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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2014

Acura TL recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 25 recall campaigns and 3,118 owner complaints for the Acura TL, covering model years 1995 to 2014. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (551), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Acura TL VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 25 recall campaigns on file
  • 3,118 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 20 model years with data (1995–2014)
  • most complaints: 2004 (551 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (904 complaints)
  • latest recall 20V027000 (reported Jan 17, 2020)
  • 149 complaints reporting a crash (4.8%)
  • 43 complaints reporting a fire (1.4%)
  • 98 complaints reporting an injury (3.1%)
  • 5 complaints reporting a death (0.2%)

Acura TL complaints by model year

20 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 551 of 3,118, or 17.7%. Next come 2003 (391) and 2005 (388). The fewest are for 1995, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Acura TL owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2014Column chart of 3,118 complaints across 20 model years. The highest is 2004 with 551. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 1 complaint119951996: 26 complaints2619961997: 23 complaints2319971998: 20 complaints2019981999: 157 complaints15719992000: 249 complaints24920002001: 149 complaints14920012002: 333 complaints33320022003: 391 complaints39120032004: 551 complaints55120042005: 388 complaints38820052006: 247 complaints24720062007: 124 complaints12420072008: 124 complaints12420082009: 42 complaints4220092010: 64 complaints6420102011: 20 complaints2020112012: 130 complaints13020122013: 62 complaints6220132014: 17 complaints172014
Show the figures for all 20 model years
Acura TL complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Acura TL complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199510000
1996263020
1997233230
1998203020
199915717482
2000249183120
20011498250
2002333252121
2003391244171
200455113690
20053887360
20062478250
20071242540
20081244720
2009425030
2010644110
2011201210
20121303041
2013621020
2014170000
All model years3,11814943985

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Acura TL components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 904 complaints (29.0% of all 3,118), followed by Air Bags (826) and Structure (548).

Components named most often in Acura TL complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Acura TL complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train90429.0%
Air Bags82626.5%
Structure54817.6%
Electrical System2608.3%
Unknown or Other2447.8%
Steering2106.7%
Vehicle Speed Control1173.8%
Tires1083.5%
Suspension963.1%
Visibility933.0%
Engine902.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling832.7%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic712.3%
Exterior Lighting461.5%
Service Brakes451.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Acura TL recalls

25 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name TL, newest first. The 25 campaigns cover model years 1996 to 2014. The 2002 model year appears in the most campaigns (7).

  • 25 recall campaigns
Acura TL recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1996: 2 campaigns1997: 2 campaigns1998: 2 campaigns1999: 4 campaigns
2000: 6 campaigns2001: 3 campaigns2002: 7 campaigns2003: 5 campaigns2004: 4 campaigns2005: 5 campaigns2006: 4 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 2 campaigns2009: 3 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 3 campaigns2013: 3 campaigns2014: 3 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 20V027000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2000–2001

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  2. NHTSA campaign 20V026000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 1999–2000

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

    Filed by Isuzu Motors Limited

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V500000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2009–2014

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  4. NHTSA campaign 19V499000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2002–2003

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  5. NHTSA campaign 19V182000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2002–2006, 2009–2014

    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:
    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  6. NHTSA campaign 16V061000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2009–2014

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  7. NHTSA campaign 15V320000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2002–2003

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  8. NHTSA campaign 12V222000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model years 2007–2008

    Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles. In September 2012, Honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 573,147 vehicles including certain model year 2003 through 2007 Accord V6 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 625,762. Prolonged under-hood and power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage.

    Consequence:
    If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.
    Remedy:
    Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy. Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners of these vehicles beginning on October 26, 2012, and will notify these owners again when parts are available so those vehicles can be brought to dealers for applications of the free remedy. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  9. NHTSA campaign 08V092000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor

    Model years 2004–2005

    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:
    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  10. NHTSA campaign 08V091000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model years 2004–2008

    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:
    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).

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Show 15 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 07V097000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model year 2005

    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:
    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  2. NHTSA campaign 06V270000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual

    Model year 2006

    On certain passenger vehicles and motorcycles, the owner's manuals contain incorrect contact information for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline.

    Consequence:
    The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
    Remedy:
    Honda will send a postcard to dealers and owners with the correct NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline information and with instructions to insert the card into the "reporting safety defects" section of the owner's manual. The recall began on August 2, 2006. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009, Acura at 1-800-382-2238 or Honda motorcycles at 1-866-784-1870.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  3. NHTSA campaign 05V510000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2006

    On certain passenger vehicles, on the frontal airbag system where the two external impact sensors is mounted, near the front headlights the front impact sensor bolts were not properly torqued.

