Illustration2004 TL CRACKING IN DASH GETTING WORSE EVERYDAY, HAPPENED STARTING 2009 WITH A SMALL CRACK. NOW CRACKS ARE ALL OVER DASH. POSSIBLE AIRBAG FAILURE FROM THE LOOKS OF THE CRACKS. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. VERY UNSAFE. *TR
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
What owners actually said
551 reports2004 ACURA TL BOTH XENON HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING. THIS CAR LOW AND HIGH BEAM ARE ON THIS SYSTEM (ONE BULB FOR BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM). NO LIGHTS FOR DRIVING AT NIGHT AND BAD WEATHER. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TL WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN MAY 2007. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH IN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, SHE COULD HEAR METAL HITTING THE CONCRETE. SHE NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS SLANTED OUTWARD. HER INSURANCE COMPANY FOUND THE FRONT TIRE ROD FAILED AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO BEND OUTWARD…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TL WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN MAY 2007. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH IN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, SHE COULD HEAR METAL HITTING THE CONCRETE. SHE NOTICED THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE WAS SLANTED OUTWARD. HER INSURANCE COMPANY FOUND THE FRONT TIRE ROD FAILED AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO BEND OUTWARD. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,768.
TWO WEEKS AGO, I NOTICE A CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD ABOUT 1 INCH LONG. TODAY THE CRACK IS ABOUT 5 INCHES LONG (1/5/2010). I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLE, BUT THE THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT BECAUSE THEY SAID IT IS A WEAR AND TEAR PART. IT IS TRULY A DEFECT, THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES AND NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE…
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TWO WEEKS AGO, I NOTICE A CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD ABOUT 1 INCH LONG. TODAY THE CRACK IS ABOUT 5 INCHES LONG (1/5/2010). I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLE, BUT THE THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT BECAUSE THEY SAID IT IS A WEAR AND TEAR PART. IT IS TRULY A DEFECT, THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES AND NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD CAUSE THE DASH BOARD TO CRACK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS THE WINDOW WIPERS BECAME INOPERATIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT SHORTAGE IN THE WINDOW WIPER SYSTEM MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS THE WINDOW WIPERS BECAME INOPERATIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT SHORTAGE IN THE WINDOW WIPER SYSTEM MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V092000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR). HOWEVER, THE REMEDY REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 95,098.
WIRING HARNESS UNDER MOLDING BELOW DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DEVELOPED A SHORT, CAUSING PASSENGER COMPARTMENT TO FILL WITH SMOKE. MOLDING MELTED AND SITUATION WAS AVERTED PRIOR TO A FIRE DEVELOPING. *TR
A FEW MONTHS AGO MY 2004 ACURA TL DASH STARTED CRACKING AROUND MY AIRBAG ON MY DASH. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD AND IS A DEFECT OF ACURA. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER 2004 ACURA TL'S THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND I AM WONDERING WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TR
I CURRENTLY OWNED A 2004 ACURA TL AND THE DASH IS CRACKING ALL AROUND, NOW I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY IN CASE OF A CRASH HOW WILL IT AFFECT THE AIRBAGS, ACURA LTD. WILL DO NOTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION DUE TO THE DASH IS (NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR) MEANWHILE IT IS A BRAND NEW CAR. *TR
2004 ACURA TL AT HAS SOFT AND SPONGY BRAKES. BRAKING SEEMS USELESS UNDER HARD-BRAKING CONDITIONS. IT ALL STARTED WHEN I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING ROAD DEBRIS, ABS WENT INTO ACTION AND THE CAR STOPPED IN A DIME, HOWEVER, A FEW DAYS AFTER THE EVENT, I NOTICED THE BRAKES GETTING SPONGY AND SOFT. I WENT TO GET MY…
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2004 ACURA TL AT HAS SOFT AND SPONGY BRAKES. BRAKING SEEMS USELESS UNDER HARD-BRAKING CONDITIONS. IT ALL STARTED WHEN I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING ROAD DEBRIS, ABS WENT INTO ACTION AND THE CAR STOPPED IN A DIME, HOWEVER, A FEW DAYS AFTER THE EVENT, I NOTICED THE BRAKES GETTING SPONGY AND SOFT. I WENT TO GET MY BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR CHANGED ALONG WITH A BRAKE FLUID CHANGE. IT WORKED FINE FOR A WEEK BUT THEN IT WENT BACK TO SOFT AND SPONGY. I HAD A SITUATION WHERE I HAD TO BRAKE HARD FOR A BEAUTIFUL L.A COMMUTER WHO CUT ME OFF AND THERE WAS ALMOST TO PRESSURE WHATSOEVER ON THE BRAKES, NO ABS, NO TIRE SCREECHING, IT JUST GLIDED TO A STOP. I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND OUT IT WAS THE VSA MODULATOR, WHICH WAS INJECTING AIR INTO THE BRAKE LINES EVER SO OFTEN. APPARENTLY IT HAPPENED WHEN THE ABS KICKED IN, THEY SAID IT WOULD HAVE FAULTED THE VSA SYSTEM. THE PART WAS REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THAT'S BECAUSE I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED ONE FROM ACURA. I AFRAID THERE ARE OTHER TLS WITH THE SAME ISSUES HAVING TO PAY CLOSE TO 2000 DOLLARS FOR PARTS THAT ARE SO CRITICAL AND YET DEFECTIVE. *TR
1. SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN THE DASH AROUND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG UNIT. 2. AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON 3. SPONTANEOUS CRACK IN DASH NEAR STEERING COLUMN. *TR
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.