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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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

7 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2013
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2005 ACURA TL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE TO THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, TO DETERMINE WHY IT WOULD SUDDENLY BRAKE ON ITS OWN AND LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED, BRAKED HARSHLY AND THE THROTTLE RESPONSE WAS NEARLY NON-EXISTENT. THE…

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2005 ACURA TL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE TO THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, TO DETERMINE WHY IT WOULD SUDDENLY BRAKE ON ITS OWN AND LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED, BRAKED HARSHLY AND THE THROTTLE RESPONSE WAS NEARLY NON-EXISTENT. THE TECHNICIANS AT THE DEALER, RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE AND DECIDED TO REPLACE A BRAKE SWITCH. WHILE RETURNING FROM THE DEALER, THE VSA LIGHT ONCE AGAIN ACTIVATED IN THE SAME MANNER AS BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY DROVE IT FOR A WHILE, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10508021

78,000 miles · Dec 20, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

ENGINE NOISE: A VIBRATION AND LOW BUZZING SOUND IN 5TH GEAR CAUSED BY NORMAL ENGINE VIBRATION AT AROUND 1,500 RPM, REQUIRING A VIBRATION DAMPER NEAR THE REAR MOTOR MOUNT. ALSO CAUSING VIBRATION ON STEERING WHEEL AT NORMAL HIGHWAYS SPEED LIMITS. AND CAUSING TIRES TO CUP AND GET BALD. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON FREEWAY CAUSING ST…

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ENGINE NOISE: A VIBRATION AND LOW BUZZING SOUND IN 5TH GEAR CAUSED BY NORMAL ENGINE VIBRATION AT AROUND 1,500 RPM, REQUIRING A VIBRATION DAMPER NEAR THE REAR MOTOR MOUNT. ALSO CAUSING VIBRATION ON STEERING WHEEL AT NORMAL HIGHWAYS SPEED LIMITS. AND CAUSING TIRES TO CUP AND GET BALD. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON FREEWAY CAUSING STEERING TO BE VERY ERRATIC DUE TO VIBRATION FROM FRONT AND REAR BROKEN ENGINE MOUNTS. CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT: THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE AND A TROUBLE CODE FOR THE COOLANT SENSOR MAY BE STORED, BUT THE PROBLEM IS MOST LIKELY A SOFTWARE GLITCH IN THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE BRAKES: BRAKE PEDAL MAY FEEL SPONGY OR HAVE EXCESSIVE TRAVEL DUE TO AIR IN THE BRAKE LINES REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE VSA MODULATOR. (2004-06) TOTAL REPAIR COST SO FAR... ITEM NAME REPAIR COST A/C COMPRESSOR $1,320 ALTERNATOR $780 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OR TRANSAXLE $3,460 BRAKES $1,320 EXHAUST SYSTEM $890 RADIATOR $920 SHOCKS AND/OR STRUTS $3,200 TIMING CHAIN OR BELT $1,050. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10440650

Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic

MY FUEL PUMP IS KNOCKING, SHAKING, CAUSING MY CAR TO CUT OFF, AND CAUSING THE VHS LIGHT TO COME ON WHICH IS A SIGNAL THAT MY BRAKES ARE BEING EFFECTED. THE STAFF AT CARLAND ACURA PLAYED GAMES WITH ME ON THE PHONE WHEN I TOLD THEM THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THEY KEPT PUTTING ME ON HOLD AND TRANSFERRING BE FROM ONE…

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MY FUEL PUMP IS KNOCKING, SHAKING, CAUSING MY CAR TO CUT OFF, AND CAUSING THE VHS LIGHT TO COME ON WHICH IS A SIGNAL THAT MY BRAKES ARE BEING EFFECTED. THE STAFF AT CARLAND ACURA PLAYED GAMES WITH ME ON THE PHONE WHEN I TOLD THEM THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THEY KEPT PUTTING ME ON HOLD AND TRANSFERRING BE FROM ONE DEPARTMENT TO ANOTHER. THE MANAGER, [XXX], ARGUED WITH ME STATING THAT THEIR WAS NO RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP/FUEL SYSTEM BECAUSE HE HAD ALREADY RESEARCHED IT. CAN SOMEONE HELP ME WITH GETTING MY CAR REPAIRED. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN THAT I HAVE TO TRANSPORT IN MY VEHICLE. CAN SOMEONE MAKE A DEALERSHIP, ACURA, OR HONDA ACCOUNTABLE FOR MY VEHICLE SO THAT I CAN TRAVEL SAFELY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10437353