    Consequence:
    If the bolts loosen or fall out, the sensor may fail to properly detect a crash, possibly resulting in delayed or non-deployment of the front airbag increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and remove the bumper and retorque the loose bolts. The recall began on November 7, 2005. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 and Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  4. NHTSA campaign 05V132000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers

    Model year 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:
    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  5. NHTSA campaign 05V025000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 1999–2000

    On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.

    Consequence:
    If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that confirms interlock function. Vehicles will be updated with a redesigned interlock lever free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2005. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  6. NHTSA campaign 04V176000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 2000–2004

    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:
    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.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  7. NHTSA campaign 03V423000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model year 1999

    On certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."

    Consequence:
    If the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate. If no signs of wear are indicated, dealers will replace the latch plate with a redesigned part. Owner notification began December 8, 2003. Owners should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  8. NHTSA campaign 02V226000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model year 2003

    On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with V6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be damaged and fail.

    Consequence:
    If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began August 30, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  9. NHTSA campaign 02V120000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model year 1999

    On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.

    Consequence:
    Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  10. NHTSA campaign 02V080000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2000

    On certain passenger vehicles, a component in the inflator of some passenger air bag modules was not welded properly.

    Consequence:
    As a result, the affected air bags may not deploy correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to a front seat passenger.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. Owner notification began April 5, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  11. NHTSA campaign 01V166002

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

    Model years 2000–2002

    Vehicle description: the following vehicles were repaired with incorrect parts: 2002 Acura 3.2TL sedans with replacement buckles installed per recall 01V-166001; certain 2000 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as product update repairs; and certain 2000-2002 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as warranty or collision repairs. Repairs were made from March 9 through July 27, 2001. Some of the noncompliant buckles were mislabeled and redistributed to Acura dealers to be used as recall repair parts. Honda also determined that incorrect front seat belt buckle replacement parts were used for some product update repairs of 2000 Acura 3.2TL vehicles, and warranty or collision repairs of 2000-2002 3.2TL vehicles. These seat belt buckles may not comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 209, "seat belt assemblies."

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the front seat belt buckles. Owner notification began August 20, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Acura at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  12. NHTSA campaign 01V166001

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

    Model year 2002

    Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 209, "seat belt assemblies." Certain driver and passenger seat belt buckles were improperly manufactured.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the front seat belt buckles. Owner notification began May 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Acura at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  13. NHTSA campaign 01V161000

    Reported

    Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls

    Model year 2002

    Vehicle description: sedans equipped with an "auto-up" power window feature on the driver's door. The driver's side power window control unit can fail, and depending on the failure mode, the window could become inoperative, open or close independent of switch activation, or the auto-reverse system may not operate.

    Consequence:
    The auto-reverse system failure could result in occupant injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the power window control unit. Owner notification began May 21, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Acura at 1-800-999-1009.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  14. NHTSA campaign 99V227000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model years 1996–1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.

    Consequence:
    The vehicle could lose power to the drive wheels without warning. Also, shifting the transmission into the park position would not lock the wheels, and a parked vehicle could move unexpectedly if the parking brake is not set.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

  15. NHTSA campaign 99V069000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint

    Model years 1996–1998

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.

    Consequence:
    This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.

    Filed by Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Acura TL questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Acura TL have?

NHTSA lists 25 vehicle recall campaigns for the Acura TL, covering model years 1995 to 2014. The most recent, 20V027000, was reported on January 17, 2020 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2002 model year is covered by the most campaigns (7).

Which Acura TL model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 551 of the 3,118 complaints in NHTSA’s file (17.7%). The next are 2003 (391) and 2005 (388). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Acura TL complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 904 complaints, or 29.0% of all 3,118. Air Bags (826) and Structure (548) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Acura TL?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Acura dealer.

How many Acura TL complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 3,118 complaints, 149 report a crash, 43 a fire, 98 at least one injury and 5 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Acura models

8 models · most complaints first

The Acura models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Acura VIN decoder with every Acura model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Acura MDX 2001–2026 · 42 recalls · 3,275 complaints
  • Acura RDX 2007–2026 · 16 recalls · 2,152 complaints
  • Acura TLX 2012–2025 · 13 recalls · 885 complaints
  • Acura TSX 2004–2014 · 12 recalls · 671 complaints
  • Acura CL 1997–2004 · 11 recalls · 586 complaints
  • Acura Integra 1995–2026 · 5 recalls · 443 complaints
  • Acura RL 1996–2015 · 20 recalls · 423 complaints
  • Acura ILX 2013–2022 · 11 recalls · 269 complaints

All Acura models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.