVE. IT IS ALSO ESPECIALLY HARSH OVER ROADWAY EXPANSION JOINTS, AND IS SO LOUD ON CONCRETE PAVEMENTS THAT IT POSES A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO DRIVER FATIGUE INDUCED BY THE CONTINUOUS NOISE. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE REGARDING THE RATING AS AN "ALL SEASON TIRE" WITH MANY OWNERS REPORTING THAT THIS TIRE IS VIRTUALLY USELESS IN ANY KIND OF SNOW CONDITIONS. *AK

Suspension
Filed Jun 18, 2004VA

I'VE PURCHASED THE 2004 TL ON OCTOBER 2003. SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING, THE CAR WOULD CONSTANTLY VIBRATE AT HIGHER SPEEDS (PRIMARILY AT 55+MPH). TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING. THE PROBLEM DIDN'T GO AWAY. SIX MONTHS LATER, ACURA REPLACED MY BRIDGSTONE TIRES WITH A NEW RE-FROMULATED TIRES. AS A RESULT, THE VIBRATION FELT AT HIGHER SPEEDS WEREN'T AS SEVERE (THOUGH STILL PRESENT). AFTER DRIVING FOR A MONTH, THE SAME LEVEL OF VIBRATIONS AT HIGHER SPEEDS RETURNED. I'VE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE WITH MY DEALER AND ACURA FOR 8 MONTHS NOW, BUT AS OF TODAY, NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN FORTHCOMING. VIBRATIONS FELT AT 55+MPH, IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I BELIEVE ACURA SHOULD BE MORE PROACTIVE IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 17, 200450 milesFL

NO ACCIDENT TIRES, OVER DRIVE, QUICK TO PULL TO THE RIGHT IS A BIG SAFTEY FAULT. I FEEL THERE ARE ALL PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE HORSEPOWER, FRONT WHEEL DRIVE, TRANSMISSION, AND HUMMING AND VIBRATION THROUGH OUT THE CAR AND MOST NOTABLE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50-60MPH. *JB

Tires
Filed Jun 14, 2004NJ

THIS COMPLAINT REFERRED TO THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES (BRIDGESTONE EL-42, 235/45-17 93W ) SUPPLIED ON THE 2004 ACURA TL WITH 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AFTER JUST A SHORT TIME I HAVE FOUND THIS TIRE TO BE ENTIRELY UNSAFE AND UNSUITABLE TO THIS VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT BOTH ACURA AND BRIDGESTONE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THIS TIRE ON ALL EXISTING VEHICLE. THIS TIRE EXHIBITS UNSAFE CHARACTERISTICS IN WET WEATHER, WITH NOTICEABLE DRIFT AND HYDROPLANING IN ANY AMOUNT OF STANDING WATER, EVEN AS LITTLE AS 1/16 INCH. IN HEAVY RAINS, EVEN WITH NO STANDING WATER PRESENT, THE TIRE SEEMS INCAPABLE OF DISPERSING WATER AS QUICKLY AS IT FALLS, AGAIN LEADING TO VEHICLE INSTABILITY. FROM A RIDE QUALITY POINT OF VIEW THE TIRE IS ALSO UNSATISFACTORY IN THAT IT FLAT SPOTS EVERY MORNING, ESPECIALLY IN COOL WEATHER BUT EVEN IN WARMER WEATHER AS WELL, LEADING TO VIBRATIONS IN THE INITIAL MILES OF ANY DRIVE. IT IS ALSO ESPECIALLY HARSH OVER ROADWAY EXPANSION JOINTS, AND IS SO LOUD ON CONCRETE PAVEMENTS THAT IT POSES A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO DRIVER FATIGUE INDUCED BY THE CONTINUOUS NOISE. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE REGARDING THE RATING AS AN "ALL SEASON TIRE" WITH MANY OWNERS REPORTING THAT THIS TIRE IS VIRTUALLY USELESS IN ANY KIND OF SNOW OR ICE CONDITION. I HAVE TRIED TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH BOTH ACURA AND BRIDGESTONE TO NO AVAIL.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed May 5, 2004GA

