10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
62,109 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Acura TL suspension problems

suspension problem

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2004 Acura TL Owner Comments

problem #20

Sep 192022

TL

  • 150,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH with her mother in the front passenger-€™s side seat, her mother informed her that the vehicle was bouncing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front lower control arms, shocks, and bushings were replaced; however, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side of the vehicle dropped significantly and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11E022000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

problem #19

Jun 252022

TL

  • miles
I purchased this used car and while driving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assis) light comes on with the accompanying trianlge with exclamation point. When the light comes on while driving the car will tug you to the right. Once you stop the vehicle and turn off and re-start the light will turn off. As you drive again, the light comes on and tugs the vehicle to the right. When we purchased the vehicle I drove it home with my 16 year old (it is planned to be his first car) and I was on the highway going 60 and the VSA light came on and tugged the vehicle to the right. I did not lose control but it can definitely catch someone off guard and cause them to over correct. I took the car in to a local auto shop and they said there was a fault on the VSA module and a couple of other issues. I spent $1,300 to replace both front bearings, hubs, 1 speed control sensor because they recommended that be done before looking to replace the VSA modulating assembly ($1,800 + install). I checked the Acura site and (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) but there is nothing there about a recall for the VSA module. I have seen other posts online of people saying that the car pulls to the right when the VSA light comes on so I seems to be an issue. In winter conditions having an issue like this could cause an over correction and/or loss of control which could cause an accident.

- Kennewick, WA, USA

problem #18

Dec 142020

TL

  • 150,000 miles
After having my car in the shop for 2 weeks trying to figure out why the power steering won't stop freaking exploding when there is nothing wrong with any of the parts except the hoses going bad. I once again was left in the middle of a busy street with no power steering trying to muscle my way back to the shop. This is ridiculousssssss. Why are they not telling us their cars have issues!!!!!

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #17

May 012015

TL

  • 5 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have not been contacted about the airbag recall, the potential problem with the accelerator pedal and the driver side lower ball joint recall. Several years ago I exited a highway, came to a stop sign and when I made a right turn the drivers side ball joint broke. I had the repair done and luckily I didn't hurt ao or myself. Thank you stay safe. I think it was in 2015.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #16

Sep 012016

TL

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. While driving approximately 10 mph and attempting to make a turn, a loud boom sound was heard from the front end of the vehicle. The sound caused the wheels to "move up and down". there was no warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred three times. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall and nothing could be done. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and repaired. The diagnosis and repair specifics were not disclosed. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Aiken, SC, USA

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problem #15

Sep 092018

TL

  • 169,558 miles
Struts snapped on highway

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #14

Jun 042018

TL

  • 172,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The aftermarket ultra-power K500117 {#51210sepa01} (economy) ball joint represents a severe safety hazard. It can result in separation of the lower control arm. The jpg ultra-power K500117 {#51210sepa01} (economy) after failure shows the lower control bushing ripped from the llower control arm. Jpg beck/arnley 1027932 bushing close-up is identical design as the Acura oem part. This bushing is pressed into the control arm from the top. From the factory, once the ball joint is in place, the retainer nut holds both the ball joint and bushing securely in the control arm. The factory flanged nut is larger than the bushing diameter as to ensure contact with the control arm underside. Observe the nut in.jpg ultra-power K500117 {#51210sepa01} (economy)'s. it is a standard lock nut. The diameter is too small. It makes no contact with the control arm, but rather seats directly to the bushing. The bushing is only pressed in, and will eventually pull out. As can be seen in the after failure picture, there is no way the nut could hold the ball joint and bushing in place as Acura (Honda) designed it to do. Please look at the nut of the moog K500117 as an example of a correctly designed ball joint and nut, and how the nut is flanged. This is the correct style nut as it will make contact with the lower control arm instead of only the pressed in bushing. It can be easily seen in the second picture that the nut is clearly smaller than the control arm bushing. Order number 82540335 through rock auto was purchased on 4/12/2018. The ball joint, bushing and nut simply pulled out. The lower control arm is destroyed, as is the cv axle. Damage to the fender and fender skirt as well. It is fortunate this failure happened while turning into a parking lot rather than at highway speeds just moments before.

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #13

Jul 072017

TL

  • 152,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. While driving 3 mph over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise and the front driver's side of the vehicle detached. The vehicle was towed to a storage yard. The contact inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the ball joint had separated. The contact stated that this was not the first failure. The vehicle was also towed to jaggs auto service where it was diagnosed that the ball joint had separated. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 11E022000 (suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

- Nottingham, MD, USA

problem #12

Feb 122016

TL

  • 200,897 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. After exiting the highway and pulling into a store parking lot, the vehicle was briefly parked. Upon restarting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal noise and the vehicle was unable to be driven. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lower control arm prematurely fractured, which caused the entire axle to fracture. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the axle, ball joints, and lower control arm needed to be replaced. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11E022000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 200,897.

