What is the 2004-2008 Acura TL Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure?

The third-generation TL automatic transmission is notorious for 3rd gear clutch pack failure, often between 80,000-120,000 miles. The 3rd gear clutch pack burns out due to insufficient fluid flow and a weak pressure regulator design, causing the transmission to slip, flare, or re… Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2001 Acura TL Second Airbag Recall: NADI Replacement Driver Inflator (NHTSA 20V027000)?

2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL owners already dealing with airbag recall history have a separate campaign to check: NHTSA 20V027000. It targets TLs that were given a replacement driver frontal air bag module during a vehicle repair. Those replacement modules used a NADI inflator that, bec… Severity: high.

What is the 1999-2000 Acura TL 1999-2000 3.2TL NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000)?

Acura 3.2TL sedans from the 1999 and 2000 model years are recalled under NHTSA campaign 20V026000. The driver frontal airbag in these cars uses a Non-Azide Driver airbag Inflator (NADI), a type that uses no phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant — meaning this recall… Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2014 Acura TL Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V6?

The 3.7L J37 V6 used in many TL SH-AWD models has a documented pattern of excessive oil consumption, sometimes leading to low oil level warnings, misfires, and spark plug fouling. Acura/Honda issued warranty extensions and service information for affected V6 engines in this famil… Repairs typically run $100-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2014 Acura TL Takata Front Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall?

These TL model years were included in the major Takata airbag inflator recalls affecting many Honda and Acura vehicles. In a deployment, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, creating a severe injury or death risk. This is one of the most serious docum… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2008 Acura TL Dashboard Surface Cracking and Melting?

The dashboard material on 2004-2008 TL models develops deep cracks and a sticky, melting surface texture from prolonged sun exposure. The issue is caused by the plasticizer in the dashboard material breaking down under UV light, creating an unsightly and sometimes reflective surf… Severity: medium.

What is the 2004-2008 Acura TL Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Leak?

The high-pressure power steering hose on the TL develops leaks at the crimp fittings where the rubber hose meets the metal line. The power steering fluid drips onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning smell and visible smoke. The leak typically appears between 80,000-120,000… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2014 Acura TL SH-AWD Rear Differential Whine or Groan from Fluid Breakdown?

TL SH-AWD models are known for rear differential noise, typically a whining, moaning, or groaning sound during low-speed turns or steady cruising. Owners and Acura service literature commonly tie this to differential fluid deterioration or contamination, and in some cases to inte… Repairs typically run $120-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2014 Acura TL Brake Pedal Vibration and Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping?

Many TL owners report front brake judder, steering wheel shake, and pulsation under moderate braking, often traced to uneven rotor deposits or rotor distortion. The heavier curb weight of the TL, combined with driving style and pad/rotor material, appears to make the front brakes… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

Acura · Known Issues

1996-2014 Acura TL Problems: 14 Known Issues

1996-2014 model years · 7,100+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 7,100+ owner reports, the 1996-2014 Acura TL has 14 documented known issues, with 10 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure ($2,500-$4,500 repair), 1999 3.2TL 5-speed auto was the start of the famous Acura V6 transmission failures ($2,500-$4,500 repair), Second Airbag Recall: NADI Replacement Driver Inflator (NHTSA 20V027000), Front suspension lower ball joint recall (99V069000) — premature wear, risk of suspension collapse, Ignition Interlock Recall (05V025000) — Key Removable Without Shifting to Park, Ignition Switch Wear Allows Key Removal Without Shifting to Park (Recall 03V423000), Ignition Switch Contact Wear Causing Sudden Stalling — Recall 02V120000, 1999-2000 3.2TL NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000), Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V6. at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura TL problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 7,100+ owner reports, the 1996-2014 Acura TL has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure, 1999 3.2TL 5-speed auto was the start of the famous Acura V6 transmission failures, Second Airbag Recall: NADI Replacement Driver Inflator (NHTSA 20V027000). Of these, 10 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura TL reliable?

The 1996-2014 Acura TL has 14 known issues documented across 7,100+ owner reports. 10 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure and 1999 3.2TL 5-speed auto was the start of the famous Acura V6 transmission failures and Second Airbag Recall: NADI Replacement Driver Inflator (NHTSA 20V027000) and Front suspension lower ball joint recall (99V069000) — premature wear, risk of suspension collapse and Ignition Interlock Recall (05V025000) — Key Removable Without Shifting to Park and Ignition Switch Wear Allows Key Removal Without Shifting to Park (Recall 03V423000) and Ignition Switch Contact Wear Causing Sudden Stalling — Recall 02V120000 and 1999-2000 3.2TL NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000) and Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V6 and Takata Front Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Acura TL problems?

Repair costs for known Acura TL issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure, typically costs $2,500-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Acura TL is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Acura TL. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1996-2014 Acura TL with 14 documented issues documented across 7,100+ owner reports.

All 14 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura TL problems?

Is the Acura TL reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Acura TL problems?

What year Acura TL is the most reliable?

When Issues Typically Appear

Second Airbag Recall: NADI Replacement Driver Inflator (NHTSA 20V027000)#

1999-2000 3.2TL NADI Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (NHTSA 20V026000)#

Takata Front Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall#

Ignition Interlock Recall (05V025000) — Key Removable Without Shifting to Park#

Ignition Switch Wear Allows Key Removal Without Shifting to Park (Recall 03V423000)#

Ignition Switch Contact Wear Causing Sudden Stalling — Recall 02V120000#

Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure#

1999 3.2TL 5-speed auto was the start of the famous Acura V6 transmission failures#

Front suspension lower ball joint recall (99V069000) — premature wear, risk of suspension collapse#

Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V6#

Dashboard Surface Cracking and Melting#

Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Leak#

SH-AWD Rear Differential Whine or Groan from Fluid Breakdown#

Brake Pedal Vibration and Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping#

What is the 2004-2008 Acura TL Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure?

What is the 1999 Acura TL 1999 3.2TL 5-speed auto was the start of the famous Acura V6 transmission failures?

What is the 2000-2001 Acura TL Second Airbag Recall: NADI Replacement Driver Inflator (NHTSA 20V027000)?

What is the 1996-1998 Acura TL Front suspension lower ball joint recall (99V069000) — premature wear, risk of suspension collapse?

What is the 1999-2000 Acura TL Ignition Interlock Recall (05V025000) — Key Removable Without Shifting to Park?

What is the 1999 Acura TL Ignition Switch Wear Allows Key Removal Without Shifting to Park (Recall 03V423000)?

What is the 1999 Acura TL Ignition Switch Contact Wear Causing Sudden Stalling — Recall 02V120000?