RoadVitals

2004 Acura TL Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
551
Latest Jul 19, 2024
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
0
Reports on file since Jan 14, 2004

What this page shows

Our database holds 551 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Acura TL. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 551 · page 1 of 23

Suspension
Filed Jul 19, 2024

I was driving and all of a sudden I hit a pot hole and then when I went to take a turn my car ended up making a shaking rattling sound when I pulled to to side to check it the ball joint was half way out of the control arm

NHTSA ID
11603308
Incident
Jun 28, 2024
Engine
Filed May 1, 2024

Car stopped working three days after I purchased it.

NHTSA ID
11586326
Incident
Apr 17, 2024
AirbagsSteering
Filed Apr 29, 2023

I noticed that my power steering hose is all dirty and full of built up power steering fluid and my airbag light in the dash screen does not come off. I’m concerned the air bag will fail in the events of an accident

NHTSA ID
11519609
Incident
Apr 7, 2021
Steering
Filed Mar 24, 2023

In December of 2022, my power steering hoses were found to be leaking. This was confirmed by a local mechanic, but not any manufacturers or insurance reps. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to this happening. Upon my research, I noticed that there is a standing recall for the 2004 Acura TL, but not for my specific VIN. I believe that my issue may be related to this recall (08V-091) and believe this recall should be added to my vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11513693
Incident
Dec 26, 2022
Airbags
Filed Feb 4, 2023

The red air bag light on the dashboard has been on for many months. It will occasionally turn off, but usually it is on. Is there a recall for my 2004 Acura TL air bags? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11505583
Incident
Feb 4, 2023
Suspension
Filed Oct 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH with her mother in the front passenger’s side seat, her mother informed her that the vehicle was bouncing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front lower control arms, shocks, and bushings were replaced; however, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side of the vehicle dropped significantly and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11E022000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11488225
Incident
Sep 19, 2022
Mileage
150,000 mi
Filed Sep 6, 2022

16 y/o driving and stopped at a traffic light. He attempted to go when the light turned green, heard a pop, engine was revving but the car was not moving. It was acting as if it was in neutral. Luckily a police car was right there and they helped him push it to a parking lot. This car has 99K miles on it. He almost got hammered by the car behind him. This is a transmission issue and we had absolutely no warning and has been driving and servicing this car with no issues. There are a lot of info online with transmission issues in these year/model cars. This put my son in extreme danger.

NHTSA ID
11483164
Incident
Sep 4, 2022
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 11, 2022
Crash reported5 injuries reported

I have a defective dashboard in my Acura TL. The dashboard is cracking. One of the crack pieces popped out and flew into my eye while driving. I almost rear-ended someone. I would hate for this to happen to anyone else. There needs to be a recall on all dashboards. 2. I can not see through my review mirror. The top half is light grey and the lower half is blacked out/tinted. A rearview mirror is needed to drive safely and I can not see out of mine. It is very difficult to use. I am unsafe trying to use it. 3. Cracked seats. The cracked seats are cutting my legs and my passenger's legs. With the way the world is today, we can not drive around in cars with cracked seats. This is hazardous to our health. There heighten the chances of spreading diseases by exchanging blood and body fluids through the cuts. The cracking of the seats is not safe.

NHTSA ID
11478727
Incident
Aug 11, 2022
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 5, 2022

I purchased this used car and while driving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assis) light comes on with the accompanying trianlge with exclamation point. When the light comes on while driving the car will tug you to the right. Once you stop the vehicle and turn off and re-start the light will turn off. As you drive again, the light comes on and tugs the vehicle to the right. When we purchased the vehicle I drove it home with my 16 year old (it is planned to be his first car) and I was on the highway going 60 and the VSA light came on and tugged the vehicle to the right. I did not lose control but it can definitely catch someone off guard and cause them to over correct. I took the car in to a local auto shop and they said there was a fault on the VSA module and a couple of other issues. I spent $1,300 to replace both front bearings, hubs, 1 speed control sensor because they recommended that be done before looking to replace the VSA modulating assembly ($1,800 + install). I checked the Acura site and (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) but there is nothing there about a recall for the VSA module. I have seen other posts online of people saying that the car pulls to the right when the VSA light comes on so I seems to be an issue. In winter conditions having an issue like this could cause an over correction and/or loss of control which could cause an accident.

