Acura Tl Recalls

The Acura TL has 23 recalls spanning the 1996–2014 production run, with the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator defect on 2009–2014 models where the driver-side airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.

The Takata inflator issue extends further back as well, covering 2002–2003 model years under separate filings with the same consequence: a rupturing inflator that can scatter metal fragments toward the driver. Earlier production from 1999–2000 carries the same inflator rupture risk. There is also a 2000-model-year recall where the driver-front airbag can fail to inflate properly or deploy with excessive force due to moisture exposure, and a separate 2000-model-year recall where the passenger-side airbag inflator was not welded correctly and may not deploy in a crash.

On the mechanical side, 2004–2008 models have a power steering hose that can crack under prolonged heat, leaking fluid onto the catalytic converter and causing an under-hood fire, as well as a potential loss of power steering assist. The 2007 model year has a similar high-pressure power steering hose issue with the same fire and steering-loss risks. A 2005-model-year electrical fault involves a loose terminal in the fuse box that can cut power to the fuel pump, stalling the engine without warning while driving.

The 2000 model year has a transmission recall where heat buildup between gears in the automatic transmission can chip or break gear teeth, potentially locking up the transmission. The 1996 model year has a front suspension lower ball joint that can wear prematurely and separate without warning, causing sudden loss of vehicle control.

Going back to the early 2000s, 2002-model-year vehicles have two related seatbelt buckle recalls: the driver and passenger buckles were improperly manufactured and may not restrain occupants in a crash. The 2001 model year has a follow-on buckle issue where replacement buckles installed under a prior repair were incorrect parts, again leaving occupants potentially unrestrained in a crash. The 2002 model year also has a power window control unit that can fail, disabling the auto-reverse function and raising the risk of injury if the window closes on an occupant. The 2004 model year has a windshield wiper motor that can corrode internally when water enters the breather port, causing the wipers to stop working entirely.