2004 Acura TL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2004 Acura TL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2004 Acura TL. Newest first.
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Affinia IS recalling certain aftermarket front suspension lower ball joints, napa part no. 2601662, that may have been mistakenly installed in certain model year 2004 - 2008 acura TL vehicles due to a mistake in a napa and napa dealers' parts application catalogue.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Misapplication of this part could lead to separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm and collapse of the front suspension, which could potentially cause a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Affinia IS working with napa to identify any owners that have had this part mistakenly installed on to an acura TL vehicle, and will replace the part free of charge. the safety recall began on july 20, 2011. owners may contact affinia group's warranty administrator at 1-815-759-7757.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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).
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
551 complaints13 involved a crash6 involved a fire17 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
I was driving and all of a sudden I hit a pot hole and then when I went to take a turn my car ended up making a shaking rattling sound when I pulled to to side to check it the ball joint was half way out of the control arm
- Engine · Unknown or other
Car stopped working three days after I purchased it.
- Air bags · Steering
I noticed that my power steering hose is all dirty and full of built up power steering fluid and my airbag light in the dash screen does not come off. I’m concerned the air bag will fail in the events of an accident
- Steering
In December of 2022, my power steering hoses were found to be leaking. This was confirmed by a local mechanic, but not any manufacturers or insurance reps. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to this happening. Upon my research, I noticed that there is a standing recall for the 2004…
In December of 2022, my power steering hoses were found to be leaking. This was confirmed by a local mechanic, but not any manufacturers or insurance reps. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to this happening. Upon my research, I noticed that there is a standing recall for the 2004 Acura TL, but not for my specific VIN. I believe that my issue may be related to this recall (08V-091) and believe this recall should be added to my vehicle.
- Air bags
The red air bag light on the dashboard has been on for many months. It will occasionally turn off, but usually it is on. Is there a recall for my 2004 Acura TL air bags? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Suspension
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH with her mother in the front passenger’s side seat, her mother informed her that the vehicle was bouncing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front lower control arms, shocks, and bushings were…
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH with her mother in the front passenger’s side seat, her mother informed her that the vehicle was bouncing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front lower control arms, shocks, and bushings were replaced; however, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side of the vehicle dropped significantly and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11E022000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
- Unknown or other
16 y/o driving and stopped at a traffic light. He attempted to go when the light turned green, heard a pop, engine was revving but the car was not moving. It was acting as if it was in neutral. Luckily a police car was right there and they helped him push it to a parking lot. This car has 99K miles…
16 y/o driving and stopped at a traffic light. He attempted to go when the light turned green, heard a pop, engine was revving but the car was not moving. It was acting as if it was in neutral. Luckily a police car was right there and they helped him push it to a parking lot. This car has 99K miles on it. He almost got hammered by the car behind him. This is a transmission issue and we had absolutely no warning and has been driving and servicing this car with no issues. There are a lot of info online with transmission issues in these year/model cars. This put my son in extreme danger.
- Seats · Unknown or other
I have a defective dashboard in my Acura TL. The dashboard is cracking. One of the crack pieces popped out and flew into my eye while driving. I almost rear-ended someone. I would hate for this to happen to anyone else. There needs to be a recall on all dashboards. 2. I can not see through my…
I have a defective dashboard in my Acura TL. The dashboard is cracking. One of the crack pieces popped out and flew into my eye while driving. I almost rear-ended someone. I would hate for this to happen to anyone else. There needs to be a recall on all dashboards. 2. I can not see through my review mirror. The top half is light grey and the lower half is blacked out/tinted. A rearview mirror is needed to drive safely and I can not see out of mine. It is very difficult to use. I am unsafe trying to use it. 3. Cracked seats. The cracked seats are cutting my legs and my passenger's legs. With the way the world is today, we can not drive around in cars with cracked seats. This is hazardous to our health. There heighten the chances of spreading diseases by exchanging blood and body fluids through the cuts. The cracking of the seats is not safe.
