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2005 Acura Tl

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Tl years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Acura Tl are substantially higher than the model-year median of 124.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

277 reports with mileage · 111 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 156 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 144 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports3 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

36 reports
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20,545 miles · Jul 10, 2007
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFTED FROM AUTOMATIC TO MANUAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MODE SWITCH FAILED DUE TO SOMETHING BEING SPILLED ON THE SWITCH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MODE SWITCH. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR T…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFTED FROM AUTOMATIC TO MANUAL WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MODE SWITCH FAILED DUE TO SOMETHING BEING SPILLED ON THE SWITCH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MODE SWITCH. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (NHTSA ITEM # 10014766). THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 20,552 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,545. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE REPAIR INVOICE FOR THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10195939

100 miles · Sep 15, 2006
Power Train

6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION IS SYNCHRONIZED POORLY MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR SMOOTHLY AND SOMETIMES WILL POP OUT OF 3RD WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE CLUTCHED SUFFICIENTLY. DEALER CLAIMS THERE ISN'T A PROBLEM AND WILL NOT FIX THE ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10168343

5,700 miles · Mar 14, 2006
Power Train

I WISH TO REPORT THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH OF A 6-SHIFT STANDARD 2005 ACURA TL [XXX]. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 6,000 MILES AND LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF MODERATE USE. WHILE GOING UP A HILL IN A THREE LANE EXPRESSWAY, I LOST THE TORQUE TO THE WHEELS AND THE CAR ENDED ON NEUTRAL, FORCING ME TO MAKE A DANGEROUS MANEUVER T…

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I WISH TO REPORT THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH OF A 6-SHIFT STANDARD 2005 ACURA TL [XXX]. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 6,000 MILES AND LESS THAN ONE YEAR OF MODERATE USE. WHILE GOING UP A HILL IN A THREE LANE EXPRESSWAY, I LOST THE TORQUE TO THE WHEELS AND THE CAR ENDED ON NEUTRAL, FORCING ME TO MAKE A DANGEROUS MANEUVER TO PARK THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER OF THE EXPRESSWAY. UPON OPENING THE HOOD, IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE CLUTCH HAD BURNED OUT. I UNDERSTAND THAT FAILURE IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP WAS THE CAUSE OF THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AT EXPRESSWAY SPEEDS IS DANGEROUS AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. I REPORT THIS TO YOU SO THAT YOU CAN KEEP A RECORD OF THIS DEFECT OF THE 2005 ACURA TL (6-SHIFT STANDARD). *JB UPDATED 07/16/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #10152650

3,000 miles · Feb 16, 2006
Power Train

6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION IS SYNCHRONIZED POORLY MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SHIFT INTO 3RD GEAR SMOOTHLY AND SOMETIMES WILL POP OUT OF 3RD WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE CLUTCHED SUFFICIENTLY. NJ DEALER SAID ACURA HAS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND MAY CHANGE TRANSMISSION IN FUTURE YEARS BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING FOR EXISTING VEHICLES. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10150432

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2006
Power Train

CENTER CONSOLE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT WITHOUT A SHIFT LOCK/RELEASE BUTTON, MOVES FREELY FROM DRIVE POSITION INTO NEUTRAL/REVERSE UP TO PARK WITHOUT HAVING TO STEP ON THE BRAKE. IT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 5-10 MILES PER HOUR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10148225

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2006
Power Train

VIBRATIONS FELT FROM FLOOR BOARD AND STEERING WHEEL AND "BUZZ" NOISE HEARD FROM THE HOOD WHEN TRAVELING AT 50-55 MPH. CONDITION OBSERVED ONLY WHEN RPM IS AT 1500 MARK. CONDITION BECOMES MORE APPARENT WHEN THERE ARE MORE THAN 1 PERSON IN THE CAR OR WHEN CAR IS ON AN ASCENT HIGHWAY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10148114

Official recalls

5

19V182000 · 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.

07V097000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Mar 14, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, A COIL WIRE INSIDE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE FUEL PUMP LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING, AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

05V132000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Apr 5, 2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A LOOSE TERMINAL IN THE MAIN FUSE BOX MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE FUEL PUMP LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 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

1

PE07060 · 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.