Owners have filed 345 complaints
about the 2006 Acura TL with NHTSA between 2006 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 81
Against the median year of the Acura TL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 33
6.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
51.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
31.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
103.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
217.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5118.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5720.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
9634.7%
150,000+ miles
3412.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2006peak 11Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2006 Acura TL
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200808019,067 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, prolonged high under-hood temperatures may cause a power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, causing the hose to crack and leak. Power steering fluid leakage onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire, which could result in property damage, personal injury, or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the power steering hose with an updated version.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Gainesville, GAFire
STEERING
As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11749644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11749644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, GAFire
ENGINE
As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11749644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesDallas, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
COLLISION WITH CONCRETE BARRIER AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY
NHTSA complaint #11286410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesChicago, IL1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE I WAS DRIVING THREW THE CITY STREETS WITH WERE A LITTLE ROCKY SUDDENLY OUT OF NO WHERE THE DIVER SIDE AIR BAGS POP OUT LEAVING ME CONFUSE WITHOUT HEARING WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND A HEADACHE
NHTSA complaint #11281611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesAnaheim, CACrash
AIR BAGS
OUR GPS/ NAVI SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACED
NHTSA complaint #11190398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Gainesville, GAFire
STEERING
As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11749644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11749644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, GAFire
ENGINE
As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11749644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Van Buren, AR
AIR BAGS
My Acura (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a non-collision spontaneous deployment of the side airbag while the vehicle was completely stationary. There was no impact, no crash, and no triggering event. This is a serious safety defect that could have caused significant injury or loss of vehicle control had the car been in motion. This vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Recall 19V182000 involving Takata airbag inflators, but the recall repair was never completed, and the recall now shows as closed. It is unclear whether the recall was closed in error or whether the inflator or a related airbag component failed due to the unresolved safety defect. There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the deployment. The airbag system gave no indication of a problem. The deployed components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. The issue has not yet been inspected by Acura because, despite opening a safety case over two weeks ago, the manufacturer has not assigned a case manager. Insurance has been notified, but no manufacturer or dealer inspection has occurred yet. Given the prior Takata recall, the incomplete repair history, and the spontaneous deployment, this failure represents a potentially ongoing safety hazard that requires immediate investigation and corrective action. I attached pictures all the way around the car so you can see where the airbags are deployed and there is no damage to the vehicle because there was no collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11699822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesLong Grove, IL
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The "VSA" (Vehicle Stability Assist) and air bag warning lights illuminated, and an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact went to Auto Zone and was informed that the accelerator pedal sensor had failed. The contact replaced the sensor. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the power steering hose was leaking. The contact was informed that the steering fluid had entered other unknown components of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact was topping off the power steering fluid reservoir every third day. The contact stated that the VSA warning light and air bag light remained illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS), 19E068000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), and 08V091000 (STEERING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11698546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesLong Grove, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The "VSA" (Vehicle Stability Assist) and air bag warning lights illuminated, and an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact went to Auto Zone and was informed that the accelerator pedal sensor had failed. The contact replaced the sensor. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the power steering hose was leaking. The contact was informed that the steering fluid had entered other unknown components of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact was topping off the power steering fluid reservoir every third day. The contact stated that the VSA warning light and air bag light remained illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS), 19E068000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), and 08V091000 (STEERING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11698546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesLong Grove, IL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The "VSA" (Vehicle Stability Assist) and air bag warning lights illuminated, and an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact went to Auto Zone and was informed that the accelerator pedal sensor had failed. The contact replaced the sensor. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the power steering hose was leaking. The contact was informed that the steering fluid had entered other unknown components of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact was topping off the power steering fluid reservoir every third day. The contact stated that the VSA warning light and air bag light remained illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS), 19E068000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), and 08V091000 (STEERING). However, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11698546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Jefferson Station, NY
STEERING
power steering leaking fluid
NHTSA complaint #11632368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leesburg, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am the original owner of this 2006 Acura TL. I have vertical cracks on the dashboard surrounding the passenger SRS airbag system. Aside from the bad look, is there a safety issue from either the air bag deploying prematurely and/or the air bag deploying in an unsafe manner and injuring the passenger. I have researched this issue online and there are numerous complaints about this dashboard issue and possible issues with the SRS airbag deployment.
