2004 model year · 7,100+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 7,100+ owner reports, the 2004 Acura TL has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2004-2008 Acura TL, 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 miles.
Replace the high-pressure power steering hose assembly. Use a genuine Honda/Acura replacement hose with updated crimp fittings. Flush the power steering system with Honda PSF and bleed air from the system. Inspect the power steering pump for damage from running low on fluid.
Parts and tips from 1,100+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2004-2008 Acura TL, 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 surface that can obstruct the driver view.
Replace the dashboard assembly with a new unit — Acura extended a warranty program covering dashboard replacement at no cost for affected VINs. Contact your Acura dealer to check eligibility. Aftermarket dashboard covers can mitigate the cosmetic issue but do not fix the underlying material degradation. Use a windshield sunshade to slow progression.
Parts and tips from 2,800+ owners who fixed this issue
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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."
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
+ 6 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 7,100+ owner reports, the 2004-2004 Acura TL has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Leak, Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure, Dashboard Surface Cracking and Melting. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2004-2004 Acura TL has 3 known issues documented across 7,100+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Acura TL issues range from $200 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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: critical.
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.
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: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
