IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED IN THE AREA WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
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
Structure complaints
232 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD EXHIBITED A CRACK, CAUSING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED AS A RESULT OF HOTTER TEMPERATURES AND CAUSED THE AIR BAG SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD EXHIBITED A CRACK, CAUSING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED AS A RESULT OF HOTTER TEMPERATURES AND CAUSED THE AIR BAG SENSOR TO MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DID ASSIST THE CONTACT WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
MY 2004 ACURA TL HAS A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 2007 AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. I COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY OTHER ACURA OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. HOW COULD IT BE "COINCIDENTAL"...SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT THAT ACURA IS IGNORING. AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE AIRB…
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MY 2004 ACURA TL HAS A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 2007 AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. I COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY OTHER ACURA OWNERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. HOW COULD IT BE "COINCIDENTAL"...SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT THAT ACURA IS IGNORING. AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE AIRBAG. *KB
2004 ACURA TL SEVERELY CRACKED DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE 2 VERTICAL CRACKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2004 ACURA TL. THE CRACKS WERE NOT GRADUAL THEY BOTH HAPPENED SUDDENLY OVERNIGHT. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS OR COLLISIONS THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS DEFECT AND AM REALIZING THAT THE PROBLEM IS QUITE COMMON AMO…
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2004 ACURA TL SEVERELY CRACKED DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE 2 VERTICAL CRACKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2004 ACURA TL. THE CRACKS WERE NOT GRADUAL THEY BOTH HAPPENED SUDDENLY OVERNIGHT. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS OR COLLISIONS THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS DEFECT AND AM REALIZING THAT THE PROBLEM IS QUITE COMMON AMONGST 04 ACURA TL OWNERS. FROM PICTURES ON ONLINE FORUMS THE CRACKS APPEAR TO BE IDENTICAL IN ALL CASES. *TR
MY 2004 ACURA TL HAS A CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD THAT OUTLINES THE AIRBAG. THE CRACK APPEARS TO GET LONGER AND DIVERGES IN OTHER DIRECTIONS OVER TIME.I AM WORRIED THAT IF THE AIR BAG WAS TO DEPLOY, PIECES OF THE DASH WILL COME FLYING TO THE CAR'S INHABITANTS AND MAY ALSO POTENTIALLY ALTER THE TRAJECTORY AND VELOCITY OF THE AIRBAG.…
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MY 2004 ACURA TL HAS A CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD THAT OUTLINES THE AIRBAG. THE CRACK APPEARS TO GET LONGER AND DIVERGES IN OTHER DIRECTIONS OVER TIME.I AM WORRIED THAT IF THE AIR BAG WAS TO DEPLOY, PIECES OF THE DASH WILL COME FLYING TO THE CAR'S INHABITANTS AND MAY ALSO POTENTIALLY ALTER THE TRAJECTORY AND VELOCITY OF THE AIRBAG. ACURA IS UNWILLING TO ADMIT THAT THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND REFUSES TO REPLACE MY DASH. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS MATCHING MY EXACT ISSUES. HERE IS A LINK TO A NEWS REPORT. HTTP://WWW.WSBTV.COM/NEWS/27832796/DETAIL.HTML. *TR
SEVERAL DASHBOARD CRACKS ALONG THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND ALL OVER THE DASH. CONCERNED AS IT IS CAUSING THE AIRBAG SENSOR WARNING LIGHT TO BE ENGAGED. THIS CAN BE A POTENTIAL HAZARD AS THE AIRBAG MY FAIL IN A COLLISION OR ENGAGE AND RELEASE AT ANY MOMENT. *TR
THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED AROUND THE AIRBAG AREA POTENTIALLY COMPROMISING AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *TR
DASH BOARD CRACKED
2004 ACURA TL DASHBOARD HAS HORRIBLE CRACKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AROUND THE AIRBAGS. THERE ARE SMALLER CRACKS AROUND THE SPEEDOMETER PANEL NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE LARGE PASSENGER SIDE CRACKS COULD CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE. OVER THREE HUNDRED ACURA TL OWNERS HAVE JOINED A FACEBO…
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2004 ACURA TL DASHBOARD HAS HORRIBLE CRACKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AROUND THE AIRBAGS. THERE ARE SMALLER CRACKS AROUND THE SPEEDOMETER PANEL NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE LARGE PASSENGER SIDE CRACKS COULD CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE. OVER THREE HUNDRED ACURA TL OWNERS HAVE JOINED A FACEBOOK GROUP REGARDING THIS ISSUE BUT THE NUMBER OF EFFECTED OWNERS IS PROBABLY IN THE THOUSANDS. HTTP://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ACURATLDEFECTIVEDASH. ACURA IS NOT STEPPING UP AND WE NEED HELP. HTTP://WWW.WSBTV.COM/NEWS/27832796/DETAIL.HTML. *TR
CRACKED DASHBOARD ALONG THE AREA OF SAFETY AIRBAG. *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.