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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1997 | 23 |
| 1998 | 20 |
| 1999 | 157 |
| 2000 | 249 |
| 2001 | 149 |
| 2002 | 332 |
| 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.
5 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
4 of 26 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
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, 20021125
3 of 26 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing lower ball joint.
3 of 26 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20140107
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. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20070111
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 SUS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
Campaign 99V069000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 99V227000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Acura TL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V069000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V227000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.