44,500 miles · Mar 16, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAS SOFT BRAKES WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND IT TAKES LONGER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT JUST BLEEDS THE BRAKES HIMSELF. THE ACURA MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN IS UNKNOWN. THE FAIL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAS SOFT BRAKES WHEN SLOWING DOWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND IT TAKES LONGER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT JUST BLEEDS THE BRAKES HIMSELF. THE ACURA MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN IS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,500. UPDATED 11/16/10. *LJ

NHTSA ODI #10320228

55,000 miles · Jul 12, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicTires

I BOUGHT A SET OF DUNLOP 235/45R17 SP SPORT SIGNATURE TIRES IN FEBRAURY, 2008 -- AND REPLACED ONE OF THEM IN SEPTEMBER 2008 DUE TO UNRELATED ISSUE. IN EARLY JULY, 2009, ONLY ABOUT 17 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT AFTER I MADE MY INTIAL PURCHASE, AND LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER I BOUGHT THE REPLACEMENT 4TH TIRE, THE SIDEWALL BEGAN TO DET…

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I BOUGHT A SET OF DUNLOP 235/45R17 SP SPORT SIGNATURE TIRES IN FEBRAURY, 2008 -- AND REPLACED ONE OF THEM IN SEPTEMBER 2008 DUE TO UNRELATED ISSUE. IN EARLY JULY, 2009, ONLY ABOUT 17 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT AFTER I MADE MY INTIAL PURCHASE, AND LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER I BOUGHT THE REPLACEMENT 4TH TIRE, THE SIDEWALL BEGAN TO DETERIORATE (ON THE NEWER 4TH TIRE) AND THE TREAD BEGAN SEPERATING FROM ONE OF THE OTHER 3 TIRES. HAD MY MECHANIC (DOING A BRAKE JOB) NOT NOTICED THE DEFECT, I COULD'VE EASILY HAD A BLOW-OUT AND SERIOUS INJURY. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE TIRE STORE WHEN I BOUGHT ALL 5 TIRES. THEY INSPECTED THE TIRES AND FOUND THAT ALL 4 WERE DEFECTIVE. THEY CALLED GOODYEAR/DUNLOP (I SPOKE WITH MARY IN THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT.) GOODYEAR/DUNLOP ACKNOWLEDGED THAT ALL 4 REMAINING TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE AND INITIALLY DEMANDED $200 TO REPLACE ALL 4 OF THE DEFECTIVE DUNLOP TIRES (WHICH I ORIGINALY PAID $1,000 FOR). EVENTIALLY I AGREED TO PAY $120.51, BUT I STILL THINK I GOT SCREWED. MEANWHILE, THERE'S NO RECALL NOTICE, BUT CLEARLY THESE ARE DEFECTIVE TIRES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10276460

21,500 miles · Oct 9, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

SEVERE CORROSION AND GROOVING ON REAR BRAKES NOT CAUSED BY ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OR NORMAL WEAR (FRONT BRAKES OK). COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT DUE TO DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPACITY. ALMOST IDENTICAL PATTERN ON LEFT AND RIGHT REAR ROTORS. FOUND DURING ~ 21K DEALER SERVICE BUT WAS THERE TO LESSER EXTENT AT ABOUT 12-15K MILES. R…

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SEVERE CORROSION AND GROOVING ON REAR BRAKES NOT CAUSED BY ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OR NORMAL WEAR (FRONT BRAKES OK). COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT DUE TO DIMINISHED BRAKING CAPACITY. ALMOST IDENTICAL PATTERN ON LEFT AND RIGHT REAR ROTORS. FOUND DURING ~ 21K DEALER SERVICE BUT WAS THERE TO LESSER EXTENT AT ABOUT 12-15K MILES. ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE LEARNED FROM OTHER 2005 AND NEWER TL'S THEY HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM AT A SIMILAR MILEAGE. DIGITAL PHOTOS AND REFERENCES TO OTHER OWNERS CAN BE PROVIDED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10170266

3,500 miles · Dec 15, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY DO NOT WORK. USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN TURNING AND SLOWING DOWN OR GOING DOWN A HILL AND STOPPING. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE 4 TIMES. THE THIRD TIME IN THE SHOP THE ABS WAS REPAIRED DUE TO AN INTERNAL LEAK. APPARENTLY ANOTHER CAR HAD THE SAME ISSUE. HOWEVER, EVEN AFTER THE REPA…

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BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY DO NOT WORK. USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN TURNING AND SLOWING DOWN OR GOING DOWN A HILL AND STOPPING. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE 4 TIMES. THE THIRD TIME IN THE SHOP THE ABS WAS REPAIRED DUE TO AN INTERNAL LEAK. APPARENTLY ANOTHER CAR HAD THE SAME ISSUE. HOWEVER, EVEN AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CAR IS BACK IN SERVICE CENTER FOR LACK OF BRAKES AFTER APPROX. A MONTH AFTER REPAIR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10145402

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.