2008 Acura TL

Routine

Owners filed 124 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Acura TL years to avoid. Which Acura TL years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
76,589 milesMedian miles at failure

91 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Acura TL problems

34 of the 124 complaints (27%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags33
102
Steering17
030
Electrical System13
000
Engine7
020
Power Train · transmission6
000
Unknown or Other5
010
Structure › Body · body and frame5
000
Structure · body and frame5
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
100
Service Brakes · brakes3
101

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal19E068000
Filed Oct 10, 20193,744 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."

Risk. If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections12V222000
Filed May 17, 2012625,762 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles. In September 2012, Honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 573,147 vehicles including certain model year 2003 through 2007 Accord V6 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 625,762. Prolonged under-hood and power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage.

Risk. If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.

Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy. Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners of these vehicles beginning on October 26, 2012, and will notify these owners again when parts are available so those vehicles can be brought to dealers for applications of the free remedy. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint11E022000
Filed Jun 22, 2011150 vehiclesAffinia Group, Inc.

Defect. AFFINIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS, NAPA PART NO. 2601662, THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MISTAKENLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 - 2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES DUE TO A MISTAKE IN A NAPA AND NAPA DEALERS' PARTS APPLICATION CATALOGUE.

Risk. MISAPPLICATION OF THIS PART COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AFFINIA IS WORKING WITH NAPA TO IDENTIFY ANY OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS PART MISTAKENLY INSTALLED ON TO AN ACURA TL VEHICLE, AND WILL REPLACE THE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA GROUP'S WARRANTY ADMINISTRATOR AT 1-815-759-7757.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections08V091000
Filed Feb 27, 2008273,000 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)

Defect. HONDA IS RECALLING 273,000 MY 2004-2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES. PROLONGED HIGH UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY CAUSING THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID.

Risk. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEAT RESISTANT POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 800-382-2238. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V551).

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Mar 16, 2026FL

The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the vehicle lost automotive power and shifted into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and drove as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message “System too Lean” was displayed on the instrument panel associated with Bank 1 and Bank 2. While starting the vehicle and while the vehicle idling, the RPM was raised above 1,000 RPM, and the message "Idle Position Needs to be Relearned " was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated properly. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the throttle pedal position sensor had an incorrect voltage. The contact was unsure of the repairs performed and the DTC were cleared. After the codes were cleared, the failures continued intermittently. The contact became aware of TSBs that permitted a repair under warranty to clear the system; however, the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering
Filed Dec 11, 202540,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds or while making a left or right turn, the steering wheel became stiff and excessive force was required to steer the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. It was unknown whether the vehicle was previously diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 21, 2025164,000 milesMS

The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the power steering fluid reservoir needed to be refilled more often than expected, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the Vehicle Safety Assist (VSA) system failed and the VSA Modulator Control illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure of the VSA system had caused the locking mechanisms and seat belts to fail to operate as needed. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 12V222000 (Steering) and 08V091000 (Steering); and linked the failure to the recalls. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 164,000.

SteeringFire
Filed Jun 23, 2024AL

My car caught on fire from under the hood. Me and my son was sitting in the car and it just caught on fire. I was scared and didn't know how it happen. I drove an hour and thiry plus minutes to my destination and when I got there. I parked my car and sat in it while I waited for the phone repair show to open up.

Steering
Filed Mar 13, 2024CA

My car has a recall on the high pressure power steering line because it prematurely fails and douses the catalytic converter in power steering fluid. The problem is the low pressure hose going back is just as susceptible if not more but no recall? I was told at the dealership it would cost 3,489 dollars to fix a fire hazard they knew [XXX] existed. The car is a safety hazard and I pray everyday the car doesnt catch fire because of the dealers greediness. I looked up estimates for other customers of acura and the repair should come out to 1200 not 3489.00. These are bad practices that quite frankly put myself and others on the road at risk. The Acura dealer is located at 505 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Mar 7, 202420,000 milesOR

The contact owns 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing battery drainage failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after sitting for long periods without being driven. The contact stated that the battery was replaced six times however, the failure recurred. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

