124 of the
4,055 complaints filed about the Acura TL
are about the throttle and cruise control —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2003.
124
Complaints
3%
Share of all complaints
32
Crashes
1
Fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE:THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS)
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the vehicle lost automotive power and shifted into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and drove as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message “System too Lean” was displayed on the instrument panel associated with Bank 1 and Bank 2. While starting the vehicle and while the vehicle idling, the RPM was raised above 1,000 RPM, and the message "Idle Position Needs to be Relearned " was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated properly. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the throttle pedal position sensor had an incorrect voltage. The contact was unsure of the repairs performed and the DTC were cleared. After the codes were cleared, the failures continued intermittently. The contact became aware of TSBs that permitted a repair under warranty to clear the system; however, the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11724562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
While I was driving 55 mph, on the throttle, the transmission acted as it was in Neutral but all indicators verified it was in Drive. The RPMs were fluctuating during this & my car wouldn't accelerate. I was in the middle of a busy highway, the car came to a stop, I shifted it into Park, then tried to engage back into Drive with no success. In the middle of oncoming & ongoing HWY traffic, I turned the car off, back on & the car acted as if it was in limp mode. The VSA light & Triangle appeared. I had to pay get a towing service to get me & my car. It never had any transmission issues before & all of a sudden it did all of the above, erratic shifting, flare up shifts, won't move. It was then put on a diagnostic scanner which showed a code for Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid but was cleared & didn't reappear. After the car has been sitting for a while (days) you can crank it, put it into drive & it is hesitant to go & will drive ONLY for a few minutes. After the transmission heats up, it stops pulling. I have read numerous complaints, safety concerns, bulletins, etc. I am devastated & lost on what's going on with the car & what can be done. I purchased my '05 TL in 2022 & haven't been able to drive it but for one & a half years. I've put so much money into the repairs & maintenance. I replaced the rear & front motor mounts, transmission speed sensor, transmission position sensor, etc. I am now disabled & don't have the means to put into it anymore. I pray there's an investigation behind these Drive train safety concerns!
NHTSA complaint #11698295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving car, speed decelerated despite pressing on gas/accelerator pedal. Total ability to control speed on high way ended, as car crawled to a speed of under 5mph, nearly resulting in being hit by vehicles behind me. Immediately called independent mechanic who advised me to cut off ignition and restart the car. Highly dangerous to even attempt on a highway during rush hour traffic, nearly resulting in a multiple car crash. Reproduced several times until mechanic was able to diagnose and correct an issue unknown to me. There was no warning light indicator at all, no messages on car navigation/information panel.
NHTSA complaint #11484998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL, THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL. SEVERAL YEARS AGO I EXITED A HIGHWAY, CAME TO A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I MADE A RIGHT TURN THE DRIVERS SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE. I HAD THE REPAIR DONE AND LUCKILY I DIDN'T HURT AO OR MYSELF. THANK YOU STAY SAFE. I THINK IT WAS IN 2015.
NHTSA complaint #11365409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I WAS COMING TO GET READY TO STOP I STARTED TO BREAK, AT THAT TIME MY BRAKE SYSTEM FELT LIKE I WAS SLIPPING ON BLACK ICE YOU COULD SAY . BUT THE ROAD WAS DRY ! MY VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP NORMAL I SOMEHOW BY THE GRACE OF GOD GOT IT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET ! MY ABS AND VSA AND THE TRIANGLE WITH ( ! ) WITCH IS ORANGE ALSO ALL CAME ON . I SHUT MY CAR OFF ! AND HAD IT TOWED HOME .. I HAVE HAD PEOPLE LOOK AND SHOW ME BEHIND MY TWO FRONT TIRES THAT THE SPEED SENSORS ARE ON BOTH SIDES DETERRATED AND THE BOLTS ARE MISSING THAT CONNECT EVERYTHING IN PLACE . I HAVE LOOKED UP AND SEEN RECALLS ON THIS SAME SITUATION I AM NOW GOING THREW !