NHTSA ID
11472304
Incident
Jun 25, 2022
BrakesSeat belts
Filed May 3, 2022

04 acura tl my transmission wen applying the brakes feel like a big part of tranny broke u feel it move like it grinding about to brake it can cause a big accident or death .if wen fully apply brakes complete stop .it will b bad it say a recall yrs ago 4 this same thing I'm telling u now about trannie i got kids I take n car seat belt lock don't work n back lights keep flashing n back at nite out of no were is there something n my car my gmail is [XXX]. 04 Acura tl had only 2mounths paid 3000 n Montclair now it sits not going to chance it driving no safe at all please help me INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11463272
Incident
Apr 29, 2022
Airbags
Filed Jan 13, 2022

The dashboard on 3rd generation Acura TL has a design defect to where they will crack all over. In the event of a crash which results in a passenger-side dashboard airbag deployment, the dashboard can rip uncontrollably and send shards of rubber flying at everyone's face in the car and prevent the airbag from deploying properly. This is a very well known problem with this generation of Acura TL and the dealership refuses to address as a warrantied safety concern.

NHTSA ID
11447299
Incident
Jan 13, 2022
Steering
Filed Nov 15, 2021
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at 10 - 15 mph, a burning odor was detected and smoke was coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact inspected under the hood and noticed there was fluid leaking onto the catalytic converter that was causing the smoke. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V091000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID
11440540
Incident
Nov 15, 2021
Mileage
170,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 24, 2021

My "D" indicator light is blinking no matter changing the transmission fluid, cleaning the solenoids, etc. the car is not overheating, there are no apparent electrical problems and I do not even have any check engine lights or other codes. The light comes on blinking when I drive for a little while then goes off when I turn the car off and is fine. Then when I start it up it doesn't blink anymore. But then when I drive again for a while it blinks again. I've had transmission shuddering, jerky shifting, delayed shifting, etc.

NHTSA ID
11434155
Incident
Jun 28, 2021
Filed Jun 18, 2021

Transmission is going out an a lot of people say after 200,000 miles Acura TL the 2004 transmissions start to go out which mines is doing now what can I do this is a know problem with 2004-2006 Acura TL

NHTSA ID
11421356
Incident
Jun 17, 2021
AirbagsPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Apr 6, 2021

TORQUE CONVERTER HAS DIFFERENCE OF 200RPM OR GREATER THAN CAUSING TRANS TO OVER HEAT AND FAIL POWER STEERING LINE ALLOWING AIR INTO SYSTEM. SYSTEM LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG SENSOR WON'T SENT CODE

NHTSA ID
11406649
Incident
Apr 5, 2021
Mileage
196,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jan 1, 2021

MY POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT I THINK HOSE BUSTED HARD TO STEER AND TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING REVERSE IS GOING OUT

NHTSA ID
11386027
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Powertrain (other)SteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 14, 2020
Fire reported

AFTER HAVING MY CAR IN THE SHOP FOR 2 WEEKS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE POWER STEERING WON'T STOP FREAKING EXPLODING WHEN THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ANY OF THE PARTS EXCEPT THE HOSES GOING BAD. I ONCE AGAIN WAS LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY STREET WITH NO POWER STEERING TRYING TO MUSCLE MY WAY BACK TO THE SHOP. THIS IS RIDICULOUSSSSSSS. WHY ARE THEY NOT TELLING US THEIR CARS HAVE ISSUES!!!!!

