Should I buy a 2008 Acura TL with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2008 Acura TL steering problems

severe 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$700

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 08V091000 27/02/2008

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).

severe NHTSA 12V222000 17/05/2012

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.

What owners are reporting 4 most recent

steering · filed 12/31/2015

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

steering · filed 12/14/2020

FEBRUARY 2020 GOING DOWNHILL AT 30MPH ON A CURVED ROAD, AND MY WHEEL SNAPS TO THE RIGHT THANKS TO RECALLED BALL JOINTS!!!!!!!!! HIT THE CURB, SNAPPED MY ROTOR IN HALF AND THE BRAKE LINE. LOWER CONTROL ARM WENT THRU MY CRADLE. SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL WITH NO STEERING AND NO FREAKING BRAKES AT ALL. OUT OF NOWHERE! TOTALED SUSPENSION ALL THE WAY AROUND. ONLY FREAKIN AIRBAG TO GO OFF WAS THE PASSENGER…

steering · filed 12/11/2025

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…

steering · filed 12/07/2011

MY ACURA TL IS A TYPE S. THEY HAVE A RECALL FOR THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE ON THE TL BUT NOT THE TYPE S. MY HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE IS LEAKING IN THE SAME PLACE AS ALL THE OTHER TLS (VERIFIED BY NUMEROUS ACURA FORUMS). IT IS LEAKING DIRECTLY ON THE EXHAUST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SMOKE CAN BE SMELLED AT ALL SPEEDS WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS DEFINITELY A FI…

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Acura TL?

It's a meaningful issue. 26 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

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?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.