NEW ACURA TL. VIBRATION AT MOST SPEEDS; ODD SHIFTING OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. REPORTED TO ED VOYLES (DEALER). ONE SERVICE (REBALANCE TIRES) DIDN'T HELP. TALKED W/ FRED AT ACURA CARLAND (FRIEND'S DEALER), WHO SUPSECTS A FIX FOR THIS AND MANY OTHER ISSUES. FRED REPORTS THAT MOST OWNERS REPORT SIMILAR (AND ADDITIONAL) PROBLEMS.*AK

Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (asc)
Filed May 1, 2004VA

TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE CAR LOST TRACTION AND BEGAN TO FISH TAIL DOWN THE ROAD AS LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT TIRES LOST GRIP WITH THE ROAD INTERMITTENTLY BACK AND FORTH. THERE WAS SOME VERY MINOR PUDDLING IN THE RUTS ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT WAS RAINING LIGHTLY ON AND OFF. THE ONBOARD VEHICLE STABILITY SYSTEMS (ABS, VSC) DID NOT ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS WITHIN SPEED LIMITS AND CONSISTENT WITH OTHER VEHICLE SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL42 TIRES. *AK

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Apr 26, 20041,000 milesCA

WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A FREEWAY. AFTER INSPECTION TO THE WINDSHIELD ACURA SAID A SMALL STONE HAD NICKED THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING IT TO BREAK. ACURA PAID HALF THE COST OF REPLACEMENT BUT I WAS STILL $330 OUT OF POCKET. AFTER CHECKING AROUND WITH OTHER 2004 ACURA TL OWNERS IM NOT ALONE. MANY OWNERS ARE REPORTING BROKEN WINDSHIELDS IN THE FIRST FEW THOUSAND MILES. MANY OWNERS BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM IS A SOUND BARRIER SANDWICHED IN-BETWEEN THE TWO LAYERS OF GLASS. SOURCE ACURA-TL.COM. *AK

Equipment
Filed Apr 17, 20041,400 milesFL

CAR BROUGHT IN AT 1500 MILES ONLY 2.5 WEEKS AFTER DELIVERY... HARD TO START AND IDLE ROUGH, DEALER ACTION REPLACVING ALL FUEL INJECTORS, ALSO, VOICE RECOGNITION FAILED THREE TIMES AFTER PHONE WAS SINKED WITH CAR, THE TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY WOULD FAIL TO CLOSE THE PHONE SCREEN AND ALL OTHER VOICE COMMANDS WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED. DEALER ACTION, ORDER NEW PHONE MODULE, TOLD THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL CONCERNS WITH THE HANDS FREE LINK SYSTEM ON THE 04 TL'S.*AK

Tires
Filed Apr 14, 2004VA

VIBRATION AND SHAKING OF STEERING WHEEL DUE TO VIBRATION AND UNBALANCED FEELING FROM FRONT TIRES. IT SEEMS THAT THE FRONT WHEELS AND/OR SUSPENSION HAVE PROBLEMS THAT CAUSE THEM BE UNBALANCED AND MAKE DRIVING FEEL UNCONTROLLED.

Tires
Filed Apr 11, 2004NC

BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL-42 TIRES THAT ARE OEM ON MY NEW 2004 ACURA TL HAVE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH "FLAT SPOTTING". THIS PERFECT CAR RUNS LIKE A FLINTSTONE CAR UNTIL TIRES WARM UP AND ROUND OUT. ACURA IS REPLACING WITH SAME BRAND AND MODEL TIRES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Mar 3, 2004VA

LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS OFFER A DANGEROUSLY LOW AMOUNT OF LIGHT ON ROADS WITH DIPS AND HILLS AND CURVES ESPECIALLY IN NEIGHBORHOODS. LACK OF AMBIENT LIGHT ELIMINATES ANY CHANCE AT THE SPLIT-SECOND DECISION NEEDED TO AVOID A POSSIBLE DEER OR CAT CROSSING OR PEDESTRIAN IN YOUR PATH. NORMALLY AT LOW NEIGHBORHOOD SPEEDS YOUR BRIGHT LIGHT BEAMS ARE NOT NEEDED OR USED SO THE BLACKED OUT AREAS CAN POP UP AT ANYTIME WITH NO WARNING. THESE LIGHTS ARE GOING TO CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS IF THEY ARE NOT REPLACED WITH ONES THAT ARE PRACTICAL FOR EVERYDAY DRIVING. WHAT WORKS ON A TEST TRACK ISN'T ALWAYS BEST FOR THE AVERAGE DRIVER. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 24, 20046 milesNJ

SEVERE VIBRATION AT MOST SPEEDS, PARTICULARLY IN THE 40 - 60 MPH RANGE. *AK

Tires
Filed Feb 20, 20043,000 milesCA

TIRE VIBRATION. AT ABOUT 50 MPH, THE TIRES CAUSE THE ENTIRE CAR TO VIBRATE. THIS CONTINUES AT ALL HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND DOES NOT SEEM TO GO AWAY. I HAVE CONTACTED ACURA SEVERAL TIMES AND ACURA'S ENGINEERS 'ARE LOOKING INTO IT'. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Feb 17, 2004500 milesNJ

THE LEFT HEADLAMP BEAM CREATES A DARK/BLIND SPOT ABOUT 5-6' INCHES IN DIAMETER. THE DRIVER'S EYES START FOCUSING ON THIS SPOT AT HIGH SPEEDS THE DRIVER MISSES THE LANES AND GETS BLINDED, DAZED AND CONFUSED - A CAUSE THAT MAY VERY SOON CAUSE ACCIDENTS. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 17, 2004500 milesNJ

VEHICLE VIBRATION AT CONSTANT SPEEDS IN THE RANGE A) 30-40 MPH; AND B) 50-60 MPH; THIS VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE CREATES AN AVERSION TO DRIVE WITH THE VIBRATION AND THEREFORE EXCEED THESE SPEED LIMITS ALTHOUGH THE LOCAL SPEED LIMITS POSTED MAY BE LOWER. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 6, 20041,400 milesCA

THE VSA (STABILITY CONTROL) SYSTEM ON MY 2004 ACURA TL MALFUNCTIONED. THE SYSTEM WOULD CAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TO ACTIVATE BY ITSELF, CAUSING THE CAR TO SEVERLY SWERVE TO THE RIGHT. AFTER A HALF-SECOND OR SO, THE VSA WOULD DISENGAGE AND THE FAULT INDICATOR WOULD LITE UP ON THE DASHBOARD. THE ACURA DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE VSA FAULT CODES ARE NOT STORED IN THE VEHICLE'S MEMORY AFTER THE CAR IS RESTARTED AND THE SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY RESETS. THIS RESULTED IN HAVING TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE FAULT RE-OCCURED. EVENTUALLY, WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN, I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE CAR DIRECTLY TO DEALER AND THEY WERE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAR (BECAUSE WE LEFT IT RUNNING SO AS NOT TO CLEAR THE CODE). THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED TO A YAW RATE SENSOR IN THE VSA SYSTEM. ACURA SHOULD MAKE THIS INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO DEALERS. THIS POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THERE IS NOTHING A DRIVER CAN DO TO PREDICT OR PREVENT WHEN THIS PROBLEM WILL OCCUR. SINCE MY SENSOR WAS REPLACED, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN.*AK

Tires
Filed Feb 5, 2004OH

SEVERE VIBRATION FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL-42 TIRES ON MY NEW 2004 ACURA TL. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 1400 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE FLAT-SPOTTING IN THE TIRES. I AM CONCERNED THAT THESE ARE NOT SAFE. ACURA OF DAYTON, OHIO, ACURA CORPORATE AND BRIDGESTONE SAY THEY IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. OTHER 2004 ACURA OWNERS HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS WITH ACURA AND THERE ARE MANY WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ON VARIOUS INTERNET SITES INCLUDING ONE CALLED TIRE RACK. *JB

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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