IllustrationMY 2004 ACURA TL DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AIRBAG.I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGER BECAUSE OF THE POSITION OF THE CRACKS COULD POSSIBLY DEPLOY THE AIRBAG AND CAUSE INJURY.
2004 Acura Tl
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Tl years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Acura Tl are substantially higher than the model-year median of 124.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tl years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
400–25K
3425–50K
7750–75K
9375–100K
113100–150K
46150K+
403 reports with mileage · 148 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Structure. Review the 232 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 199 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports6 fire reports9 injury reports
Air Bags complaints
199 reportsTHE TRANSMISSION IS LACKING AT ANY MOMENT THAT HAPPENS TO ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. NO SAFE ANOTHER CAR ALMOST HIT ME. NO SAFE .... MY DASH IS HORRIBLE COMPLETELY CRACKE AND THIS DEFINITELY IS GOING TO AFFECT THE AIRBAGS IN MY ACURA 2004 TL. SORRY IS THE WORS OF WORST .YES I WAS DRIVING GOING IN TO THE GAS STATION …
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THE TRANSMISSION IS LACKING AT ANY MOMENT THAT HAPPENS TO ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. NO SAFE ANOTHER CAR ALMOST HIT ME. NO SAFE .... MY DASH IS HORRIBLE COMPLETELY CRACKE AND THIS DEFINITELY IS GOING TO AFFECT THE AIRBAGS IN MY ACURA 2004 TL. SORRY IS THE WORS OF WORST .YES I WAS DRIVING GOING IN TO THE GAS STATION AND CAR JUST LACK I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES. THE CAR GETS ON GEAR AGAIN AND I GET IN GAS STATION
THE DASHBOARD HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE AREA AROUND THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG. DOES THIS CONSTITUTE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE AFFECTING THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING PROPERLY OR POSSIBLY SHARDS FROM THE DASHBOARD CAUSING ADDITIONAL INJURY? THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ACCIDENT BUT AM CONCERNED IF A COLLISION DOES HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE.
THE DASHBOARD AREA AROUND MY 2004 TL PASSENGER AIRBAG IS CRACKING. WHEN I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH I UNDERSTAND THAT SEVERAL TLS BETWEEN 2004 AND 2008 HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH CRACKING OF THE DASH IN THE SAME AREA. FOR SOME REASON NONE OF THESE CARS WERE RECALLED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY. THE CRACK STARTED IN 2017 BUT HAS GOTT…
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THE DASHBOARD AREA AROUND MY 2004 TL PASSENGER AIRBAG IS CRACKING. WHEN I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH I UNDERSTAND THAT SEVERAL TLS BETWEEN 2004 AND 2008 HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH CRACKING OF THE DASH IN THE SAME AREA. FOR SOME REASON NONE OF THESE CARS WERE RECALLED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY. THE CRACK STARTED IN 2017 BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE THEN.
IM NOT SURE WHEN IT HAPPENED AS I WAS WILLED THIS CAR AFTER MY MOTHER PASSED, AND IT WAS LIKE THIS PRIOR TO HER BUYING IT. BUT THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER GOING DOWN TO THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND DASH GAUGES. FROM WHAT IVE READ THIS IS VERY COMMON IN ACURAS 04-08, BUT I AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT MY AIRBAGS DEP…
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IM NOT SURE WHEN IT HAPPENED AS I WAS WILLED THIS CAR AFTER MY MOTHER PASSED, AND IT WAS LIKE THIS PRIOR TO HER BUYING IT. BUT THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER GOING DOWN TO THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND DASH GAUGES. FROM WHAT IVE READ THIS IS VERY COMMON IN ACURAS 04-08, BUT I AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYING PROPERLY. FROM WHAT IVE READ EVERYONE WHO HAS BROUGHT THIS TO ACURAS ATTENTION HAS HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO GET IT FIXED, OR LEAVE AS IS.
AS YOU CAN SEE, THESE AREN'T SMALL HAIRLINE CRACKS, THEY ARE NASTY A## LONG CRACKS ALL OVER. EACH DAY THE CRACK GET WORST AND OPEN. IT DANGEROUS BECAUSE THERE IS AIRBAGS UNDER THOSE DASHBOARD.
