1996 Acura TL
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 26 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1997 | 23 |
| 1998 | 20 |
| 1999 | 157 |
| 2000 | 249 |
| 2001 | 149 |
| 2002 | 333 |
| 2003 | 391 |
| 2004 | 551 |
| 2005 | 388 |
| 2006 | 247 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 124 |
| 2009 | 42 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2012 | 130 |
| 2013 | 62 |
| 2014 | 17 |
Known problem areas
Only 26 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
5 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
4 of 26 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 26 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
The following problem was reported to the dealer 35 days after it was purchased, but we were told there was no problem. The dealer never looked at the vehicle. The service manager made that determination based on our description of the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-25
Suspension
3 of 26 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing lower ball joint.
Air bags
3 of 26 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
May 2013, on a straight road, at 8:55PM. Motorist traveling towards me speeding with bright lights on. Motorist made contact with my car on passenger side fender and door. Motorist hit and ran and later told police she thought she hit an object.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-07
Also filed under Steering and wheels
1996 Acura seat belt didn't lock and air bag didn't deploy during accident**cc the consumers wife hit a tree and consequently her head went over the steering wheel and hit the windshield.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-01-11
Also filed under Seat belts
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1999-05-17Suspension99V069000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
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R
1999-08-30Power train99V227000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Acura TL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V069000 · Suspension
- Recall 99V227000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Acura TL reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Acura TL?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Acura TL have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.