1998 Acura TL
Only 20 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 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 20
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 20 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 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
9 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and emission control.
Show complaint excerpts
1998 Acura TL. Consumer writes in regards to defective or cracked exhaust manifold and seeks goodwill assistance. *smd the consumer stated the check engine code indicated a faulty oxygen sensor and there were exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-16
Electrical system
3 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing horn.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* the contact owns a 1998 Acura TL. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 05V025000 (Electrical system), but the VIN was not included. While the vehicle was in drive position, the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle rolled away.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-28
Horn button on the steering wheel is a design defect. It is too small (3/4" By 1"} and in a emergency or panic situation, the horn is impossible to find.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-29
The botton for the horn is too small to locate in a panic situation. Dealer says that nothing can be done because of the design.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-29
Vehicle speed control
2 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
No events indicating a failure was imminent. Pedal brake for 1998 Acura failed to stop while driving in stop/go municipal traffic. Car accelerated out of control and hit an off road tree and was a total unrepairable loss. Police investigated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-11-17
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
I had just made a right turn into a parking space proceeding at about 2 miles per hour with my foot on the brake and was about two feet from the end of the space, about to turn off the engine, when suddenly the car accelerated forward, went over a...
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-02
Power train
2 of 20 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Structure
2 of 20 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing trunk lid and body.
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
1998 Acura TL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 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 1998 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 1998 Acura TL?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 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.