RoadVitals

2006 Acura TL

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
247
Latest Jul 10, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Oct 10, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
10
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 247 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Acura TL, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and electrical categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 40 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19E068000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Oct 10, 2019
3,744 units potentially affected
The 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."
The 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.
The 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.
Dorman Products, Inc.Manufacturer number AS1019XXXXView on NHTSA.gov
19V182000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mar 6, 2019
1,101,534 units potentially affected
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
The risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)Manufacturer number U40,M45,O41,G44View on NHTSA.gov
11E022000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Jun 22, 2011
150 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
AFFINIA GROUP, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 247
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Jul 10, 2026
Fire reported

As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.

NHTSA ID
11749644
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
Airbags
Filed Nov 17, 2025

My Acura (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a non-collision spontaneous deployment of the side airbag while the vehicle was completely stationary. There was no impact, no crash, and no triggering event. This is a serious safety defect that could have caused significant injury or loss of vehicle control had the car been in motion. This vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Recall 19V182000 involving Takata airbag inflators, but the recall repair was never completed, and the recall now shows as closed. It is unclear whether the recall was closed in error or whether the inflator or a related airbag component failed due to the unresolved safety defect. There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the deployment. The airbag system gave no indication of a problem. The deployed components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. The issue has not yet been inspected by Acura because, despite opening a safety case over two weeks ago, the manufacturer has not assigned a case manager. Insurance has been notified, but no manufacturer or dealer inspection has occurred yet. Given the prior Takata recall, the incomplete repair history, and the spontaneous deployment, this failure represents a potentially ongoing safety hazard that requires immediate investigation and corrective action. I attached pictures all the way around the car so you can see where the airbags are deployed and there is no damage to the vehicle because there was no collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11699822
Incident
Nov 7, 2025
AirbagsDriver assistanceSteering
Filed Nov 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The "VSA" (Vehicle Stability Assist) and air bag warning lights illuminated, and an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact went to Auto Zone and was informed that the accelerator pedal sensor had failed. The contact replaced the sensor. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the power steering hose was leaking. The contact was informed that the steering fluid had entered other unknown components of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact was topping off the power steering fluid reservoir every third day. The contact stated that the VSA warning light and air bag light remained illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS), 19E068000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), and 08V091000 (STEERING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID
11698546
Incident
Sep 10, 2023
Mileage
170,000 mi
Steering
Filed Dec 26, 2024

power steering leaking fluid

NHTSA ID
11632368
Incident
Dec 21, 2024
Filed Sep 24, 2024

I am the original owner of this 2006 Acura TL. I have vertical cracks on the dashboard surrounding the passenger SRS airbag system. Aside from the bad look, is there a safety issue from either the air bag deploying prematurely and/or the air bag deploying in an unsafe manner and injuring the passenger. I have researched this issue online and there are numerous complaints about this dashboard issue and possible issues with the SRS airbag deployment.

NHTSA ID
11616146
Incident
Sep 1, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 7, 2023

Transmission shifts down very hard, once causing the car to lose traction and skid approximately 10 feet on the highway. The car luckily regained control and I avoided collision. I have seen many other reports of hard shifting in this car.

NHTSA ID
11537036
Incident
Jun 1, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 21, 2023

My transmission failed at 105,000 had to pay 4500 for a new transmission, I’m sure they have had complaints about the Acura TL through 2004-2008. I am currently on my third transmission and now the new one is hard shifting already.

NHTSA ID
11528133
Incident
Jun 3, 2019
Airbags
Filed Apr 3, 2023

Dashboard cracked. Internet search revels this is a Acura TL fleet wide issue. Cracked dashboard may rip airbag during deployment rendering it useless, impede airbag deployment, or send shards of plastic during airbag deployment.

NHTSA ID
11515155
Incident
Mar 31, 2023

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

DORE5C4S09

SUSPENSION

This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small. The outer diameter being too small would prevent the part from being installed, and would therefore have no impact on the end user besides time to complete installation.

B05-018

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

SERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION.

TAKATA_FLORIDA D

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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.

BPAS-05122016902

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

DEALER MESSAGE - AHM IS INVESTIGATING CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HANDSFREELINK NOT WORKING OR BATTERY BEING TOO LOW TO START THE ENGINE. PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY REPAIR, PLEASE SEND SUSPECT PARTS BACK TO AHM.

B-PAS-04292016-9

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

AHM IS INVESTIGATING CUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF THE HANDSFREELINK NOT WORKING OR THE BATTERY BEING TOO LOW TO START THE ENGINE. PLEASE SEND SPECIFIC PARTS TO AHM PRIOR TO ATTEMPING ANY REPAIRS.

BER16040A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ENGINE

ENGINEERING REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION OF THE HANDSFREELINK (HFL) NOT WORKING OR THE BATTERY BEING TOO LOW TO START THE ENGINE.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Acura TL by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2014173151.1
2013623150.7
20121303150.4
2011203052.9
2010643048.8
2009423052.1
20081244051.7
20071244049.5
2006Viewing2476049.7
20053877153.9
20045516152.7
20033915459.7
20023327563.3
20011493156.1
20002496259.7
19991574158.6
1998202051.0
1997232056.0
1996262048.4
1995100—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.