NHTSA complaint #11361556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AWAITING A BREAK TO ENTER INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC I SAW A GAP AND PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. I GENTLY PRESSED UNTIL IT WAS ABOUT 1/4 DOWN AND STILL NOTHING HAPPENED. I THEN GENTLY PRESSED IT A LITTLE MORE AND THE CAR BOLTED FORWARD AT A DANGEROUS SPEED DIRECTLY INTO TRAFFIC WHICH COULD HAVE ALMOST KILLED ME. THIS WAS JUST ONE SITUATION, THERE ARE MANY OTHERS. THIS PROBLEM DOESN'T HAPPEN ON A PREDICTABLE BASIS AND CANNOT BE DUPLICATED WHEN DESIRED. THIS HAS HAPPED DOZENS OF TIMES OVER THE YEARS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SITUATION THEREFORE CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I SPOKE TO SOMEONE THERE AND HE SAID THAT HE HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ONE OF THEIR FLEET VEHICLES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE APP ( ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR) 2 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I PRESENTED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALERSHIP SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE CAR AND A COUPLE TIME AFTERWARDS OVER TIME TO GET THE SAME COMMENT THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT. LATELY IT HAS BECOME WORSE. Q#1 WHAT LAW COVERS A SITUATION WHEN AN OWNER PRESENTS THE SAME PROBLEM TO A DEALERSHIP DURING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE PERIOD AND IT IS DOCUMENTED AND AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES - IS IT STILL COVERED UNDER MFG EXPENSE? BASICALLY, IF A CAR IS TAKEN IN FOR A PROBLEM UNDER THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES IS IT STILL COVERED. IN MY OPINION I BELIEVE THAT THEY DENIED THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTED BECAUSE THIS WOULD PROVOKE A MASSIVE RECALL THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO PAY FOR. WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE TO MAKE THEM ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND REPAIR IT AT THEIR EXPENSE. Q#2 WHAT CAN I DO AT THIS STAGE? Q#3 WHAT CAN YOU DO AT THIS STAGE TO ENFORCE THIS?
NHTSA complaint #11208409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I DROVE MY CAR OUT THE GARAGE INTO THE COMMON ALLEY IN REVERSE, ONCE OUT THE GARAGE. WHEN I WAS OUT OF GARAGE ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR WITH THE GENIE , AND THE GARAGE DOOR WOULDN'T CLOSE . I DROVE THE CAR FURTHER AWAY FROM THE GARAGE/BUILDING IN REVERSE TO DETERMINE , WHETHER THE GENIE WOULD OPERATE FROM ANOTHER POSITION , NEXT THING I KNEW THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING UNCONTROLLABLY, BETWEEN 20 - 25 MILES PER HOUR IN REVERSE NEXT TO OUR BUILDING'S GARAGES . MY CAR ONLY STOPPED BECAUSE I SLAMMED INTO MY NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE , WHICH WAS 4 DOORS DOWN FROM MY OWN GARAGE . MY ACCELERATOR WAS ESSENTIALLY, FROZEN...A RUNAWAY ACCELERATOR. SIMILIAR INSTANCES WHILE I WAS IN THE DRIVE MODE , BUT JUST FOR QUITE , SHORT, TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11194834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM THE ORINGINAL OWNER 11-17. HE DIDNT INFORM ME OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASE I HAD A DEAD BATTERY. THEN I NOTICED THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACH WOULD STOP WORKING WHEN I WAS DRIVING, ALSO THE VSA WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN I WAS DRIVING. I SEARCHED ON LINE AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT MY SAME PROBLEMS, AND THAT THE DEALER WAS NO HELP AT ALL. I TRIED DISCONNECTING THE HANDS FREE LINK, BUT I STILL HAD A DEAD BATTERY THE NEXT DAY. THE ONLY SOLUTION I HAVE FOUND IS TO DISCONNECT MY BATTERY EVERY DAY WHEN I COME HOME. I REPLACED THE BATTERY IN JAN. 2018. THERE ARE ALSO RECEIPTS IN THE VEHICLE FROM THE ORIGANAL OWNER FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11084857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY DASHBOARD HAS TWO LONG VERTICAL CRACKS DIRECTLY OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AS NOTED BY THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS RECEIVED. THE CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED CONTINUOUSLY SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT OVER 7 YEARS. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT TO CAUSE THE CRACKING. IT IS A SERIOUS POTENTIAL AIRBAG SAFETY ISSUE. ACURA DOES NOT WANT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE DESPITE A MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS. MY WIFE WILL NO LONGER SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO FEAR FOR HER SAFETY AND POSSIBLE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11020876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARS HAD BEEN SLIPPING AND SLOW TO CHANGE OVER WITH A SUDDEN JERK OR LUNGE. THE RPMS WOULD RACE INTERMITTENTLY ONCE THE GEARS CHANGED AND THE ENGINE AND EMISSIONS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (RIVERTOWN HONDA, 4260 KENOWA AVE SW, GRANDVILLE, MI 49418, (616) 667-4500) CLEARED THE CODES, BUT THE CODES RETURNED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WITHIN 48 HRS. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE DEALER COULD PROVIDE A SOLUTION AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK AGAIN WITH NO SPECIFIC REPAIR SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10995333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUMMER OF 2014 I CAN TO A STOP LIGHT AT A COMPLETE STOP. MY TL TYPE S KEPT IDLE AT 3500 - 3700 RPM. DROVE THE CAR ABOUT QUARTER OF A MILE BEFORE HAVING TO SHUT OF THE ENGINE. THAT FIX THE PROBLEM FOR THE TIME BEING. THIS WOULD HAPPEN 2-5 TIMES A WEEK FOR THREE WEEKS UNTIL I FIGURED OUT THE CAUSE. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AT THE THROTTLE THAT WAS GETTING STUCK. EVENTUALLY JUST UNHOOKED THE CABLE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. HASN'T BEEN FIX SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #10916266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. UPDATED 02/21/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED DURING ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND JERK. LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES IN ACCESSORY MODE, THE BATTERY WOULD DIE. UPDATED 02/23/17.
NHTSA complaint #10913739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. VSA AND TRANSMISSION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I PULLED OVER TO A SAFE SPOT, TURNED THEY VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON. THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AND DRIVING SEEMED NORMAL, BUT AFTER DRIVING FURTHER IT HAPPENED AGAIN. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR, PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACED. THE NEXT DAY WE DROVE TO TEXAS FROM NC AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT MAY TAKE A MONTH FOR EVERYTHING TO REPROGRAM. WE GAVE IT A YEAR AND NOTHING CHANGED SO TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THE PART WAS NEVER REPLACED. WE PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACE AGAIN. PROBLEM IS NOW RESOLVED.
NHTSA complaint #10865748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND VSA WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THREE TIMES TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, AFTER THE CONTACT LEFT THE DEALER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.
NHTSA complaint #10863897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA TL. WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS GRADUALLY DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,700.
NHTSA complaint #10852272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DRIVING ALONG AND POWER GOES OUT. AS IF POPS OUT OF GEAR. BUT DO NOT HEAR A POPPING INTO AND OUT OF GEAR. THEN ALL THE SUDDEN POPS BACK INTO GEAR. THIS IS DANGEROUS. HIGH SPEED AND THEN POWER GOES OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10838478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
!!!WARNING THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!!! "CRUISE CONTROL CONTROL BOX DEFECT!" 2003 TL TYPE S AUTOMATIC 4 DOOR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL ON CAR ENGINE BEGAN TO REV OUT OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING, TRIED TO APPLY BRAKES BUT ENGINE IS TOO STRONG, ONCE VEHICLE HIT 80 MPH FROM THIS ON HIGHWAY I CALMLY TURNED IGNITION OFF ONE CLICK SO STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT LOCK AND COASTED TO SAFETY. I HAD TO DETACH MODULE AS WELL AS SPEED CONTROL WIRE GOING TO THE IDLE CONTROL OF ENGINE. IF I WAS INEXPERIENCED I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED EITHER BY GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT OR BY MY AIRBACK BEING DEPLOYED AND KILLED FROM THE TAKATA INFLATOR. "CLEAR COAT" 2003 TL TYPE S BLACK CLEAR COAT PAINT FLAKING OFF AND MASSIVELY DISCOLORED DUE TO THE DRY WINTER COLD AND THE UV HEAT DURING SUMMER. "INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING PROBLEM" 2003 TL TYPE S PROBLEM WITH PART OF INSTRUMENT PANEL WHERE ODOMETER IS AS WELL AS OUTSIDE TEMP NOT ILLUMINATING.
NHTSA complaint #10826034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.