- Steering · Suspension
I purchased this used car and while driving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assis) light comes on with the accompanying trianlge with exclamation point. When the light comes on while driving the car will tug you to the right. Once you stop the vehicle and turn off and re-start the light will turn off.…
I purchased this used car and while driving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assis) light comes on with the accompanying trianlge with exclamation point. When the light comes on while driving the car will tug you to the right. Once you stop the vehicle and turn off and re-start the light will turn off. As you drive again, the light comes on and tugs the vehicle to the right. When we purchased the vehicle I drove it home with my 16 year old (it is planned to be his first car) and I was on the highway going 60 and the VSA light came on and tugged the vehicle to the right. I did not lose control but it can definitely catch someone off guard and cause them to over correct. I took the car in to a local auto shop and they said there was a fault on the VSA module and a couple of other issues. I spent $1,300 to replace both front bearings, hubs, 1 speed control sensor because they recommended that be done before looking to replace the VSA modulating assembly ($1,800 + install). I checked the Acura site and (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) but there is nothing there about a recall for the VSA module. I have seen other posts online of people saying that the car pulls to the right when the VSA light comes on so I seems to be an issue. In winter conditions having an issue like this could cause an over correction and/or loss of control which could cause an accident.
- Seat belts · Service brakes
04 acura tl my transmission wen applying the brakes feel like a big part of tranny broke u feel it move like it grinding about to brake it can cause a big accident or death .if wen fully apply brakes complete stop .it will b bad it say a recall yrs ago 4 this same thing I'm telling u now about…
04 acura tl my transmission wen applying the brakes feel like a big part of tranny broke u feel it move like it grinding about to brake it can cause a big accident or death .if wen fully apply brakes complete stop .it will b bad it say a recall yrs ago 4 this same thing I'm telling u now about trannie i got kids I take n car seat belt lock don't work n back lights keep flashing n back at nite out of no were is there something n my car my gmail is [XXX]. 04 Acura tl had only 2mounths paid 3000 n Montclair now it sits not going to chance it driving no safe at all please help me INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Air bags · Unknown or other
The dashboard on 3rd generation Acura TL has a design defect to where they will crack all over. In the event of a crash which results in a passenger-side dashboard airbag deployment, the dashboard can rip uncontrollably and send shards of rubber flying at everyone's face in the car and prevent the…
The dashboard on 3rd generation Acura TL has a design defect to where they will crack all over. In the event of a crash which results in a passenger-side dashboard airbag deployment, the dashboard can rip uncontrollably and send shards of rubber flying at everyone's face in the car and prevent the airbag from deploying properly. This is a very well known problem with this generation of Acura TL and the dealership refuses to address as a warrantied safety concern.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at 10 - 15 mph, a burning odor was detected and smoke was coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact inspected under the hood and noticed there was fluid leaking onto the catalytic converter that was causing the…
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at 10 - 15 mph, a burning odor was detected and smoke was coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact inspected under the hood and noticed there was fluid leaking onto the catalytic converter that was causing the smoke. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V091000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
- Power train
My "D" indicator light is blinking no matter changing the transmission fluid, cleaning the solenoids, etc. the car is not overheating, there are no apparent electrical problems and I do not even have any check engine lights or other codes. The light comes on blinking when I drive for a little while…
My "D" indicator light is blinking no matter changing the transmission fluid, cleaning the solenoids, etc. the car is not overheating, there are no apparent electrical problems and I do not even have any check engine lights or other codes. The light comes on blinking when I drive for a little while then goes off when I turn the car off and is fine. Then when I start it up it doesn't blink anymore. But then when I drive again for a while it blinks again. I've had transmission shuddering, jerky shifting, delayed shifting, etc.
- Unknown or other
Transmission is going out an a lot of people say after 200,000 miles Acura TL the 2004 transmissions start to go out which mines is doing now what can I do this is a know problem with 2004-2006 Acura TL
- Air bags · Power train · Steering
Torque converter has difference of 200rpm or greater than causing trans to over heat and fail power steering line allowing air into system. System locked up while driving air bag sensor won't sent code
- Engine · Power train · Steering
My power steering has gone out I think hose busted hard to steer and transmission IS slipping reverse IS going out
- Power train · Steering · Suspension
After having my car in the shop for 2 weeks trying to figure out why the power steering won't stop freaking exploding when there IS nothing wrong with any of the parts except the hoses going bad. I once again was left in the middle of a busy street with no power steering trying to muscle my way back to the shop. This IS ridiculousssssss. Why are they not telling us their cars have issues!!!!!
