2008 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 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
27% of complaints: air bags — 33 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
HIT ICE ON ROAD AND SLID OFF EMBANKMENT AND HIT ANOTHER CAR. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20090211
19% of complaints: steering — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
My car caught on fire from under the hood. Me and my son was sitting in the car and it just caught on fire. I was scared and didn't know how it happen. I drove an hour and thiry plus minutes to my destination and when I got there.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240623
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that after his wife had dropped him off at work, she was driving at an undisclosed speed when the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. No warning lights was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230907
FEBRUARY 2020 GOING DOWNHILL AT 30MPH ON A CURVED ROAD, AND MY WHEEL SNAPS TO THE RIGHT THANKS TO RECALLED BALL JOINTS!!!!!!!!! HIT THE CURB, SNAPPED MY ROTOR IN HALF AND THE BRAKE LINE. LOWER CONTROL ARM WENT THRU MY CRADLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201214
12% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, WHEN IT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140321
8% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: engine — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, WHEN IT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140321
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free r
Campaign 12V222000 — 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
2008 Acura TL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V091000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11E022000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V222000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19E068000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Acura TL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Acura TL is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura TL?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Acura TL have?
4 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.