FirerelatedFire
Filed Sep 7, 2023176,930 milesCO

The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that after his wife had dropped him off at work, she was driving at an undisclosed speed when the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. No warning lights was illuminated. The contact then stated that his wife had parked the vehicle in the garage when she heard an exploding sound where the vehicle was parked. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact's wife noticed that the vehicle was inflamed. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A police nor fire report was filed. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The contact then stated that upon research, he noticed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V222000 (Steering). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was previously included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V222000 (Steering) However, the recall had been completed and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 176,930

Electrical System
Filed Sep 17, 2022MI

While driving car, speed decelerated despite pressing on gas/accelerator pedal. Total ability to control speed on high way ended, as car crawled to a speed of under 5mph, nearly resulting in being hit by vehicles behind me. Immediately called independent mechanic who advised me to cut off ignition and restart the car. Highly dangerous to even attempt on a highway during rush hour traffic, nearly resulting in a multiple car crash. Reproduced several times until mechanic was able to diagnose and correct an issue unknown to me. There was no warning light indicator at all, no messages on car navigation/information panel.

Steering
Filed Jun 27, 2022199,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was a whining sound coming from the steering column while making right or left turns. Upon inspection, it was discovered that power steering fluid had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering pump had failed. The contact indicated that the power steering pump had been replaced on multiple occasions due to a faulty power steering hose. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V222000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 199,000.

Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard
Filed May 2, 2022PA

The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the passenger's side dashboard was cracked near the passenger's side air bag housing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 14, 2022MO

Dash is cracked air bag is not secure seat are torn

Engine
Filed Jan 19, 2022OR

I was driving down HWY 101 in Oregon State in the rain. I was accelerating because I had just turned onto the highway, I got up to about 60 mph whe the car started dinging as it does when you open the door with the keys still in the ignition. The VSA light, as well as the engine, oil, abs and battery lights all started flashing on the dash and the car turned off. The steering wheel locked up and I had to throw it in neutral, turning the key back and forth from the off position to the start position to get it to unlock right before I crashed into on coming traffick! There has been nothing wrong with the car other than routine maintenance an absolutely no signs anything is wrong with the car. It has 168436 miles on it and has been religiously maintained. There is a SERIOUS problem with this vehicle for something like this to happen. I've owned hundreds of cars and never experienced anything like this happening, ever!

Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2021NJ

Random slipping/stalling causes not to go in gear.. torque converter could. coolant expansion tank needs replacement hoses and cap causes car not to heat up and operate at regulating temperature. Power steering pump replacement

Air Bags
Filed Jun 26, 2021TN

I noticed a vertical straight line/crack in the dashboard of my 2008 Acura TL located on the passenger side, which is directly in the area of the air bag system. Oddly enough it seemed to appear literally overnight. I’ve noticed the crack seems to expand when in cooler temperatures, however the crack appears to fuse back together when the temperature is warmer and/or hot outside, which is concerning in itself. My vehicle has been stored in a garage since it’s purchase and when not in use a sunshade is used to protect the dash when exposed outside. I am very concerned that there may be a bigger problem with the air bag system that may result in the air bags being inadvertently deployed resulting in an accident, injury or even greater death. Internet searches reveal this a common problem among individuals similarly situated with the same make and model, and Acura is apparently aware. My vehicle is regularly serviced and maintained at the Acura Dealership in Memphis. I have reached out to the dealership regarding this issue, however I have not heard back from them regarding a possible resolution. I believe this issue warrants some type of safety recall before someone or their loved ones become seriously injured.