- Air bags
We purchased this car new in 2004! this car has never had a airbag recall. I'm very concerned this year, make and model was overlooked concerning the airbag recall. Every single model and year around this 2004 acura TL was recalled for the airbag replacement. We constantly check for updates to assure we do not miss a notice. IS there anything that can be done to assure our 2004 TL airbag IS safe?
- Air bags
Near head-on collision on university boulevard in highlands ranch, colorado involving this vehicle on october 13, 2020. Our client was a front seat passenger and her curtain side airbag failed to deploy. She sustained very serious, life-threatening injuries and remains hospitalized.*dt*jb*dt*dt*dt*jb*dt*jb*dt*jb*jb*dt*jb*dt
- Air bags · Suspension · Vehicle speed control
I have not been contacted about the airbag recall, the potential problem with the accelerator pedal and the driver side lower ball joint recall. Several years ago I exited a highway, came to a stop sign and when I made a right turn the drivers side ball joint broke. I had the repair done and luckily I didn't hurt ao or myself. Thank you stay safe. I think it was in 2015.
- Engine
The transmission just quit on me. No power at all.
- Air bags
As with other posts, cracks in the dashboard around the perimeter of the passenger airbag are pronounced and getting worse over time. very concerned for the safety of passengers in an otherwise reliable vehicle which has many more years (and miles) of useful service.
- Air bags · Structure · Unknown or other
Dashboard has crack from passenger side middle all the way toward driver side. Started about year 10 and got worse over the years. After reading some other complaints here I am also worried airbag deployment could either not trigger or trigger accidentally hurting a passenger in my vehicle. I also took to dealer and was instructed as out of pocket expense even though seems to be manufacture defect.
- Power train
I am texting you because there was a recall on the transmission and it broke down on me when I went out of town so it IS still sitting in the town I went to and the recall was on power train automatic transmission recall number 08v091000 on 2/7/2008 and I would like to know when I can get my vehicle repaired. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Car runs great but will skip out of gear and not move. Changed tranny fluid and filters and it was good for a couple days and started all over again had to call a tow truck to pick me up on the busy freeway. Now car will not even shift from park and when I use the side release button and put car in…
Car runs great but will skip out of gear and not move. Changed tranny fluid and filters and it was good for a couple days and started all over again had to call a tow truck to pick me up on the busy freeway. Now car will not even shift from park and when I use the side release button and put car in r it rolled forward. dealer says there IS no recall on my vehicle but there IS in others like mine and same problems. 3000 dollar transmission and it's to much to fix so it's scrap metal???
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Windshield wiper motor failure
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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10211608Special Tool Loan Program: Under TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN, the list has been updated.
- 10193392Sending vehicle data to tech line.
- 10165333This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small. The outer diameter being too small would prevent the part from being installed, and would therefore have no impact on the end user besides time to complete installation.
- 10141148Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2004-2008 TLs & TSXs with a complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on with the DTC P2138 (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor A/B Incorrect Voltage Correlation) stored and poor engine performance. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting any further repair of any kind.
- 10129827Service bulletin - Some symptoms related to the HandsFreeLink (HFL) system can be difficult to diagnose. Before beginning troubleshooting, it is extremely important to determine if the problem exists with the client?s cell phone, the vehicle?s HFL system, the navigation system, or the client?s interaction.
- 10129812Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2004-2008 TLs & TSXs with a complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on with the DTC P2138 (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor A/B Incorrect Voltage Correlation) stored and poor engine performance. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting any further repair of any kind.
- 10129517Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2004-2008 TLs & TSXs with a complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on with the DTC P2138 (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor A/B Incorrect Voltage Correlation) stored and poor engine performance. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting any further repair of any kind.
