2004 Acura TL
This year had more than double the complaints 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 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 | 386 |
| 2006 | 246 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 124 |
| 2009 | 42 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2012 | 130 |
| 2013 | 61 |
| 2014 | 17 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
32% of complaints: structure — 177 distinct reports on file.
CRASH28% of complaints: air bags — 155 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: structure — 50 distinct reports on file.
INJURY8% of complaints: air bags — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: tires — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DURING LIGHT RAIN MY 2004 ACURA TL WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL-42 TIRES HYDROPLANED AND LOST CONTROL. IT HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER AND SPUN AND ENDED UP ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BROKE OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050324
THE VIBRATION IN THE BRIDGESTONE EL42 TURANZA TIRES ON 2004 ACURA TL RESULTED IN ACCIDENT IN FEBRUARY 2004 AND $1500 WORTH OF UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040820
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIO
Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE T
Campaign 04V176000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILURE
HONDA IS RECALLING 129,600 MY 2004-2005 ACURA TL VEHICLES. IF WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BREATHER PORT, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW THE MOTOR TO VENT WARM AIR DURING NORMAL OPERATION, IT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION. IF NO SIGNS OF CORROSION ARE PRESENT, A SNORKEL TUBE WILL BE ADDED TO THE WIPER MOTOR BREATHER PORT TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERI
Campaign 08V092000 — check if this car was fixed
HONDA IS RECALLING 273,000 MY 2004-2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES. PROLONGED HIGH UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY CAUSING THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEAT RESISTANT POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 800-382-2238. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL
Campaign 08V091000 — check if this car was fixed
AFFINIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS, NAPA PART NO. 2601662, THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MISTAKENLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 - 2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES DUE TO A
Remedy: AFFINIA IS WORKING WITH NAPA TO IDENTIFY ANY OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS PART MISTAKENLY INSTALLED ON TO AN ACURA TL VEHICLE, AND WILL REPLACE THE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 2
Campaign 11E022000 — check if this car was fixed
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005...
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 19V182000 — check if this car was fixed
Dorman Products, Inc.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5.
Campaign 19E068000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Acura TL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (177 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (155 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (50 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V176000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V092000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V091000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11E022000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V182000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19E068000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Acura TL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Acura TL is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Acura TL?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Acura TL have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.