I WAS PARKED IN AN AUTOMATIC CARWASH WHEN MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG STARTED DRIPPING WATER ON ME. I'M AFRAID THIS COULD CAUSE MY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. I'VE ALSO EXPERIENCED CRAZY ELECTRICAL ISSUES INTERMITTENTLY THAT ARE NOT SAFE AND I WONDER IF THIS IS RELATED. I ALSO HAVE A VIDEO IF THAT IS NEEDED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG COMPARTMENT WAS CRACKED AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH ACURA OF TEMECULA (951-428-2317, LOCATED AT 26705 YNEZ RD, TEMECULA, CA 92591) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE EXCEP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG COMPARTMENT WAS CRACKED AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH ACURA OF TEMECULA (951-428-2317, LOCATED AT 26705 YNEZ RD, TEMECULA, CA 92591) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE EXCEPT TO COVER THAT PART OF THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED. *DT
DASH IS COMPLETELY COVERED IN CRACKS. I FEEL LIKE THIS CAN'T BE SAFE WITH THE AIRBAGS UNDERNEATH THE CRACKS. ALSO, WHENEVER A PASSENGER IS IN MY CAR THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON.
SIMPLY DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND DID NOT HIT A POTHOLE. RESEARCH ONLINE FINDS THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT ACURA DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE CONCERNED. AIRBAG EXPLOSION ALONE WAS LOUD ENOUGH TO ALMOST CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SCARE.
Official recalls
419V182000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Mar 6, 2019
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
08V091000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
Feb 27, 2008
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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).
08V092000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
Feb 27, 2008
HONDA IS RECALLING 129,600 MY 2004-2005 ACURA TL VEHICLES. IF WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BREATHER PORT, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW THE MOTOR TO VENT WARM AIR DURING NORMAL OPERATION, IT CAN RESULT IN CORROSION INSIDE THE MOTOR HOUSING. THIS COULD CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BREAKER INSIDE THE MOTOR HOUSING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILS, IT WILL CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION. IF NO SIGNS OF CORROSION ARE PRESENT, A SNORKEL TUBE WILL BE ADDED TO THE WIPER MOTOR BREATHER PORT TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR HOUSING AND FOAM TAPE WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE COWL ABOVE THE WIPER MOTOR TO DIRECT WATER AWAY FROM THE WIPER MOTOR. IF SIGNS OF CORROSION DAMAGE ARE OBSERVED ON THE WIPER MOTOR, THE MOTOR WILL BE REPLACED, AND THE BREATHER TUBE AND FOAM TAPE WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION ON THE NEW WIPER MOTOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
04V176000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Apr 15, 2004
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE07060 · Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
Opened Nov 29, 2007 · Closed Mar 5, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 26, 2008, THAT A SAFETY RELATED RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 ACURA TL VEHICLES.THE RECALL AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 129,600 SUBJECT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2003 AND MAY 2005.THE DEFECT INVOLVES WATER INTRUSION INTO THE WIPER MOTOR HOUSING THAT MAY RESULT IN CORROSION AND FAILURE OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER THAT WILL DISABLE THE WIPER MOTOR.CORRECTIVE ACTION CONSISTS OF INSTALLING A NEW WIPER MOTOR WHERE CORROSION IS FOUND AS WELL AS A BREATHER TUBE ON BOTH NEW AND EXISTING WIPER MOTORS TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION INTO THE HOUSING.NHTSA HAS ASSIGNED NUMBER 08V-092 TO THIS RECALL ACTION.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 26, 2008, THAT A SAFETY RELATED RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 ACURA TL VEHICLES.THE RECALL AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 129,600 SUBJECT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2003 AND MAY 2005.THE DEFECT INVOLVES WATER INTRUSION INTO THE WIPER MOTOR HOUSING THAT MAY RESULT IN CORROSION AND FAILURE OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER THAT WILL DISABLE THE WIPER MOTOR.CORRECTIVE ACTION CONSISTS OF INSTALLING A NEW WIPER MOTOR WHERE CORROSION IS FOUND AS WELL AS A BREATHER TUBE ON BOTH NEW AND EXISTING WIPER MOTORS TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION INTO THE HOUSING.NHTSA HAS ASSIGNED NUMBER 08V-092 TO THIS RECALL ACTION.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 26, 2008, THAT A SAFETY RELATED RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AND 2005 ACURA TL VEHICLES.THE RECALL AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 129,600 SUBJECT VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2003 AND MAY 2005.THE DEFECT INVOLVES WATER INTRUSION INTO THE WIPER MOTOR HOUSING THAT MAY RESULT IN CORROSION AND FAILURE OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER THAT WILL DISABLE THE WIPER MOTOR.CORRECTIVE ACTION CONSISTS OF INSTALLING A NEW WIPER MOTOR WHERE CORROSION IS FOUND AS WELL AS A BREATHER TUBE ON BOTH NEW AND EXISTING WIPER MOTORS TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION INTO THE HOUSING.NHTSA HAS ASSIGNED NUMBER 08V-092 TO THIS RECALL ACTION.