NHTSA complaint #11616146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Providence, RI
POWER TRAIN
Transmission shifts down very hard, once causing the car to lose traction and skid approximately 10 feet on the highway. The car luckily regained control and I avoided collision. I have seen many other reports of hard shifting in this car.
NHTSA complaint #11537036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington Beach, CA
POWER TRAIN
My transmission failed at 105,000 had to pay 4500 for a new transmission, I’m sure they have had complaints about the Acura TL through 2004-2008. I am currently on my third transmission and now the new one is hard shifting already.
NHTSA complaint #11528133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syosset, NY
AIR BAGS
Dashboard cracked. Internet search revels this is a Acura TL fleet wide issue. Cracked dashboard may rip airbag during deployment rendering it useless, impede airbag deployment, or send shards of plastic during airbag deployment.
NHTSA complaint #11515155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Charlotte, FL
ENGINE
Car has been in family and well taken care of, smell of fire along with multiple alternators and battery changes. Mechanics cannot figure out why car goes through alternator and batteries. Paid for 6 to 8 alternator and battery. Transmission is now going on car. Like I said car has been taken care of but not worth transmission job, my complaint is I see almost every person who has Acura TL all have transmission problems. I need Acura to answer for all transmission problems through the whole country and why so many alternators and batteries?
NHTSA complaint #11514549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamuning, GU
STEERING
POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE IS LEAKING ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. SMOKE BILLOWS INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS MAKES DRIVING WITH WINDOW DOWN NECESSARY. AFRAID CONTINUED LEAKAGE WILL START A FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. OBTAINED A NEW HIGH PRESSURE HOSE BUT AFRAID THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL DO THE SAME THING OVER TIME. WILL BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR MAINTENANCE BUT COULD NOT FIND RECALL FOR MY VIN NUMBER ASSOCIATED WITH VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11511875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lindon, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2/26/2008 STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER- HOOD FIRE. Summary 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 STEERING FLUID. 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 (PLEASE SEE 07V551). Notes ACURA RECALL NO. Q73.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP:// WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA complaint #11465366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
SUSPENSION
I was told by a mechanic that this 2006 Acura TL I bought from Joe's Garage here In Clovis Ca was a car I do not want to be driving. Now when purchased from Joe's Garage he stated he put engine didn't say new or used, He also said the car was practically brand new because previous owner was a high school kid who assume he cracked his radiator and was not the problem, but the kid bought a new car and left Acura there since. Since the purchased I had nothing, but engine problems told Joe never responded I did my own research come to find out Joe's business licensed was suspended and that where he got my car Acura to pass smog of course was a smog business already being investigated for passing car illegally. So I took my Acura to Acura dealer here In Fresno Ca I was told all motor mounts were cracked so they replaced all motor mounts and installed used motor charging me $7,000 at that time I was in the process of suing Joe's Garage however since I have had no car emotionally distress because I paid $2700 for Acura trusting this business man come to find out its Salvaged vehicle now you can understand how frustrated I am not including the losses in my life back to back not been able to just mourn rest etc because of cruel business companies intentions. I'm not asking for much all I want is for you to give Acura Dealer here in Fresno ca the ok to make sure my car is or passed the safety and drivable test making sure everything on car is safe to drive at no cost to me. I have grandkids who are my world and I need to have a good reliable car for them Nathan here at Acura Dealer called me yesterday asking me if I had money, I said no I will file my taxes and see but I honestly feel and would appreciate your help on closing the two companies for good and release my car to me at no cost.