- Aiken, SC, USA

problem #11

Jul 312015

TL

  • 157,000 miles
The steering shaft assembly and control arms that connect to the tie rods, sway bars and links to cv axle and I beleive rack and pinion suspension came apart from the tires and caused me to lose control of my vehicle with my child as a passenger which resulted in an accident. We are both very lucky to be alive as we were in route to travel the interstate before this crash occured.

- Palm Bay, FL, USA

problem #10

Aug 082008

TL

  • 47,218 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased vehicle August 2, 2008. I have been having problems with the vehicle since the purchase. The vehicle hums and shakes while driving and a vibration can be felt.

- Dorchester, MA, USA

problem #9

Aug 092008

TL

  • 29,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The vehicle has Goodyear Eagle tires. The contact stated that there was a tsb number 05-076 that was issued by Acura. The tsb pertains to tire wear when the vehicle is loaded. The contact purchased brand new tires in December of 2007. He took a road trip with 5,000 miles on the tires. The trip was 5,600 miles. While driving 75 mph, he noticed that the tires were bald a couple of days ago. He called the Acura dealer and informed them of the failure. The dealer stated that they would repair the tires with the towing issue and the tsb, but would not replace the tires. The tires are both on the rear of the vehicle. The tire size was unknown. The failure mileage was 29,000. Updated 09/10/08 the consumer didn't believe the problem was with the tires. He believed it had to do with the poor design of the vehicle. The consumer stated there was extra weight in the rear of the vehicle, in his case was about 300lbs comprised of suitcases and his daughter in the back seat (the suitcases were in the trunk). When he arrived home, he noticed the tread on the tires had worn down to nothing. Updated 09/10/08

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #8

Aug 012004

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated that every time he drives his vehicle at 50 mph, the vehicle vibrates and then stops. Once the speed reaches 75 mph, the vibration becomes worse. He took the vehicle to the dealer twice, but they could not determine the cause of the failure. The current mileage was 46,000 and failure mileage was 500. Updated 02-19-08

- Windsor Locks, CT, USA

problem #7

Jan 182007

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
- the contact stated that when the 2004 Acura TL, was at the dealership on 01/18/07 for regular maintenance she was informed by the service mechanic that the 2 rear tiresprematurely wear wore out. The contact stated that NHTSA has a service bulletin #05076. The contact stated that the mechanic informed her that it was best to purchase 4 new tires instead of replacing the 2 back tires. The contact stated that these tires came with the vehicle with dot# 0B6ntu22404 and size P235/45R17 radial. The contact felt that this was manufacturing issue and the manufacturer should recall these tires. The dealership informed her that she has to pay 75% of tire replacement as per the dealership tire chart, Honda will pay remaining 25%. the contact stated that this is a public safety issue and the tires could explode anytime and it is not the fault of the owner. Updated 03/30/07.

- Cerritos, CA, USA

problem #6

Nov 012004

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1 miles
Vibration at 50-55 mph. Sometimes worse than others. Can make car feel unstable. Changing tires did not help.

- Gainesville, GA, USA

problem #5

Feb 142005

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving driver noticed that the vehicle shook uncontrollably. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer, and mechanic determined that all four tires needed to be balanced, and a wheel aligned. Driver informed the mechanic that this problem still occurred, and had not been resolved. Afterwards the mechanic told the driver that this vehicle operated as designed, and had a design flaw problem from the manufacturer.

- Duluth, GA, USA

problem #4

Dec 302004

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles
While driving between 52 - 58 mph steering column shakes violently.

- Milford, NJ, USA

problem #3

Sep 152004

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
My car has been to the dealer twice for replacement tires due to vibration throughout my car. The second time my tires were replaced with the updated EL42, and the vibrations still persist, along with the fact that the car now pulls to the left. When I called criswell Acura of annapolis, I was told that the pulling to the left was not an alingment problem it was a tire pressure issue. So I took my car back to the dealership and they properly inflated my tires. And of course my car still pulls to the left.

- Annapoiis, MD, USA

problem #2

Jul 262004

TL

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving 50 mph vehicle vibrated with such a force that consumer had to slow the speed down to almost a stop to get vibration to stop. It occurred mostly in the mornings when vehicle just started out. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who said that it was a tire problem and not a mechanical defect. Consumer then put on a set of Bridgestone turanza EL42 tires which were the same tires that were on the vehicle. The next day the same problem occurred at the same speeds. In other words, nothing changed.

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #1

Jun 182004

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I've purchased the 2004 TL on October 2003. Since the very beginning, the car would constantly vibrate at higher speeds (primarily at 55+mph). Took the car to the dealer for wheel alignment and balancing. The problem didn't go away. Six months later, Acura replaced my bridgstone tires with a new re-fromulated tires. As a result, the vibration felt at higher speeds weren't as severe (though still present). After driving for a month, the same level of vibrations at higher speeds returned. I've been attempting to resolve the issue with my dealer and Acura for 8 months now, but as of today, no resolution has been forthcoming. Vibrations felt at 55+mph, is a serious safety issue and I believe Acura should be more proactive in resolving this matter.

- South Riding, VA, USA

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