SteeringFire
Filed Apr 16, 2021160,000 milesID

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, HE DETECTED A FUEL AND OIL ODOR. THE CONTACT THEN SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S FRIEND'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER LYLE PEARSON ACURA (7675 W GRATZ DR, BOISE, ID 83709) AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE, HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE HAD BEEN PROVIDED. THE CONTACT WAS RELATING THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V222000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. *DT

Power Train
Filed Apr 15, 2021IL

STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT, STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL02

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 26, 2021CA

WAS LOOKING TO SELL MY CAR SOON AND WAS LOOKING ON KELLY BLUE BOOKS AND TURNED OUT MY CAR HAD AN UNRESOLVED RECALL BUT I WAS NEVER GIVEN A NOTICE OR ANY PAPER WORK FROM THE CURRENT DEALERSHIP I AM BUYING FROM. I DID NOTICE THE SAME EXACTLY PROBLEM ON MY CAR THAT WAS LISTED ON THE RECALL INFORMATION PROVIDED TO ME.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 14, 2020145,000 milesKS

FEBRUARY 2020 GOING DOWNHILL AT 30MPH ON A CURVED ROAD, AND MY WHEEL SNAPS TO THE RIGHT THANKS TO RECALLED BALL JOINTS!!!!!!!!! HIT THE CURB, SNAPPED MY ROTOR IN HALF AND THE BRAKE LINE. LOWER CONTROL ARM WENT THRU MY CRADLE. SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL WITH NO STEERING AND NO FREAKING BRAKES AT ALL. OUT OF NOWHERE! TOTALED SUSPENSION ALL THE WAY AROUND. ONLY FREAKIN AIRBAG TO GO OFF WAS THE PASSENGER WINDOW AIRBAG. WHOLE CAR WAS [XXX] BECAUSE OF MANUFACTOR ISSUES! SOUNDS LIKE ACURA SHOULD REPLACE MY FREAKING CAR. OH WAIT.. I DID. AND TODAY THE ONE IM DRIVING RIGHT NOW RANDOMLY HAD THE POWER STEERING EXPLODEEEEEE AND I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A SEMI WHILE TURNING AND RANDOMLY LOSING STEERING OUT OF NOWHERE ONCE AGAIN!! WHICH FRIED MY COOLING FAN, AND OVERHEATED MY MOTOR ON MY ATTEMPT TO DRIVE HOME WITH NO POWER STEERING.... SO YEAH. NEVER BUYING ANOTHER ACURA AGAIN, PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 19, 2020146,000 milesCA

BRAKES FEEL SPONGY EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE BRAKE BLEEDING AS WELL AS A MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT. PEOPLE ON ACURA TL TYPE S FORUMS ARE REPORTING THAT AIR IS BEING INTRODUCED THROUGH THE VSA/ABS MODULATOR.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 23, 201958,950 milesNY

THERE IS A LONG GASH IN THE DASHBOARD BY THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BASED ON INTERNET SEARCHES AND ACURA HAS NOT ISSUED ANY RECALL FOR THE SAME EVEN THOUGH IT POSES A POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK. I REACHED OUT TO ACURA CORPORATE AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT BECAUSE MY VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THE INITIAL WARRANTY PERIOD, THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THERE ARE NUMEROUS ONLINE RECORDS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH THE SAME MODEL YEAR REPORTING THIS ISSUE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS NOT BEING RESOLVED POSES A SAFETY RISK TO MY FAMILY AND OTHER OCCUPANTS OF MY 2008 ACURA TL WHICH WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 11, 201932,000 milesFL

I AM THE ONLY OWNER WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT. I MOVED TO SOUTH FLORIDA 5 YEARS AGO. THE DASHBOARD HAS MAJOR CRACKS OVER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. I SAW THIS "LETTER SENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES DEPARTMENT TO REMIND FLORIDA OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE." I SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 21, 2019FL

THE AREA AROUND MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG ON THE DASH IS COMPLETELY CRACKED AND DAMAGED. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAG IS DAMAGED UNDER NEATH AND WILL NOT DEPLOY DURING A ACCIDENT. THESE CRACKS JUST APPEARED ONE DAY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND A FEW DAYS LATER MORE CRACKS. ACURA SHOULD TRULY CONSIDER RECALLING THESE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEONE DIES DUE TO THERE NEGLIGENCE. THIS IS MY 2ND REQUEST. I AM AWARE OF OTHER ACURA OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 14, 2019CA

AFTER OWNING THE ACURA TL FOR 11 YEARS, ONE DAY LAST WEEK, I NOTICED 2 CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD ON BOTH SIDES OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. THE CAR WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET. I AM AFRAID THAT IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS, PIECES OF THE DASHBOARD COULD FLY OUT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 30, 201973,000 milesCA