- 10128558Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of July 23, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and service bulletins 14-023, Safety Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized, 14-029, Recall: Front Driver?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity Recall, and 14-030, Recall: Front Passenger?s Airbag Inflator May Produce Excessive Pressure After Long-Term Exposure to High Absolute Humidity have been posted to ISIS. However, due to the large number of affected units, Acura is still in the process of populating the VIN status inquiry function on iN, which is expected to take several days. When this process is complete, Acura will notify all dealers again via iN message. Until that time, the existing acknowledgement procedure must be used for all potentially affected vehicles.
- 10128529Dealer message - On Monday, June 23, 2014, Acura announced three recalls for various 2002-06 Acura models. As of August 4, 2014, affected VINs have been identified, and VIN status inquiry has been updated.
- 10100462Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10086288Letter 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.
- 10055120Acura: the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on, with dtc p2138 (accelerator pedal position sensor a/b incorrect voltage correlation), and have poor performance in engine. Model 2004-2008 TL, TSX.
- 10054809Honda: some vehicles may display a malfunction indicator lamp with the stored dtc p2138 (accelerator pedal position sensor a/b incorrect voltage correlation). There may also be poor engine performance. Ahm IS attempting to collect specific parts from the vehicle before any further effort toward repairs.
- 10054478Acura: due to accelerator pedal position sensor a/b incorrect voltage correlation, engine poor performance and malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) 02138, an investigation will check cause of condition. Model 2004-2008 tx, TSX.
- 10053207Acura: information in the service news, from manufacturer, regarding various issues of troubleshooting, installation, replacing, servicing and repairing various model and model year vehicles.
- 10051940Acura: clutch pedal pops, squeaks, or clicks.
- 10041771Acura: vehicle experiencing hard starting and/or a long crank time.
- 10040486Honda acura: there IS a knocking or vibration from under the front of the vehicle while driving due to high temperatures that caused the front engine mount to crack.
- 10037486Acura: there are guidelines for various situations and procedures including: tire pressure valve stem installation, trailer stability malfunction light IS on, engine oil application guide, new software, new transmission fluid, notchy steering feeling.
- 10032775Acura: warranty extension: vehicle warranty mileage. A federal court provided final approval of the settlement of a class action lawsuit alleging that the odometers on certain models were overstating mileage. Vehicles affected by this settlement include certain 2002-2006. On affected vehicles, the settlement requires you to honor a 5 percent increase in the mileage coverage period for all warranties. No models were listed.
- 10026204Acura: 6 speed manual transmission grinds when shifting into 3RD gear, pops out of 3RD gear, or IS hard to shift into 3RD gear. Transmission has a faulty 3RD gear synchronizer or 3-4 shift sleeve.
- 10025524Load carrying capacity reduced label for all acura vehicles.
- 10024238Power steering moans or whines when turning the steering wheel when the engine IS cold.
- 10024237Premature rear tire wear (evenly across the tread). 2004 TL - all with bridgestone turanza EL42 tires & 2005 TL - from vin 19uua6...5a000001 thru 19uua6...5a049943 with bridgestone turanza EL42 tires.
- 10023971Brake pedal IS low and feels soft.
- 10021971Warranty extension: vehicle warranty mileage. Affects 2002 through 2006 acura models. Updated 8/15/08.
- 10021177Trouble shooting b-can and f-can dtc's.
- 10019418Premature rear tire wear.
- 10018866Srs diagnostic trouble code 81-64.
- 10018865Transmission grinds at shifts, skip shifting.
- 10018120Front brake squeak or squeal noise.
- 10018119Heat shield, pinging noise.
- 10018116Front interior water leak.
- 10018109Homelink won't program with aftermarket remotes.
- 10018050Taking the mystery out of the maintenance minder system. Servicenews.
- 10018037Power doors lock by themselves or cycle twice. Acura. Servicenews.
- 100176385TH gear vibration or drone.
- 10017504Power mirrors, auto dimming mirror, power seat position memory, and windshield washer do not work.
- 10016281(Front) interior water leak. Dealer visit request.
- 10016280Body paint peeling/cracking. Dealer visit request.
Every Acura TL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.