2007 Acura TL Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2007 Acura TL Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

3,200 owners

On the 2004-2008 Acura TL, 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 refuse to engage 3rd gear entirely.

This issue also affects: Acura CL, Acura ILX, Acura MDX

Common Symptoms

Transmission slips or flares when shifting to 3rd gear
RPMs spike without acceleration in 3rd
Harsh engagement into 3rd gear
Check engine light with transmission codes
Burning smell from transmission

How to Fix

Rebuild or replace the transmission with upgraded 3rd gear clutch pack and updated valve body. Use only Honda DW-1 ATF. Install an aftermarket transmission cooler to reduce operating temperatures. Change ATF every 30,000 miles to extend the life of the rebuilt unit.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 3,200+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteChange the ATF every 25,000-30,000 miles religiously. The TL transmission is a known weak point, and fluid changes are the single best preventive measure. Do NOT use non-Honda ATF — it accelerates clutch pack wear.

Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $4,500

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3,200+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence3,200 reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

2,800 owners

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.

This issue also affects: Acura RL, Nissan Maxima, Toyota 4Runner

Common Symptoms

Visible cracks spreading across dashboard surface
Dashboard surface becomes sticky or tacky
Shiny reflective spots on dashboard
Dashboard material flaking off
Strong chemical odor from dashboard in hot weather

How to Fix

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.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 2,800+ owners who fixed this issue

TipCall Acura Client Relations at 1-800-382-2238 and reference the dashboard warranty extension. Many owners have received free replacement even outside the original warranty period. Document the cracking with photos.

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2,800+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence2,800 reportsLast reported by owners May 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

1,100 owners

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.

This issue also affects: Acura RL, Chevrolet Uplander, Chrysler Concorde

Common Symptoms

Power steering fluid leak at hose fitting
Burning smell from engine bay
Smoke or steam from exhaust manifold area
Power steering whine on turns
Low power steering fluid level

How to Fix

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.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,100+ owners who fixed this issue

TipDo NOT delay this repair — power steering fluid on the exhaust is a fire hazard. The hose is $80-120 from Acura and takes about an hour to replace. Top off with Honda PSF only, never use generic ATF.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $500

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1,100+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,100 reportsLast reported by owners Apr 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls11 recalls

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."

Campaign #19E06800010/10/2019

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.

Campaign #08V09100027/02/2008

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.

Campaign #12V22200017/05/2012

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.

Campaign #11E02200022/06/2011

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.

Campaign #19V18200006/03/2019

+ 6 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Acura TL problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 7,100+ owner reports, the 2007-2007 Acura TL has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure, Dashboard Surface Cracking and Melting, Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Leak. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Acura TL reliable?

The 2007-2007 Acura TL has 3 known issues documented across 7,100+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure. 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 $200 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 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 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.

2007 Acura TL Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2004-2008 Acura TL: Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2004-2008 Acura TL: Dashboard Surface Cracking and Melting#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2004-2008 Acura TL: Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Acura Models

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

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

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