DASHBOARD CRACKS: POTENTIAL DANGER OF AIRBAG FAILURE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, MY CAR HAS DEVELOPED SEVERAL CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD. OF PARTICULAR CONCERN IS A LARGE CRACK WHICH JUST RECENTLY APPEARED ALONG THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG UNIT. (SEE PHOTOS) I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE CRACKS CAN ALLOW MOISTURE OR CONDENSATION TO ENTER THE AIRBAG UNIT, POSSIBLY CAUSING IT FAIL, DEPLOY PREMATURELY, OR NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY IN A CRASH SITUATION. ALTHOUGH THE DASHBOARD CRACKS ARE SEEMINGLY COSMETIC, ITS POTENTIAL TO CREATE A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE IS OF GREAT CONCERN. ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF THE TAKATA RECALL FOR AIRBAGS, I HOPE THAT THE MANUFACTURER CAN HELP REPAIR OR REPLACE THESE FAULTY DASHBOARDS WITH A QUALITY MATERIAL THAT WILL NOT DEGRADE IN SUCH A MANNER.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 2019150,000 milesTN

CRACKED DASH BOARD. THREE SEPARATE CRACKS. I'M POSITIVE THIS IS GOING TO EFFECT THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. CLEARLY THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE. I'D SUGGEST GETTING AN ATTORNEY. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT

Air Bags
Filed Jul 29, 2019125,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TL. WHILE THE CONTACT'S GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THE DRIVER AND FRONT AND REAR PASSENGERS HAD RINGING IN THEIR EARS AND SAW FLASHING LIGHTS DUE TO THE AIR BAG EXPLOSION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE ACURA HOTLINE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT NUMBER AT 800-382-2238 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE ACURA DEALER AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO TOW THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 09727380. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 22, 2019FL

THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS TWO DEEP CRACKS AROUND THE PERIMETER. MY CONCERN IS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. MY CAR WAS PARKED WHEN THE FIRST CRACK APPEARED. THE SECOND CRACK HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND I SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE STEERING HAS A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT AND RIGHT.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 17, 201995,000 milesTX

THE CAR DASHBOARD IS COMPLETELY CRACKED RIGHT ABOVE THE AIRBAG, WHICH IS ALLOWING HEAT TO SEEP IN.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 14, 2019FL

I HAVE ALREADY PAID ACURA TO REPLACE MY DASHBOARD ONCE DUE TO THE AIRBAG PUSHING UP ON DASH AND CRACKING IT. I NOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN, THE DASH HAS CRACKED ON PASSENGER SIDE IN PERFECT RECTANGLE WHERE AIRBAG IS LOCATED. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT DEPLOYMENT IS LIKLEY/IMMINENET AND I AM URGING NHTSA TO REQUIRE ACURA TO REPLACE AIRBAGE AND DASH.

Power Train
Filed May 18, 2019122,000 milesMA

I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I ACCELERATED, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WITH MODERATE THROTTLE. I HAD TO FLOOR THE THROTTLE TO MOVE, AND THE ENGINE RPM JUMPED TO ABOUT 6000. THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT, EITHER AUTOMATICALLY OR THROUGH THE "MANUAL" FUNCTION ON THE GEAR SELECTOR. OVER THE NEXT 1.5 MILES, I NOTICED SMOKE IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND A BURNING SMELL. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE HOOD AND A TRAIL OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE CAR. CAR WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINE RUNNING TO THE RADIATOR HAD RUPTURED DUE TO CORROSION. TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES AND RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 1, 2019188,000 milesCO

I HIT A POTHOLE ON THE FRONT, DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND THE AIRBAGS ON THE SIDE PASSENGERS SIDE AND SEAT DEPLOYED BUT DID NOT INFLATE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL SIMILAR ISSUES REPORTED OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT, MY AIRBAGS WOULDN'T HAVE INFLATED IN THAT INSTANCE EITHER AND IT WOULDN'T HAVE HELPED AT ALL. WITH THEM NOW BEING DEPLOYED AND NO USE IF I'M IN AN ACCIDENT, I AM NO LONGER SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 12, 2019130,000 milesTX

