power steering leaking fluid
2006 Acura TL steering problems
moderate 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 27 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Acura TL, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Acura TL in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2006 Acura TL has widespread steering and power steering system defects, particularly hose leaks starting around 80,000 miles that can damage the pump and create fire hazards. Owners report repeated failures even after dealer repairs and frustration with warranty disclaimers and unresponsive manufacturer support.
Power steering hose cracks are the dominant failure mode in these narratives, starting as early as 70,000 miles and peaking between 100,000 and 170,000 miles. Owners describe moaning noises when turning, stiff steering, and fluid leaking from under the car—often pooling on the catalytic converter and creating smoke in the engine bay. NHTSA Recall 08V091000 addressed this (2004-2008 TL hose deterioration due to high under-hood heat), but owners report that replacement hoses sometimes fail again within months.
Secondary damage to the steering pump occurs once fluid is depleted, making the steering extremely difficult to manage at low speeds—parking and maneuvering become a struggle. Some owners cite unusual steering column noises (whining, grinding) that persist despite multiple dealer repairs (axle replacement, bearing work). A few narratives report hard steering feel that dealers dismiss as normal for the model.
Steering rack leaks also emerge, particularly between 70,000 and 100,000 miles, with one owner noting this is unusual for mileage so low and pointing to widespread complaints on Acura owner forums. One owner reported a steering wheel detaching from the column at 160,000 miles without explanation.
A separate concern is front subframe bushing failure (design issue for 2004-2008 models per technician notes), causing shaking and wobbling. Owners consistently report manufacturer refusal to cover repairs after warranty expiration, even when recalls exist, and frustration with dealer runarounds and high out-of-pocket costs ($1,650+ for rack/pump replacement in one case).
Same Acura TL steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering hose crack and leak
High-pressure power steering hose deteriorates prematurely and cracks, allowing fluid to leak. Fluid often leaks onto the hot catalytic converter, creating smoke and fire risk. Some owners report replacing hoses only to experience repeat leaks.
When: 80,000 to 170,000 miles; one owner at 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Moaning or whining noise when turning steering wheel; Steering wheel stiffness and difficulty turning; Smoke from engine compartment; Odor of burning hydrocarbons in cabin; Fluid leaking under front of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Hose replacement; steering pump damage also reported ($1,650+ for pump replacement in one case); owners cite repeated failures after replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 08V091000 (08V-091) and 19E068000 addressed power steering hose deterioration; recall issued for 2004-2008 models due to prolonged high under-hood temperatures causing premature hose crack and leak
Power steering rack leakage
Steering rack develops leaks from end seals or inside the boot, causing fluid loss. Reported as unusual for vehicles with relatively low mileage. Owner forums indicate this is a widespread issue in the 2006 TL generation.
When: 70,000 to 170,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid leaking from steering rack; Stiff steering feel; Moaning noise when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement; estimated cost $1,650+ in one case; one owner cited hundreds of similar complaints on Acurazine forums
Power steering pump damage
Steering pump becomes damaged as a secondary failure, typically following a hose leak that allows fluid to escape and reduces fluid level. Pump damage results in very stiff, difficult-to-manage steering.
When: 120,000+ miles; often follows hose leak events
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely stiff steering; Difficulty parking and maneuvering; Hard steering wheel in low-speed turns
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement costs mentioned as part of total steering system repair; owners note manufacturer often disclaims responsibility, attributing damage to owner neglect rather than component defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers (Acura/Honda) typically disclaim responsibility for pump damage, citing warranty expiration and claiming it is a secondary failure not covered under recall
Steering wheel difficult to turn at low speeds
Vehicle becomes unexpectedly hard to steer, especially during parking-lot maneuvers, K-turns, and parallel parking. Some owners report the steering system becomes very difficult to turn when the wheel must be moved quickly to full lock. Dealer sometimes attributes this to normal operation for the TL model.
When: Various ages; reported at 120,000+ miles; one at 240,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Difficult steering during low-speed maneuvers; Very stiff wheel response when turning to full lock; Potential safety issue during avoidance maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer-replaced steering rack and tires in one case; dealers sometimes claim this is normal for the model
Steering column noise and vibration
Abnormal noises—whining, moaning, grinding—emanate from the steering column or under the hood when the wheel is turned. Vibration and loud noise may accompany difficult steering. Multiple repair attempts (axle replacement, bearing repair) have failed to resolve the issue in some cases.
When: 120,000 to 181,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal whining or moaning noise when steering; Loud grinding noise from steering column; Steering wheel vibration at low speeds; Noise becomes louder when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Front axle replacement and carrier bearing repair attempted in one case but did not resolve the issue; independent mechanic found cracked power steering hose in another
Steering wheel detachment from column
Steering wheel unexpectedly separates from the steering column without warning while accelerating from a stop. Technician was unable to determine cause when wheel was re-attached.
When: 160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel detached from steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel re-attached by independent mechanic; cause undetermined
Power steering system overheating with fluid on catalytic converter
High-temperature under-hood conditions combined with hose leaks cause power steering fluid to spray onto the catalytic converter, generating smoke and creating an under-hood fire hazard. Owners report being afraid of continued leakage triggering a fire.
When: 80,000 to 170,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment; Smoke billowing into cabin through open windows; Burning hydrocarbon odor in passenger compartment
Repairs/costs cited: New high-pressure hose obtained in one case; owner concerned repeated failure may occur
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 08V091000 addressed this hazard, citing prolonged high under-hood temperatures causing hose deterioration
Front subframe fatigue and bushing failure
Passenger-side front subframe metal exhibits fatigue in the area where the compliance bushing is mounted. Torn bushings pop through, causing shaking and wobbling in the steering and suspension. Technician noted this is a design issue for 2004-2008 models that Acura later corrected.
When: 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wobbling and shaking sensation while driving; Torn bushings popping through
Repairs/costs cited: Subframe bushing replacement estimated at $681; technician confirmed this is a known design issue for 2004-2008 TL models that was later corrected in redesigned body style
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
2006 Acura tl issues with component suspension:front: control arm: lower ball joint- steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections- cracked dashboard leaves exposures to the actual airbags on the vehicle. *ln*jb
Recall incomplete
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Acura tl. While driving 20 MPH in second gear, the vehicle shook violently and the steering wheel vibrated and made a whining noise. In addition, the check engine, transmission, and power steering warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The…
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Acura TL?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Acura TL?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 70,000 and 170,000 miles, with the median around 120,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 170,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Acura/TL.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.