The contact owns a 2005 Acura TL. The contact stated that the entire dashboard was cracked. Additionally, air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
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
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.
What owners actually said
388 reportsThe dash on the car is cracking, large cracks. The cracks are on the same area of the passenger airbag. In an accident, I am afraid that the airbag section of the dash will not separate correctly and that pieces of the dash will injure the passenger in the car.
In both 2012 and 2014 I complained to Acura CS and was told that they wouldnt do anything for me when their hands free unit refered to in TSB 08-057 This was causing a parasitic power leak draining the battery overnight. After researching the cause online and the solution which was to remove the defective HFL unit which was …
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In both 2012 and 2014 I complained to Acura CS and was told that they wouldnt do anything for me when their hands free unit refered to in TSB 08-057 This was causing a parasitic power leak draining the battery overnight. After researching the cause online and the solution which was to remove the defective HFL unit which was done. Yesterday I came across that TSB and contacted Acura with my correspondence from 2012, 2014 and the TSB. So far I'm getting the run around. I just want a replacement module for the one that I have kept as a reminder of how I was screwed by Acura. The TSB states all 2005 TL's are affected yet today they had the gaul to say it was no longer in warranty. This is a critical safety item in that it provides hands free utilization of the cellular phone. This came defective from the factory in that I was never able to either connect to the garage door opener or to the phone and was extremely angered by the dealer insisting that I just didnt know what I was doing. I perform surgery in peoples mouths for a living and build and program computers and networks on the side. I know that this module with part number 1135133c1m3m04 or 3qc32dc2 on 2 stickers on back of the circuit board are defective. The TSB only lists what is on the plastic cover to the module and not the module itself. Please verify that these modules are in fact garbage.
There are cracks forming on the dashboard of my 2005 Acura TL that I have researched and found are chronic issues in the 2004-2008 TL, and might compromise the ability of the airbag to deploy properly (either prematurely or not at all when expected to imnan accident). I've watched my dashboard go from having 1 crack 5-10 years …
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There are cracks forming on the dashboard of my 2005 Acura TL that I have researched and found are chronic issues in the 2004-2008 TL, and might compromise the ability of the airbag to deploy properly (either prematurely or not at all when expected to imnan accident). I've watched my dashboard go from having 1 crack 5-10 years ago to forming 2 more recently (for a total of 3) and have concerns after researching this as a common defect for the 2004-2008 generation of TL, and yet Acura has not had a recall to fix this completely free of charge to the vehicle owner with no time limitation on when this can be honored. http://www.acuraproblems.com/cracked-dashboard/
Transmission locked up while attempting to backup. Very loud grinding noise. Could not place back in park. Had to shut off engine to free shifter to move back to park. Tried again but this time placed in drive. Exact same results. Checked internet and apparently transmission on this year and others before and after are know prob…
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Transmission locked up while attempting to backup. Very loud grinding noise. Could not place back in park. Had to shut off engine to free shifter to move back to park. Tried again but this time placed in drive. Exact same results. Checked internet and apparently transmission on this year and others before and after are know problems. Googleand you will see this. POSSIBLE CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT - What would have been the end result having the transmission fail while on the freeway going 60 mph. Possibly could loose control of the vehicle with wheels locking up, cashing into another vehicle or a wall? This should be investigated! THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO REMOVE COMPLAINT, BUT STATED THE DIAGNOSTIC REVEALED THE FRONT AXLE WAS BROKEN.
A crack has developed on the passenger side of the dash running directly over the location of the airbag located on the same side. This has not resulted in any failure or malfunction as of now, but it raises concerns over the potential given the location. If you research the internet, you will find a plethora of similar complain…
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A crack has developed on the passenger side of the dash running directly over the location of the airbag located on the same side. This has not resulted in any failure or malfunction as of now, but it raises concerns over the potential given the location. If you research the internet, you will find a plethora of similar complaints and concerns from many other third generation (‘04-‘08) Acura TL owners dating back many years now. In spite of this, Acura/Honda has failed to offer any type of solution or even recognize it for the potential safety issue that it represents. To answer the questions you ask, I have not had it inspected by any dealer, mechanic or insurance representative at this time, nor have there been any warning lights appearing. However, common sense tells me that there is the “ potential “ for a problem given the nature of the crack and its location. Acura/Honda needs to step up and acknowledge and address this issue!!
It happened years ago - the passenger side dash cracked. Now there are more cracks and I am reading that this could pose a risk if the passenger side airbag deployed. I’ve always thought it was a manufacturing flaw for the dashboard to crack in the first place but never did or said anything about it before. Now I am concerned …
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It happened years ago - the passenger side dash cracked. Now there are more cracks and I am reading that this could pose a risk if the passenger side airbag deployed. I’ve always thought it was a manufacturing flaw for the dashboard to crack in the first place but never did or said anything about it before. Now I am concerned about the safety of my passengers.
The dash has developed a crack on the passenger side right over the area where the front passenger side airbag is located. This could possibly create a problem in the proper deployment of that air bag. Apparently, this is a common problem with this generation (3rd- '04 to '08) Acura TL. There are many similar complaints by owner…
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The dash has developed a crack on the passenger side right over the area where the front passenger side airbag is located. This could possibly create a problem in the proper deployment of that air bag. Apparently, this is a common problem with this generation (3rd- '04 to '08) Acura TL. There are many similar complaints by owners posted online going back many years now about this very problem, yet Acura/Honda has apparently never addressed it. They apparently seem content to consider it a cosmetic problem only as several posters/owners have mentioned, rather than addressing the potential safety issue regarding proper airbag deployment. From the numerous reports of other owners found online, it would seem logical to presume that this is a result from a manufacturers defect or design flaw that Acura seems to want to ignore.
CRACKING DASH BOARD. DOUBTFUL THAT THERE ISN'T A TAKATA AIRBAG AT THE ROOT OF IT THAT ACURA IS NOT INCLUDING WITH THE OTHER YEARS OF THAT RECALL. SUSPECT DANGERS IF BAG GETS DEPLOYED AS DASH WOULD FRAGMENT OUT IN EXPULSION.
BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. DASH HAD A SINGLE CRACK ALONG PASSENGER SIDE/AIR BAG. NOW DASH HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS SURROUNDING PASSENGER AIR BAG AREA. EXTREMELY CONCERNED REGARDING AIR BAG OPERATING PROPERLY IF DEPLOYED AS WELL AS SHARDS/SHARP PIECES OF DASH FLYING IF AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED. DISTURBED THAT ONLY SOME OF THE…
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BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. DASH HAD A SINGLE CRACK ALONG PASSENGER SIDE/AIR BAG. NOW DASH HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS SURROUNDING PASSENGER AIR BAG AREA. EXTREMELY CONCERNED REGARDING AIR BAG OPERATING PROPERLY IF DEPLOYED AS WELL AS SHARDS/SHARP PIECES OF DASH FLYING IF AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED. DISTURBED THAT ONLY SOME OF THE 2005 ACURA TL'S HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND NOT ALL FROM THIS YEAR.
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.
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