TAKATA RECALL - MY AIRBAGS ON MY 2008 ACURA TL HAVE EXPLODED ON MY SEATS, ROOF, AND SIDE AIRBAGS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE HAVE NOT BEEN RESPONDED TO. MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF AND MY SAFETY IS BEING JEOPARDIZED EVERYDAY ON THIS VEHICLE AND IT APPEARS FOR THE LAST DECADE OTHER OWNERS OF THE 2008 TL HAVE REPORTED ON THE ACURA FORUMS WHAT I HAVE, YET FOR SOME REASON, THE RECALLS ARE EXCLUDING THIS MODEL. WHY, WHY WHY????? DOES IT TAKE ANOTHER DEATH FOR SOMEONE TO RECOGNIZE THIS???? THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING WHEN THIS OCCURED ON AN EXITING ACCESS ROAD.

Suspension
Filed Mar 6, 2019142,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINTS AND AXLE FRACTURED AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE AND BALL JOINTS FAILED AND FRACTURED DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BALL JOINTS AND AXLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A POP SOUND. WHEN HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE, IT DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS LEANING AT A SIXTY DEGREE ANGLE AND THE FENDER WAS BENT OUTWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 23, 2018123,000 milesCA

WHEN OPENING THE HOOD OF THE CAR, THE HOOD DOESN'T STAY UP. YESTERDAY, IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME, IT CAME DOWN WHEN I OPENED IT TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD. LATER,, IT CAME DOWN ON ANOTHER PERSON'S ARM WHILE HE WAS LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD -- IT HAD BEEN OPENED FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES BEFORE IT CAME DOWN. THE THIRD TIME, WE HAD THE CAR AT THE MECHANIC AND THEY MENTIONED THAT THEY HAD TO HOLD THE HOOD UP TO LOOK UNDER THE CAR. IN THE FOURTH INCIDENT, THE HOOD CAME DOWN WHEN ANOTHER PERSON WAS BENDING OVER TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD AND HIT HIM IN THE HEAD. IT APPEARS THAT BOTH HOOD SUPPORTS NEED TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT SEEMS ODD THAT BOTH WOULD FAIL AT THE SAME TIME. ADDITIONALLY, THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT DOORS NOT STAYING OPEN WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED ON A SLOPE -- THE DOORS SWING BACK SHUT UNLESS YOU HOLD THEM OPEN

Air Bags
Filed Dec 23, 2018120,000 milesCA

IN SEPTEMBER 2018, SEEMINGLY OVERNIGHT, 2 LARGE CRACKS DEVELOPED IN MY DASHBOARD, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, DIRECTLY OVER THE AIRBAG. I'M CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE THE DAMAGE IS DIRECTLY OVER THE AIRBAGS.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 201830,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SPRINGFIELD ACURA(243 US-22, SPRINGFIELD, MO) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN COMPUTER HAD SHORT CIRCUITED DUE TO MOISTURE FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING PIPES POSITIONED ABOVE THE COMPUTER. THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS AND 25,000 MILES LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BOARDWALK ACURA (6806 TILTON RD, EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE COMPUTER HAD SHORT CIRCUITED AGAIN DUE TO MOISTURE FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING PIPES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2018119,000 milesCA

FROM THE DAY AFTER THAT WE TOOK THE CAR FROM THE LOT THE CAR HAD A LIGHT TURN ON TO TIGHTEN FUEL CAP. WE HAVE REPLACED THAT AND THE SOLENOID AND FAILED. THE COOLANT SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IT STILL OVERHEATS. NOW THE CAR IS SUFFERING OF NO START CONDITION. DONT UNDERSTAND WHY SO MUCH TROUBLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED AND WE ONLY TOOK IT FROM THE LOT 7 MONTHS AGO. 119,000 MILES. ONLY 91 OCTANE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 7, 2018124,188 milesTX

