Acura TL problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The best-known Acura TL problem is the automatic transmission on 2000–2003 3.2 TLs, which American Honda covered with an extended 7-year/100,000-mile warranty in 2002. Other documented issues are recalls: Takata and non-azide driver air bag inflators, power steering hoses on 2004–2008 cars and wiper motors on 2004–2005 TLs. Check any TL’s VIN for open air bag work.

CarWhere lists 7 documented TL issues, including 6 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

TL generations at a glance

Acura TL generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
4th gen2009–2014Takata driver air bag inflator can rupture (recall 16V061)
3rd gen2004–2008Power steering hose can crack from engine heat (recalls 08V091, 12V222) · Wiper motor can corrode and stop working (recall 08V092) · Replacement driver air bag inflators can explode (recall 19V182)
2nd gen1999–2003Automatic transmission wear and failure: extended 7-year/100,000-mile warranty · Takata driver air bag inflators, including “Alpha” units (recall 15V320) · Non-azide driver air bag inflator can rupture or underinflate (recalls 20V026, 20V027)
1st gen1996–1998No widespread issue documented here

4th gen TL problems (2009–2014)

Takata driver air bag inflator can rupture (recall 16V061) (2009–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
4th gen (2009–2014)
Years:
2009–2014
Powertrain:
All

The dual-stage driver frontal air bag in 2009–2014 TL models can let moisture in and, over time, rupture. Recall 16V061 covers these TLs and many other Honda and Acura models (2,232,187 vehicles in total); the repair began in March 2017. Some 2009–2014 TLs also appear in 19V182, which replaces inflators installed as earlier remedy or service parts.

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
  • If any air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to an Acura dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 16V061 (2016-02) · 2,232,187 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2]

3rd gen TL problems (2004–2008)

Power steering hose can crack from engine heat (recalls 08V091, 12V222) (2004–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2004–2008)
Years:
2004–2008
Powertrain:
3.2L and 3.5L V6

Prolonged under-hood heat can make the power steering hose deteriorate, crack and leak fluid. Recall 08V091 (273,000 vehicles, an expansion of 07V551) installed heat-resistant hoses on 2004–2008 TLs. Recall 12V222 later revisited 2007–2008 TLs and added 2003–2007 Accord V6 models (625,762 in total).

Symptoms

  • Whining from the power steering pump
  • Fluid leak or burning smell
  • Heavier steering

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 08V091 (2008-02) · 273,000 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3][4]

Wiper motor can corrode and stop working (recall 08V092) (2004–2005)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2004–2008)
Years:
2004–2005
Powertrain:
All

Water can enter the windshield wiper motor breather port on 129,600 2004–2005 TL models, corroding the motor housing and causing the circuit breaker inside to fail. Dealers inspect the motor, add a snorkel tube and foam tape, and replace corroded motors.

Symptoms

  • Wipers stop or work intermittently

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN

NHTSA recall: 08V092 (2008-02) · 129,600 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5]

Replacement driver air bag inflators can explode (recall 19V182) (2004–2006, 2009–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2004–2008) and 4th gen
Years:
2004–2006, 2009–2014
Powertrain:
All

Some TLs received a replacement driver inflator during an earlier Takata remedy or as a service part, and a manufacturing error means those inflators can explode in a crash. Recall 19V182 covers specific 2002–2003 3.2TL, 2004–2006 and 2009–2014 TL models among 1,101,534 Honda and Acura vehicles. Dealers fit an alternate inflator for free (Acura campaign U40).

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
  • If any air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to an Acura dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 19V182 (2019-03) · 1,101,534 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

2nd gen TL problems (1999–2003)

Automatic transmission wear and failure: extended 7-year/100,000-mile warranty (2000–2002 and some 2003)

Major repair
Generation:
2nd gen (1999–2003)
Years:
2000–2002 and some 2003
Powertrain:
3.2L V6 with automatic

In September 2002 American Honda extended automatic transmission coverage to 7 years or 100,000 miles on about 1.2 million Honda and Acura cars, including 2000–2002 and some 2003 Acura 3.2 TLs, because of problems that could cause premature wear or failure. Honda said about two percent of the vehicles had shown the problem. Separately, recall 04V176’s record says letters to certain TL and CL owners began June 29, 2004, without listing the TL model years.

