IllustrationAIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
2005 Acura Tl
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Tl years
Owner complaints for the 2005 Acura Tl are substantially higher than the model-year median of 124.
About this comparison →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
220–25K
2825–50K
5450–75K
5675–100K
76100–150K
41150K+
277 reports with mileage · 111 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Structure. Review the 156 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 144 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports3 fire reports6 injury reports
What owners actually said
388 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD EXPERIENCED CRACKING ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES NEAR THE LOCATION OF THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
MY ACURA TL HAS DASHBOARD DEFECTIVE WITH CRACKS AROUND AIRBAG SECTION AND SPREADING CONSISTENTLY ALL AROUND. IT REALLY LOOKS UGLY. I'M AFRAID ONE DAY THE AIRBAG WILL MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPEN SUDDENLY AND ITS SPREADING ERRATICALLY. I ALSO HAVE THE AIRBAG INDICATOR ON WHEN DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER. HALF OF THE DASHBOAR…
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MY ACURA TL HAS DASHBOARD DEFECTIVE WITH CRACKS AROUND AIRBAG SECTION AND SPREADING CONSISTENTLY ALL AROUND. IT REALLY LOOKS UGLY. I'M AFRAID ONE DAY THE AIRBAG WILL MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPEN SUDDENLY AND ITS SPREADING ERRATICALLY. I ALSO HAVE THE AIRBAG INDICATOR ON WHEN DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER. HALF OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS NOW NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL. HONDA/ACURA SHALL ACT IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT ANY FURTHER DELAY. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND TOOK GOOD CARE IT. THEIR RESPOND TO THIS DASHBOARD PROBLEMS WILL MAKE ME AND OTHERS RE-THINK BUYING ANY ACURA/HONDA FUTURE VEHICLES. THIS IS DASHBOARD CONDITION IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD DETERIORATED AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO SUN DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD DETERIORATED AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO SUN DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD STARTED TO DETERIORATE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD STARTED TO DETERIORATE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
ABOVE THE DASHBOARD DIGITIZER ON PLASTIC COVER - HUGE CRACK !!!! SPITS THE PLASTIC COVER FOR TWO SEPARATE PIECES . NO CAR CRASH DURING THIS INCIDENCE, THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE. NOVEMBER 9TH MORNING WENT TO THE CAR TO GET IN AND NOTICE THE CRACK SUDDENLY HAPPEN. THE CRACK IS NOTICEABLE AND DANGERS, STAR…
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ABOVE THE DASHBOARD DIGITIZER ON PLASTIC COVER - HUGE CRACK !!!! SPITS THE PLASTIC COVER FOR TWO SEPARATE PIECES . NO CAR CRASH DURING THIS INCIDENCE, THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE. NOVEMBER 9TH MORNING WENT TO THE CAR TO GET IN AND NOTICE THE CRACK SUDDENLY HAPPEN. THE CRACK IS NOTICEABLE AND DANGERS, STARTS AT THE GLASS UNTIL THROUGH THE ODOMETER. *TR
MY DASH HAS A CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE AIR BAG IS , ABOUT 6 INCHES LONG. I AM AFRAID THAT THE AIRBAG WILL INFLATE OR DEPLOY LATER ON. *TR
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM MONTAUK AUTO DEALER ON LINDEN BLVD QUEENS NY ON AUGUST 2 2 WEEKS AFTER THAT DRIVING TO WORK MY BRAKES FAIL I GOT IT FIX A WEEK AFTER THAT THE CAR STARTED SHAKING ON THE FREEWAY I STOP GOT OUT THE FREEWAY N TOOK IT TO A SHOP THE STEERING MECHANISM IS NO GOOD CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT IS $1600 TO FIX IT …
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM MONTAUK AUTO DEALER ON LINDEN BLVD QUEENS NY ON AUGUST 2 2 WEEKS AFTER THAT DRIVING TO WORK MY BRAKES FAIL I GOT IT FIX A WEEK AFTER THAT THE CAR STARTED SHAKING ON THE FREEWAY I STOP GOT OUT THE FREEWAY N TOOK IT TO A SHOP THE STEERING MECHANISM IS NO GOOD CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT IS $1600 TO FIX IT SO I HAD IT BALANCED AND TIED DOWN ONLY TO FIND OUT THERE'S ALSO FRAME DAMAGE ALSO THEY SOLD ME THE CAR FOR $7500 2 MONTHS AFTER THAT THEY SENT ME A LETTER CHARGING ME $13500 FOR THE CAR AND THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR I NEED SERIOUS HELP PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
MY DASHBOARD HAD A SMALL CRACK AND IT JUST GOT WORST. MORE CRACKS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AREA WHICH IIS SCARY. I DONT IF IT WILL TRIGGER FOR THE AIRBAG TO GO OFF. I WILL TRY TO CALL ACURA IF THEY CAN DO SOMETING ABOUT IT. *TR
DASHBOARD DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT QUICKLY GREW VERY LARGE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT, AIRBAG AREA ON THE DASH. THIS IS CAUSING THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH?? BIG, CAUSE FOR CONCERN. ACURA CONTENDS THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE OR CAUSE FOR CONCERN THAT THIS EQUIPMENT…
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DASHBOARD DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT QUICKLY GREW VERY LARGE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT, AIRBAG AREA ON THE DASH. THIS IS CAUSING THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH?? BIG, CAUSE FOR CONCERN. ACURA CONTENDS THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE OR CAUSE FOR CONCERN THAT THIS EQUIPMENT IN THIS EXPENSIVE VEHICLE IS FAILING. THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO TURN A BLIND EYE AND DEAF EAR TO THIS SITUATION, REFUSING TO REPAIR OR ACKNOWLEDGE. *TR
Official recalls
519V182000 · 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
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.