TAKATA RECALL- PASSENGER ROOF, SEAT AND SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN I HIT A CURB ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. HOW CAN THIS BE? I HAVE A 2008 ACURA TL. IT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE RECALL. UPON THE ABOVE MENTIONED, THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH HAS SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER FRAME. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD SEPARATE WHILE DRIVING. ALL OF THE DAMAGE IS ON PASSENGER SIDE AND NOT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WHERE THE IMPACT WAS. CURRENTLY I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE DRIVERS SIDE IF THE AIRBAGS MALFUNCTION LIKE THAT NOR CAN I HAVE PASSENGERS IN MY CAR. THIS AIRBAG RECALL NEEDS TO INCLUDE SOME 2008 MODELS THAT ARE NOT SHOWING AT THIS TIME.

Power Train
Filed Aug 7, 2018TX

I HAVE SOME SUSPENSION RELATED ISSUES THAT HAVE RECENTLY BEEN DIAGNOSED THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 11E022000 BUT WHEN I TYPE IN MY VIN# ON YOUR WEBSITE IT SAYS THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS ITEM ON MY 2008 ACURA TL. I HAVE ANOTHER DIAGNOSED ISSUE WITH THE STEERING FROM YOUR RECALL # 08V091000 AND THERE IS NO LISTING FOR THIS RECALL ON MY VEHICLE ON YOUR WEBSITE. I WAS TOLD THAT I WAS LOSING POWER STEERING FLUID DUE TO INTENSE HEAT AND THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE IS DETERIORATING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE, YET SEE THE RECALL IS FOR CERTAIN 2008 MODELS. WHO CAN HELP ME WITH THIS? ANOTHER DIAGNOSED ISSUE IS THE POWERTRAIN RECALL # 04V176000 THAT IS ALSO NOT LISTED FOR MY VEHICLE. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE GEARS AND AM WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2ND GEAR. I WILL BE NOTIFYING HONDA, ON ALL THESE ISSUES, BUT THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO BE AWARE ON THE DETERMINATION OF "CERTAIN 2008" MODELS.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 12, 2018CA

CAR BATTERY DRAINS ITSELF TOO QUICK. CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DRAWS CURRENT TOO MUCH. AFTER 3-4 DAYS PARK WITHOUT DRIVING BATTERY DEAD. IT WON'T START. BATTERY IS VERY GOOD CONDITION.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 10, 2018GA

THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKING WHERE THE AIR BAG IS AT LITTLE BY LITTLE

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 2018CA

THE BATTERY ON THIS CAR DRAINS DUE TO A FACTORY FAULTY HFL UNIT. THIS CAUSES EVEN A NEW BATTERY TO BE DRAINED AND THEN LEFT MY WIFE STRANDED ON SEVERAL OCCASION. WE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THE ISSUE WAS THE BATTERY. ACURA REPLACED THE BATTERY EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD RATHER THAN FIXING THE REAL PROBLEM. NOW THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BUT WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE BATTERY EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 2018CA

THE HANDSFREE LINK STOPPED WORKING IN 2016. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD IN ITSELF SINCE THAT WAS THE MAIN REASON I PURCHASED A VEHICLE WITH HFL. THE BATTERY THEN STARTED DYING WHEN I DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR FOR 2-3 DAYS CAUSING FREQUENT BATTERY REPLACEMENTS. IT'S ESCALATED TO WHERE NOW WITH A BRAND NEW BATTERY, IF I DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR IN A 24 HOUR PERIOD, THE CAR IS DEAD THE NEXT DAY.

Air Bags
Filed May 21, 2018154,000 milesTX

I HAVE A 2008 ACURA TL-S, IT IS GARAGED AT NIGHT AND I DO MY BEST TO TAKE CARE OF IT. THE OTHER DAY I DEVELOPED TWO CRACKS RUNNING FROM THE WINDSHIELD TO THE GLOVEBOX, ALONG THE EDGES OF THE AIRBAG. I DIDN'T NOTICE THEM UNTIL I GOT HOME LAST NIGHT, BUT THEY ARE QUITE NOTICEABLE. I HAVE READ ABOUT SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS O THIS HAPPENING TO ACURA'S AND I AM WONDERING WHY AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS. WILL THIS IMPACT THE AIRBAG OPERATIONS AND MAYBE IMPACT WAS A BAD CHOICE OF WORDS.

