1999 Acura TL
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 157
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1999
Opened by NHTSA
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 157 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
38% · 60 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*the contact owns a 1999 Acura 3.2TL. While driving 35 MPH, the instrument panel gauges stopped operating and smoke appeared from the steering column. The contact pulled over until the smoke stopped.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-07-11
While stopped, with foot on the brake pedal, I was waiting for my garage door to open. The garage door started to open and it was about half way up when my car suddenly accelerated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-11
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Power train
24% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
On July 23, 2011, my hand and elbow were permanently disabled, when my 1999 Acura TL rolled backwards down the driveway and knocked me down. As I tried to stop it from rolling down the driveway but the car won.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-03
Air bags
8% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
My Acura TL has many issues and is dangerous to drive
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-27
Also filed under Structure
Consumer was involved in a frontal collision in which driver's air bag deployed, causing driver to sustain burns on both hands from chemicals inside air bag assembly. Please give any further details.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-20
Engine and engine cooling
8% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and gasoline.
Vehicle speed control
6% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* the contact owns a 1999 Acura TL. The contact stated that the vehicle abnormally accelerated as she attempted to park in her garage. The contact applied immense pressure to the brakes but was unable to control the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-11
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002-06-14Electrical system02V120000 On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
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2003-12-08Electrical system03V423000 On certain passenger vehicles and mini vans, the ignition switch may wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "Off" Position and…
Remedy: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate.…
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2005-01-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-02-02 Ignition-park interlock
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2005-03-07Electrical system05V025000 On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch may not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "Off" Position and remove the key without…
Remedy: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that confirms interlock function. Vehicles will be updated with a redesigned interlock lever free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2005.…
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2020-10-01Air bags20V026000 Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020.
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Acura TL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 60 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 02V120000 · Electrical system
- Recall 03V423000 · Electrical system
- Recall 05V025000 · Electrical system
- Recall 20V026000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 Acura TL reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Acura TL is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Acura TL?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Acura TL have?
- 4 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.