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ProblemsByVinFile / 2008-ACURA-TLNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2008 · Acura
Acura TL problems
124 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
7.0 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 TL?
Avoid — the steering
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
5 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the steering
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2008 TL· steering
2008 Acura tl. Consumer writes in regards to power steering feed hose leak recall repairs. *smd the consumer is seeking reimbursement for the repair he paid for. *jb
12" vertical crack on passenger side dashboard, found many complaints of same nature on the internet and one here, here is the complaint found here: my 2008 tl dashboard started to crack in august over the passenger airbag area. Now in september there are at least 3 lengthy…
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Acura tl type-s. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the rear of his vehicle while he was stopped. The dealer stated that a switch underneath the dashboard was broken which made the brake lights inoperable. As of december 26, 2007,…
There is a long gash in the dashboard by the passenger airbag. Apparently this is a known issue based on internet searches and Acura has not issued any recall for the same even though it poses a potential safety risk. I reached out to Acura corporate and their response was that…
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Honda is recalling 273,000 my 2004-2008 Acura tl vehicles
Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire.
Fix: 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).
Affinia is recalling certain aftermarket front suspension lower ball joints, napa part no
Misapplication of this part could lead to separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm and collapse of the front suspension, which could potentially cause a vehicle crash.
Fix: Affinia is working with napa to identify any owners that have had this part mistakenly installed on to an Acura tl vehicle, and will replace the part free of charge. The safety recall began on july 20, 2011. Owners may contact affinia group's warranty administrator at 1-815-759-7757.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles
If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy. Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners of these vehicles beginning on October 26, 2012, and will notify these owners again when parts are available so those vehicles can be brought to dealers for applications of the free remedy. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Acura TL reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Acura TL is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2008 Acura TL?
On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Acura TL is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the steering; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Acura TL?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 33 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 98,957 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 98,957 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Acura TL has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Acura TL?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 124 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Acura/TL.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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