NHTSA ID
11383370
Incident
Dec 14, 2020
Mileage
150,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Dec 2, 2020

WE PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW IN 2004! THIS CAR HAS NEVER HAD A AIRBAG RECALL. I'M VERY CONCERNED THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL WAS OVERLOOKED CONCERNING THE AIRBAG RECALL. EVERY SINGLE MODEL AND YEAR AROUND THIS 2004 ACURA TL WAS RECALLED FOR THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. WE CONSTANTLY CHECK FOR UPDATES TO ASSURE WE DO NOT MISS A NOTICE. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO ASSURE OUR 2004 TL AIRBAG IS SAFE?

NHTSA ID
11377499
Incident
Dec 2, 2020
Mileage
53,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 2, 2020
Crash reported3 injuries reported

NEAR HEAD-ON COLLISION ON UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD IN HIGHLANDS RANCH, COLORADO INVOLVING THIS VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 13, 2020. OUR CLIENT WAS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AND HER CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SHE SUSTAINED VERY SERIOUS, LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES AND REMAINS HOSPITALIZED.*DT*JB*DT*DT*DT*JB*DT*JB*DT*JB*JB*DT*JB*DT

NHTSA ID
11372597
Incident
Oct 13, 2020
AirbagsDriver assistanceSuspension
Filed Oct 20, 2020

I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL, THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL. SEVERAL YEARS AGO I EXITED A HIGHWAY, CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I MADE A RIGHT TURN THE DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE. I HAD THE REPAIR DONE AND LUCKILY I DIDN'T HURT AO OR MYSELF. THANK YOU STAY SAFE. I THINK IT WAS IN 2015.

NHTSA ID
11365409
Incident
May 1, 2015
Mileage
5 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 12, 2020

THE TRANSMISSION JUST QUIT ON ME. NO POWER AT ALL.

NHTSA ID
11364037
Incident
Sep 15, 2020
Mileage
80,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 21, 2020

AS WITH OTHER POSTS, CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ARE PRONOUNCED AND GETTING WORSE OVER TIME. VERY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF PASSENGERS IN AN OTHERWISE RELIABLE VEHICLE WHICH HAS MANY MORE YEARS (AND MILES) OF USEFUL SERVICE.

NHTSA ID
11340591
Incident
Jul 3, 2017
Mileage
110,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Jul 17, 2020

DASHBOARD HAS CRACK FROM PASSENGER SIDE MIDDLE ALL THE WAY TOWARD DRIVER SIDE. STARTED ABOUT YEAR 10 AND GOT WORSE OVER THE YEARS. AFTER READING SOME OTHER COMPLAINTS HERE I AM ALSO WORRIED AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD EITHER NOT TRIGGER OR TRIGGER ACCIDENTALLY HURTING A PASSENGER IN MY VEHICLE. I ALSO TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS INSTRUCTED AS OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE EVEN THOUGH SEEMS TO BE MANUFACTURE DEFECT.

NHTSA ID
11339904
Incident
Feb 17, 2014
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 4, 2020

I AM TEXTING YOU BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION AND IT BROKE DOWN ON ME WHEN I WENT OUT OF TOWN SO IT IS STILL SITTING IN THE TOWN I WENT TO AND THE RECALL WAS ON POWER TRAIN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION RECALL NUMBER 08V091000 ON 2/7/2008 AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN I CAN GET MY VEHICLE REPAIRED. *TR

NHTSA ID
11337444
Incident
Jun 28, 2020
Driver assistance
Filed Apr 30, 2020

CAR RUNS GREAT BUT WILL SKIP OUT OF GEAR AND NOT MOVE. CHANGED TRANNY FLUID AND FILTERS AND IT WAS GOOD FOR A COUPLE DAYS AND STARTED ALL OVER AGAIN HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO PICK ME UP ON THE BUSY FREEWAY. NOW CAR WILL NOT EVEN SHIFT FROM PARK AND WHEN I USE THE SIDE RELEASE BUTTON AND PUT CAR IN R IT ROLLED FORWARD. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE BUT THERE IS IN OTHERS LIKE MINE AND SAME PROBLEMS. 3000 DOLLAR TRANSMISSION AND IT'S TO MUCH TO FIX SO IT'S SCRAP METAL???

NHTSA ID
11322781
Incident
Mar 1, 2020
Mileage
150,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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