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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

388 reports
184,000 miles · Apr 6, 2018
Air BagsStructure

DASHBOARD HAS CRACKS STARTING FROM THE AREA THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS LOCATED AND HAS SINCE SPREAD TO ALL AREAS OF THE DASHBOARD. ACURA HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT, DESPITE THOUSANDS OF OWNERS COMPLAINING. THIS ISSUE HAS MADE ITS WAY TO CNN, LOCAL NEWS, NUMEROUS BOARDS AND WEBSITES, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, ETC. THE BRAN…

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DASHBOARD HAS CRACKS STARTING FROM THE AREA THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS LOCATED AND HAS SINCE SPREAD TO ALL AREAS OF THE DASHBOARD. ACURA HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT, DESPITE THOUSANDS OF OWNERS COMPLAINING. THIS ISSUE HAS MADE ITS WAY TO CNN, LOCAL NEWS, NUMEROUS BOARDS AND WEBSITES, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, ETC. THE BRAND REFUSES TO STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND RESOLVE THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11083668

125,000 miles · Jan 24, 2018
Unknown Or Other

THE DASHBOARD CRACK AND WITH NO REASON AND STILL CRACKING

NHTSA ODI #11064599

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2017
Air Bags

THERE IS A CRACK ON THE RIGHT HAND (PASSENGER) SIDE OF THE DASH VERY CLOSE TO THE AIR BAG. I AM SCARED THAT THE AIRBAG MAY EXPLODE AT ANY MINUTE. ACURA SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS VEHICLE IS KEPT IN A GARAGE AND NOT DRIVEN EVERYDAY.

NHTSA ODI #11047704

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2017
Unknown Or Other

DASHBOARD CRACKING.

NHTSA ODI #11047507

160,000 miles · Sep 28, 2017
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or OtherFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THERE WAS NO FIRE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THERE WAS NO FIRE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V091000 (STEERING). TIM SHORT ACURA (131 MACCORKLE AVE SW, CHARLESTON, WV 25303) INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. ALSO, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND THE KEY IMMOBILIZER INDICATOR FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ODI #11030355

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2017
Air Bags

MY ACURA TL'S PASSENGER DASHBOARD HAS A CRACK RUNNING DOWN AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT AND APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11024927

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2017
Electrical System

THE VEHICLE INITIALLY RAN INTO AN ISSUE WHERE IT WOULDN'T START APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AGO IN 2015. I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AT LEAST 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE HANDS FREE BLUE TOOTH CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL DRAIN ON THE CAR; HOWEVER, STILL NO RECALL FROM HONDA. DESPITE THE FACT …

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THE VEHICLE INITIALLY RAN INTO AN ISSUE WHERE IT WOULDN'T START APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AGO IN 2015. I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AT LEAST 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE HANDS FREE BLUE TOOTH CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL DRAIN ON THE CAR; HOWEVER, STILL NO RECALL FROM HONDA. DESPITE THE FACT THAT I'VE HAD THE CAR SERVICES AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT SHOPS & HAVE SPENT MONEY REPLACING BATTERIES AS WELL AS OTHER COMPONENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRICAL, THE ISSUE CONTINUES TO PERSIST AND THERE ARE INSTANCES WHERE IT WON'T START.

NHTSA ODI #11021746

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2017
Air Bags

DASH CRACKED AROUND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG, AFRAID OF AIRBAG COMING OUT. ORIGINAL OWNER ,ALWAYS GARGE KEPT

NHTSA ODI #11019178

75,000 miles · Aug 22, 2017
Air Bags

THERE IS A CRACK RIGHT ON THE EDGE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN THE DASHBOARD. ACURA WILL NOT HELP COVER THE COST TO FIX IT. IT APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE. MY CAR ONLY HAS 75,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #11019021

163,000 miles · Aug 6, 2017
Structure

CRACKED DASHBOARD. I WENT TO THE DEALER FOR A REPAIR AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN'T REPAIR IT CAUSE IT'S DANGEROUS TO REPAIRED IT BECAUSE THE AIRBAG MIGHT EXPLODE. SO WHAT CAN I DO? THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 2000 DOLLAR.

NHTSA ODI #11013148

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.