2008 Acura TL Owner Complaints

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.

NHTSA ID

11724562

Incident

Mar 16, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11704570

Incident

May 15, 2015

Mileage

40,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11655832

Incident

Jun 21, 2024

Mileage

164,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11596016

Incident

May 9, 2024

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)

NHTSA ID

11577037

Incident

Mar 12, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11576016

Incident

Mar 7, 2024

Mileage

20,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11543122

Incident

Sep 5, 2023

Mileage

176,930 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11484998

Incident

Sep 5, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID

11471187

Incident

May 1, 2017

Mileage

199,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11463069

Incident

May 2, 2022

dash is cracked air bag is not secure seat are torn

NHTSA ID

11456672

Incident

Mar 8, 2022

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!

NHTSA ID

11448063

Incident

Jan 19, 2022

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

NHTSA ID

11433039

Incident

Jul 5, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11422396

Incident

Jun 19, 2021

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

NHTSA ID

11408419

Incident

Nov 4, 2020

Mileage

160,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11408204

Incident

Feb 27, 2008

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.

NHTSA ID

11390002

Incident

Jan 20, 2021

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).

NHTSA ID

11383368

Incident

Feb 21, 2020

Mileage

145,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11300243

Incident

Jan 6, 2020

Mileage

146,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11290858

Incident

Nov 28, 2019

Mileage

58,950 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11288451

Incident

Apr 1, 2014

Mileage

32,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11281612

Incident

Aug 5, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID

11268387

Incident

Oct 3, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID

11252486

Incident

Jul 15, 2019

Mileage

73,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11241235

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

Mileage

150,000 mi