Dealer message - In May 2010 and June 2012, American Honda announced a safety recall for 2004-08 TSX and 2007-08 TL due to a potentially leaking power steering feed hose. For some time, the countermeasure hoses and required repair parts have been in stock as part of special campaign parts kits available for dealer ordering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Acura TL steering problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 15 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Acura TL, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
POWER STEERING MOANS OR WHINES WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Fifteen owners of 2007 Acura TLs—predominantly Type S models—report premature power steering hose deterioration and fluid leaks. The high-pressure hose develops cracks or fails at connection points, typically between 63,000 and 92,000 miles. Leaking fluid runs directly onto the engine and catalytic converter, causing smoke, burning smell, and fire hazard. Multiple owners cite difficulty steering (especially at low speeds) and intermittent loss of power steering assist.
The core frustration: NHTSA campaign 08V091000 and recall 12V-222 address these exact hose failures in 2007–2008 TLs, but many Type S vehicles and other VINs are excluded despite showing identical symptoms. Owners report dealers acknowledging the problem (some replacement hoses now include a heat shield) while declining warranty coverage, claiming the vehicle isn't part of the recall. One owner paid over $250 for independent hose replacement before learning a recall existed for the same part.
One complaint describes pump leakage developing after dealer-performed recall service, with the dealership refusing repair. Another incident involves a crash attributed to simultaneous brake and steering failure at 76,000 miles, though dealer diagnosis later found both systems functional.
Owners consistently describe this as a safety oversight: Type S models use the same hose in the same location as recalled non-Type S models, yet remain excluded.
Same Acura TL steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering hose deterioration and leakage
Main power steering hose or high-pressure hose develops premature deterioration, cracks, or leaks, typically at connection points or areas near engine heat. Leaking fluid runs onto engine, catalytic converter, and other engine components, creating fire hazard.
When: 63,800–92,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid leaking from hose onto engine; Smoke or burning smell from engine compartment; Difficulty steering, especially at slow speeds; Power steering loss or going in and out intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of power steering hose; new hose includes heat shield in affected area. Owner reported spending over $250 at independent shop before learning of recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 08V091000 addresses hose issues in certain 2007–2008 TLs, but many Type S and other VINs not included despite matching symptoms. Recall 12V-222 also referenced. Acura declined assistance, citing vehicle outside warranty or not included in recall scope.
Power steering pump leakage after recall repair
Power steering pump began leaking after dealer completed hose recall repair work. Dealership refused to address or repair the pump damage allegedly caused by recall service.
When: Post-recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering pump leaking fluid after recall hose repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refused to repair pump damage following recall service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered by dealer.
Power steering system noise and loss of assist
Grinding or buzzing noise from steering system accompanied by sudden loss of power steering assist, particularly during or after sudden maneuvers.
When: 71,000–76,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Loud buzzing or whining noise from steering wheel; Grinding sound when turning steering wheel or starting vehicle; Sudden loss of power steering assist during driving
Repairs/costs cited: One incident involved crash into building after reported simultaneous brake and steering failure; dealer diagnostics found braking and steering systems working properly at inspection.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Power steering leak causing smoking, & squeaking along with difficult steering. There is a current recall on 2007 Acura tl but american Honda says it does not apply to the s-type. Not true, myself & several other tl-type s owners have had the same problem. If this leads to a fire, I will seek punitive damages against all parties who fail to address this high priority safety recall. *kb
The dash is prematurly cracking causing pieces to become potential projectiles if involved in an accident and the airbag deploys. The cracks may possibly also cause the airbag to not properly deploy. Also the powersteering pump is leaking fluid severely. There was a recall issued for every 2007 and 2008 tl, but specifically excluded the type s which is now showing the same symptoms and possible…
I was at the dealership to get my car service and found out that my power steering hose is leaking which in 2004 -2008 Acura tl recall but since I have 2007 Acura tl type s it is not under recall. Well it seems like my hose deteriorated and got worn out after 63,000 miles and now there is a leak which could potential cause major damage and lead to a fire. Dealer is telling me its not under…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Acura tl. The contact noticed a grinding sound when he started the vehicle. The contact also noticed a grinding sound while turning the steering wheel. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that power steering fluid was leaking from under the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.
After the voluntary recall for the power steering pump hose to be repaired, the power steering pump began leaking. The dealer will not fix or repair the damage they caused to the pump. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Acura TL?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 71,000 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 71,000; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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/2007/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.