VehicleVerdict

1999 Acura TL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1999 Acura TL sits mid-pack among TL years: 197 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 163, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 12 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 61 reports (31% of the total).

197

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

27

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

12

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other TL years?

See all TL years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Acura TL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System6131%
Transmission3819%
Engine179%
Airbags137%
Speed Control116%
Other116%
Steering84%
Visibility & Wipers74%
Lighting63%
Body & Structure63%
Brakes63%
Tires & Wheels53%
Seat Belts32%
Suspension21%
Fuel System21%
Seats11%

Does the 1999 Acura TL have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V026000AirbagsJanuary 17, 2020 · 1,439,841 units

Defect

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.

05V025000Electrical SystemJanuary 28, 2005 · 486,659 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK.

Consequence

IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT CONFIRMS INTERLOCK FUNCTION. VEHICLES WILL BE UPDATED WITH A REDESIGNED INTERLOCK LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

03V423000Electrical SystemOctober 27, 2003 · 563,861 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO "PARK."

Consequence

IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT SHIFT TO "PARK" BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY AND FAILS TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN INSPECTION PROCEDURE THAT DETERMINES THE AMOUNT OF CYLINDER BODY WEAR. IF SIGNIFICANT WEAR IS INDICATED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CYLINDER BODY, COLLAR, AND LATCH PLATE. IF NO SIGNS OF WEAR ARE INDICATED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LATCH PLATE WITH A REDESIGNED PART. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

02V120000Electrical SystemMay 16, 2002 · 1,000,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Consequence

WORN CONTACTS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ACURA 3.2TL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES STOPPED OPERATING AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER UNTIL THE SMOKE STOPPED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA RECALL #…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 8, 2007 · fire

IDENTICAL TO ITEM ODI ID: 8003029. ON MARCH 05, 2002, I DROVE MY CAR TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT PLACES TO TAKE CARE OF SOME ERRANDS. MY LAST STOP WAS AT THE SEMINOLE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT IN ALTAMONTE SPRINGS TO APPLY FOR A PASSPORT. I PARKED MY CAR IN A PARKING SPOT. WHILE I WAS MOVING THE AUTOMATIC…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · crash

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 80 MPH ENGINE SHUT OFF. THEN, AFTER MANAGING TO PULL TO SIDE AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD, NOTHING SEEMED TO BE WRONG. THEN, AFTER WAITING ABOUT 3-4 MINUTES RE-STARTED VEHICLE, AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. THEN ON 22 APRIL, VEHICLE DID THE SAME IDENTICAL THING. DEALER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 11, 2002

WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN PARKING GARAGE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT TO FLOOR, ENGINE REVVED. VEHICLE WENT ABOUT 10 YARDS, WHERE IT HIT FIRST VEHICLE, BOUNCED OFF IT, AND RAN INTO 3 PARKED VEHICLES. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME, DRIVER OF FIRST VEHICLE HAD MINOR INJURIES.*AK A POLICE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 26, 2001 · crash

WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN PARKING GARAGE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT TO FLOOR, ENGINE REVVED. VEHICLE WENT ABOUT 10 YARDS, WHERE IT HIT FIRST VEHICLE, BOUNCED OFF IT, AND RAN INTO 3 PARKED VEHICLES. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME, DRIVER OF FIRST VEHICLE HAD MINOR INJURIES.*AK A POLICE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 26, 2001 · crash

1999 Acura TL — common questions

Is the 1999 Acura TL reliable?

It is close to typical for the TL: 197 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1999 TL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (61 complaints), transmission (38 complaints), engine (17 complaints).

Does the 1999 Acura TL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Acura TL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Acura TL under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Acura TL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the TL years to avoid are 2004, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2006, 2000. The cleanest record among TL years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.