NHTSA complaint #11461588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
ENGINE
I was told by a mechanic that this 2006 Acura TL I bought from Joe's Garage here In Clovis Ca was a car I do not want to be driving. Now when purchased from Joe's Garage he stated he put engine didn't say new or used, He also said the car was practically brand new because previous owner was a high school kid who assume he cracked his radiator and was not the problem, but the kid bought a new car and left Acura there since. Since the purchased I had nothing, but engine problems told Joe never responded I did my own research come to find out Joe's business licensed was suspended and that where he got my car Acura to pass smog of course was a smog business already being investigated for passing car illegally. So I took my Acura to Acura dealer here In Fresno Ca I was told all motor mounts were cracked so they replaced all motor mounts and installed used motor charging me $7,000 at that time I was in the process of suing Joe's Garage however since I have had no car emotionally distress because I paid $2700 for Acura trusting this business man come to find out its Salvaged vehicle now you can understand how frustrated I am not including the losses in my life back to back not been able to just mourn rest etc because of cruel business companies intentions. I'm not asking for much all I want is for you to give Acura Dealer here in Fresno ca the ok to make sure my car is or passed the safety and drivable test making sure everything on car is safe to drive at no cost to me. I have grandkids who are my world and I need to have a good reliable car for them Nathan here at Acura Dealer called me yesterday asking me if I had money, I said no I will file my taxes and see but I honestly feel and would appreciate your help on closing the two companies for good and release my car to me at no cost.
NHTSA complaint #11461588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I was told by a mechanic that this 2006 Acura TL I bought from Joe's Garage here In Clovis Ca was a car I do not want to be driving. Now when purchased from Joe's Garage he stated he put engine didn't say new or used, He also said the car was practically brand new because previous owner was a high school kid who assume he cracked his radiator and was not the problem, but the kid bought a new car and left Acura there since. Since the purchased I had nothing, but engine problems told Joe never responded I did my own research come to find out Joe's business licensed was suspended and that where he got my car Acura to pass smog of course was a smog business already being investigated for passing car illegally. So I took my Acura to Acura dealer here In Fresno Ca I was told all motor mounts were cracked so they replaced all motor mounts and installed used motor charging me $7,000 at that time I was in the process of suing Joe's Garage however since I have had no car emotionally distress because I paid $2700 for Acura trusting this business man come to find out its Salvaged vehicle now you can understand how frustrated I am not including the losses in my life back to back not been able to just mourn rest etc because of cruel business companies intentions. I'm not asking for much all I want is for you to give Acura Dealer here in Fresno ca the ok to make sure my car is or passed the safety and drivable test making sure everything on car is safe to drive at no cost to me. I have grandkids who are my world and I need to have a good reliable car for them Nathan here at Acura Dealer called me yesterday asking me if I had money, I said no I will file my taxes and see but I honestly feel and would appreciate your help on closing the two companies for good and release my car to me at no cost.
NHTSA complaint #11461588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, MI
AIR BAGS
I have owned this vehicle for about 9 years and been seeing major cracks in the IP trim, around passenger airbag area. The cracks started to develop about 5 years ago. They were insignificant in the beginning but have accelerated very quickly over the past year or so and seem to be getting worse by the month. I am concerned that these cracks would result in malfunctioning of passenger side airbag in an accident. I purchased this vehicle used and there has not been an accident since I have owned it.
NHTSA complaint #11456843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have owned this vehicle for about 9 years and been seeing major cracks in the IP trim, around passenger airbag area. The cracks started to develop about 5 years ago. They were insignificant in the beginning but have accelerated very quickly over the past year or so and seem to be getting worse by the month. I am concerned that these cracks would result in malfunctioning of passenger side airbag in an accident. I purchased this vehicle used and there has not been an accident since I have owned it.
NHTSA complaint #11456843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,950 milesEast Hartford, CT
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
The contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was leaking power steering fluid. The contact also stated that the air bag housing along the dashboard was cracked. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,950.
NHTSA complaint #11423081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hawthorne, CA
STEERING
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11402934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hawthorne, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11402934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hawthorne, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11402934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesHamilton, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WITH THE ABS AND THE AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS HOWEVER, AFTER EACH REPAIR THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11396477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.