Problems · NHTSA complaints

2008 Acura TL problems

Owners filed 124 complaints about the 2008 Acura TL with NHTSA between Dec 2007 and Mar 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (34).

Complaints
124
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags34
  2. Steering26
  3. Structure20
  4. Electrical system15
  5. Engine10
  6. Vehicle speed control9
  7. Power train8
  8. Suspension7
  9. Seats6
  10. Engine and engine cooling5
  11. Service brakes4
  12. Electronic stability control (esc)3
  13. Wheels3
  14. Seat belts3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20071
20082
20098
20106
20112
20126
20133
201416
201514
201610
201711
201812
201914
20202
20215
20225
20231
20243
20252
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

34 reports1 crash
“I noticed a vertical straight line/crack in the dashboard of my 2008 Acura TL located on the passenger side, which is directly in the area of the air bag system. Oddly enough it seemed to appear literally overnight. I’ve noticed the crack seems to expand when in cooler temperatures, however the crack appears to fuse back together when the temperature is warmer and/or hot outside, which is concerning in itself. My vehicle has been stored in a garage since it’s purchase and when not in use a sunshade is used to protect the dash when exposed outside. I am very concerned that there may be a bigger problem with the air bag system that may result in the air bags being inadvertently deployed resulting in an accident, injury or even greater death. Internet searches reveal this a common problem among individuals similarly situated with the same make and model, and Acura is apparently aware. My vehicle is regularly serviced and maintained at the Acura Dealership in Memphis. I have reached out to the dealership regarding this issue, however I have not heard back from them regarding a possible resolution. I believe this issue warrants some type of safety recall before…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 26, 2021Air bagsODI 11422396

Steering

26 reports1 crash5 fires2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds or while making a left or right turn, the steering wheel became stiff and excessive force was required to steer the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. It was unknown whether the vehicle was previously diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 11, 2025SteeringODI 11704570

Structure

20 reports
“The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the passenger's side dashboard was cracked near the passenger's side air bag housing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 2, 2022StructureODI 11463069

Electrical system

15 reports1 fire
“The contact owns 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing battery drainage failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after sitting for long periods without being driven. The contact stated that the battery was replaced six times however, the failure recurred. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 7, 2024Electrical systemODI 11576016

Engine

10 reports3 fires
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 16, 2026Engine, Vehicle speed controlODI 11724562

Vehicle speed control

9 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2022Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11484998
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.