Power Train
Filed Mar 15, 2018127,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, LOST POWER TO DRIVE TRAIN DESPITE ENGINE RUNNING. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO STOP ON BERM. TURNED OFF ENGINE. FLUID OBSERVED BENEATH VEHICLE. CAR TOWED. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT TRANSMISSION SUPPLY LINE FITTING CONNECTION FAILED AT LEAST IN PART DUE TO DISSIMILAR METAL CORROSION. THREADED SECTION ALSO SEPARATED COOLANT AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS TOTALLY LOST. DEALER ADVISED THAT THIS PROBLEM NOT SEEN ON TL BUT INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED OTHER MODELS HAD BEEN REPORTED. RADIATOR REPLACED BY OWNER. TRANSMISSION PAN DROPPED AND CLEANED. FLUIDS REPLACED.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Oct 2, 20175 milesAZ

9/30/2017 ACURA TL 2008, 4DOOR SEDAN, BURST INTO FLAMES INSIDE GARAGE, JUST MINUTES WTIHIN PARKING THE CAR FROM DRIVING. BURNT CAR COMPLETELY CAUSING HOUSE FIRE.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 25, 2017CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE AIR BAG. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 30, 201764,700 milesCA

A LARGE CRACK HAS APPEARED ON THE DASH PANEL COVERING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. I FEAR THIS WILL GET IN THE WAY OF DEPLOYING PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION AND/OR POTENTIALLY GENERATE DANGEROUS SHARDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM WHEN I VISITED THE ACURA SERVICE DEPARTMENT EARLIER TODAY, BUT THEY HAVE SO FAR REFUSED TO ADVISE ME ON A SUITABLE COURSE OF ACTION. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OFF, WITH MOST OF THE DRIVING BEING LIMITED TO SURFACE STREETS AND ALWAYS BEING GARAGED OVERNIGHT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 28, 2017100,000 milesCA

SEPT 2016 WAS HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE SRS LIGHT REMAINING ON CONSTANTLY. SEAT BELT BUCKLE UNDER RECALL, HAD THAT REPLACED'THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. JULY 2017 NOW THE DASHBOARD ON PASSENGER SIDE HAS A DEEP STRAIGHT CRACK. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER ACURA TL HAVE THIS ISSUE. THE AIRBAG IS IN THAT DASHBOARD RIGHT WHERE THE CRACK IS. ACURA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A SAFETY ISSUE AND WILL NOT REPAIR, REPLACE OR RECALL. I HAVE KEPT THE CAR IMMACULATE, I HAVE REGULAR SERVICE AND A HONDA/ACURA REPAIR SHOP. I UNDERSTAND ACURA TL SPECIFICALLY 2008 HAS THIS PROBLEM AROUND THE COUNTRY IN A VARIETY OF CLIMATES, AND WHETHER THE CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED OR NOT. IT'S A DESIGN FLAW. IT IS ENDANGERING MY PASSENGER. ALSO, IF YOU FIND A JUNK PART AND REPLACE THE DASH, APPARENTLY THE REPLACEMENT DASH WILL CRACK ALSO AND THE SRS LIGHT WILL BE ON AND THE AIRBAG COMPROMISED AGAIN.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 25, 2017138,000 milesCO

THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER HITTING A SMALL POTHOLE GOING AROUND 35 MPH ON A PAVED CITY ROAD.

Complaints 1-50 of 124, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201417300Routine
201362300Routine
2012130301Fatalities reported
201120320Routine
201064310Routine
200942300Routine
2008 — this page124470Routine
2007124450Routine
2006247620Above average
2005388730Above average
2004551660Above average
2003391541Fatalities reported
2002333721Fatalities reported
2001149320Routine
2000249630Above average
1999157442Fatalities reported
199820200Routine
199723220Routine
199626200Routine
19951000Routine

Compare every TL year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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: Oct 10, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.