IllustrationPASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYING BY ITSELF AND CAUSING DASHBOARD TO CRACK
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 reportsTHE AIRBAG SEAT BELT SENSOR OR LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME IT'S COMMON FOR THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES OF 2004 TO 2008. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED, I WAS TOLD IT WASNT UNDER WARRANTY OR A RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OLDER THAN 10 YEARS, BUT CLEARLY ON THE WEBSITE IT SAYS UNDER 15 YEARS IT SHOULD BE COVERED. I WANTED…
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THE AIRBAG SEAT BELT SENSOR OR LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME IT'S COMMON FOR THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES OF 2004 TO 2008. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE RESOLVED, I WAS TOLD IT WASNT UNDER WARRANTY OR A RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OLDER THAN 10 YEARS, BUT CLEARLY ON THE WEBSITE IT SAYS UNDER 15 YEARS IT SHOULD BE COVERED. I WANTED TO CLEAR THIS UP WITH ACURA SERVICE DEPARTMENT BUT THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME ABOUT $600 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND ALMOST $2000 FOR REINSTALLING AN AIRBAG AND SENSOR, WHICH I SAW ONLINE IT'S A RECALL BUT MY CARS VIN SAYS I DONT HAVE A RECALL. I ALREADY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THRU MY MECHANIC AND HAVE ALL THE CODES THAT STATES IT IS A RECALL WHAT CAN I DO? I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND THE AIRBAG SEAT BELT SENSOR LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON.
CRACKS IN DASHBOARD, RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE OVER AIRBAG AND GLOVE BOX
MY 2005 ACURA TL HAS LOST POWER AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE BATTERY ALSO COMPLETELY DRAINS AFTER THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A DAY OR TWO. I JUST REPLACED THE BATTERY AND HAVE HAD THE ALTERNATOR TESTED AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN TIMES BY 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS. MY ISSUES SOUND VERY SIMILAR …
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MY 2005 ACURA TL HAS LOST POWER AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE BATTERY ALSO COMPLETELY DRAINS AFTER THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A DAY OR TWO. I JUST REPLACED THE BATTERY AND HAVE HAD THE ALTERNATOR TESTED AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN TIMES BY 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS. MY ISSUES SOUND VERY SIMILAR TO THE FUSE BOX RECALL BUT MY VIN DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL APPARENTLY.
MY 2005 ACURA TL HAS BEEN KEPT IN TOP CONDITION AND CARE. LAST YEAR (2018) THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO SPLIT ALONG THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LOCATION. THE CRACK SPREAD FROM THE FRONT ALL THE WAY TO THE WINDSHIELD. NOW I GET THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ANYTIME SOMEONE SITS IN THE SEAT... INDICATING THE AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONING. I HAV…
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MY 2005 ACURA TL HAS BEEN KEPT IN TOP CONDITION AND CARE. LAST YEAR (2018) THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO SPLIT ALONG THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LOCATION. THE CRACK SPREAD FROM THE FRONT ALL THE WAY TO THE WINDSHIELD. NOW I GET THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ANYTIME SOMEONE SITS IN THE SEAT... INDICATING THE AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE FIX WILL COST OVER $3500.00. AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE IN GREAT CONDITION IS PROBABLY ONLY BLUE BOOK PRICED AROUND $4,500.00? SHOULDN'T HONDA/ACURA HAVE SOME FINANCIAL SKIN IN THIS GAME? IT JUST SO HAPPENS THAT MY ACURA IS NOT PART OF THE TAKATA RECALL! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOOSENED AND CAUSED THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO FALL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11E022000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOOSENED AND CAUSED THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO FALL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11E022000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,968.
TAKATA RECALL CAR MAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AND REVERSING. WINDSHIELD WIPERS SPRAYER STOP WORKING. RADIO WON'T TURN ON
AIR BAG LIGHTS BLINKING OFF WHETHER THERE'S A PASSENGER OR.NOT.... MY STEERING HARD TO TURN WHEN AT LOW SPEEDS .. POWER STEERING PUMP FINE AND NO LEAKS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED NEAR THE LOCATION OF THE AIR BAGS AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED NEAR THE LOCATION OF THE AIR BAGS AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.
THE PASSENGER DASHBOARD HAS HUGE CRACKS THAT EXTEND TO WHERE THE AIRBAG IS LOCATED. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND IT ACTUALLY LOOKS NEW BUT THESE CRACKS ARE MANUFACTURE DEFECTS. THE CRACKS ARE MORE THAN 10" LONG.
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.