VehicleVerdict

2008 Acura TL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Acura TL sits mid-pack among TL years: 181 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 163, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (34), steering (26), and body & structure (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

181

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other TL years?

See all TL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Acura TL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags3419%
Steering2614%
Body & Structure2011%
Electrical System1810%
Engine158%
Other158%
Speed Control95%
Transmission84%
Suspension74%
Brakes63%
Seats63%
Tires & Wheels53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Seat Belts32%
Lighting21%
Fuel System21%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2008 Acura TL have recalls?

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

19E068000Speed ControlOctober 10, 2019 · 3,744 units

Defect

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."

Consequence

If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.

12V222000SteeringMay 17, 2012 · 625,762 units

Defect

Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles. In September 2012, Honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 573,147 vehicles including certain model year 2003 through 2007 Accord V6 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 625,762. Prolonged under-hood and power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage.

Consequence

If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy. Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners of these vehicles beginning on October 26, 2012, and will notify these owners again when parts are available so those vehicles can be brought to dealers for applications of the free remedy. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

11E022000SuspensionJune 22, 2011 · 150 units

Defect

AFFINIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS, NAPA PART NO. 2601662, THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MISTAKENLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 - 2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES DUE TO A MISTAKE IN A NAPA AND NAPA DEALERS' PARTS APPLICATION CATALOGUE.

Consequence

MISAPPLICATION OF THIS PART COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AFFINIA IS WORKING WITH NAPA TO IDENTIFY ANY OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS PART MISTAKENLY INSTALLED ON TO AN ACURA TL VEHICLE, AND WILL REPLACE THE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA GROUP'S WARRANTY ADMINISTRATOR AT 1-815-759-7757.

08V091000SteeringFebruary 27, 2008 · 273,000 units

Defect

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

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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

I HAVE ALREADY PAID ACURA TO REPLACE MY DASHBOARD ONCE DUE TO THE AIRBAG PUSHING UP ON DASH AND CRACKING IT. I NOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN, THE DASH HAS CRACKED ON PASSENGER SIDE IN PERFECT RECTANGLE WHERE AIRBAG IS LOCATED. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT DEPLOYMENT IS LIKLEY/IMMINENET AND I AM…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 5, 2019

My car caught on fire from under the hood. Me and my son was sitting in the car and it just caught on fire. I was scared and didn't know how it happen. I drove an hour and thiry plus minutes to my destination and when I got there. I parked my car and sat in it while I waited for the phone repair…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 9, 2024 · fire

WE HAVE AN ONGOING COMPLAINT WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR CLOSING ON ITS OWN EVEN ON A VERY SLIGHT INCLINE. WE HAVE TO PUT OUR FOOT ON THE DOOR TO KEEP IT OPEN WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE. WE REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER, BUT AS PER USUAL THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT HAS NOT GOTTEN ANY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 1, 2008

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, WHEN IT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 2014 · fire

My car caught on fire from under the hood. Me and my son was sitting in the car and it just caught on fire. I was scared and didn't know how it happen. I drove an hour and thiry plus minutes to my destination and when I got there. I parked my car and sat in it while I waited for the phone repair…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 9, 2024 · fire

2008 Acura TL — common questions

Is the 2008 Acura TL reliable?

It is close to typical for the TL: 181 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 TL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (34 complaints), steering (26 complaints), body & structure (20 complaints).

Does the 2008 Acura TL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Acura TL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.