Symptoms

  • Slow or erratic shifting
  • Flashing D or D4 indicator
  • Slipping or flare between gears

Check before buying

  • The extended coverage has expired on every eligible car by age, so budget for a transmission inspection
  • Ask for records of transmission replacement or recall 04V176 work
  • Check the fluid condition and test-drive through every gear

Sources: [6][7]

Takata driver air bag inflators, including “Alpha” units (recall 15V320) (2002–2003)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (1999–2003)
Years:
2002–2003
Powertrain:
All

2002–2003 Acura 3.2 TLs are in Takata driver inflator recall 15V320 (6,281,043 vehicles across many models). Honda also lists 2002–2003 3.2 TLs among cars that may carry “Alpha” inflators, the highest-risk group; in February 2023 it told owners with unrepaired Alpha inflators to stop driving until fixed and offered free towing and loaners. Recall 19V182 and 19V499 replace some later replacement inflators.

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
  • If any air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to an Acura dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 15V320 (2015-05) · 6,281,043 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8][2][9][10]

Non-azide driver air bag inflator can rupture or underinflate (recalls 20V026, 20V027) (1999–2001)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (1999–2003)
Years:
1999–2001
Powertrain:
All

These are not Takata ammonium-nitrate inflators. Recall 20V026 covers the original non-azide driver inflator in 1999–2000 3.2 TLs, which can absorb moisture and rupture or underinflate the bag. Recall 20V027 covers 2000–2001 3.2 TLs that received a replacement driver air bag module with that inflator type. Dealers inspect and replace the inflator with a different design.

Symptoms

  • No warning sign; the defect shows up only when the air bag deploys in a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Also check recalls.acura.com by VIN
  • If any air bag recall is open, arrange a tow to an Acura dealer rather than driving the car

NHTSA recall: 20V026 (2020-01) · 1,439,841 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11][12]

Related TL research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a TL was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Acura build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Acura build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the known Acura TL transmission problems?

In 2002 American Honda extended automatic transmission coverage to 7 years or 100,000 miles on 2000–2002 and some 2003 Acura 3.2 TLs because the units could wear early or fail. That coverage has run out by age, so a pre-purchase inspection of the transmission matters on these cars.

Is the Acura TL in the Takata air bag recall?

Yes. 2002–2003 3.2 TLs are in driver recall 15V320 and may carry high-risk “Alpha” inflators; 2009–2014 TLs are in driver recall 16V061; and some 2004–2006 and 2009–2014 TLs are in replacement-inflator recall 19V182.

What is the TL power steering hose recall?

Recall 08V091 installed heat-resistant power steering hoses on 2004–2008 TLs because engine heat could make the original hoses crack and leak. Recall 12V222 later covered 2007–2008 TLs again along with Accord V6 models.

What years did Acura sell the TL?

Acura’s chronology lists the 2.5TL/3.2TL for 1996–1998, the 3.2TL for 1999–2003 and the TL from 2004 through 2014, with an all-new fourth generation for 2009. The TLX replaced it for 2015.

How do I check a used TL for open recalls?

Enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup and at recalls.acura.com. If an air bag recall is open, have the car towed to an Acura dealer for the free repair.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 16V061000: Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recall 19V182000: Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  3. NHTSA recall 08V091000: POWER STEERING HOSE OIL LEAKING — NHTSA
  4. NHTSA recall 12V222000: POWER STEERING HOSE FAILURE DUE TO HEAT — NHTSA
  5. NHTSA recall 08V092000: WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR — NHTSA
  6. American Honda Extends Warranties on Select Automatic Transmissions (Sept. 20, 2002) — Honda Global Newsroom
  7. NHTSA recall 04V176000: HONDA/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — NHTSA
  8. NHTSA recall 15V320000: Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture — NHTSA
  9. NHTSA recall 19V499000: Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  10. Honda Asks Owners to Stop Driving Recalled 2001-2003 Acura and Honda Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbag Inflators (Feb. 3, 2023) — Honda News (American Honda)
  11. NHTSA recall 20V026000: Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag — NHTSA
  12. NHTSA recall 20V027000: Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. or Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Acura and the model names are trademarks of their owners.