Owner Notification Letter - The vehicle's steering may feel heavier than normal - or is hard to turn - particularly when the vehicle is not moving because of an electric power steering (EPS) control unit failure. If this happens, either the EPS indicator blinks with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored, or the EPS indicator comes on steady with at least one of the following DTCs stored: DTC 32-09, DTC 32-08, or DTC 61-04.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Acura TL steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Acura TL have filed 27 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 82,143 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 TL | 25 |
| 2013 TL (this page) | 27 |
When does it fail?
Of the 27 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Acura TL, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Steering accounts for 44% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
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.
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.
Owner Notification Letter - The vehicle's steering may feel heavier than normal - or is hard to turn - particularly when the vehicle is not moving because of an electric power steering (EPS) control unit failure. If this happens, either the EPS indicator blinks with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored, or the EPS indicator comes on steady with at least one of the following DTCs stored: DTC 32-09, DTC 32-08, or DTC 61-04.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty on the EPS (electric power steering) control unit to 15 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles. This warranty covers vehicles where the steering feels heavier than normal, or is hard to turn, particularly when the vehicle is not moving, and either the EPS indicator blinks with no DTCs, or the EPS indicator comes on steady with DTC 32-09 (motor current correlation), DTC 32-08 (EPS control unit internal circuit [current sensor]), or DTC 61-04 (motor harness malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Dealer Message - On April 19, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2012-14 Acura TL vehicles to address a concern with the electric power steering (EPS) system. On June 1, 2019, Acura announced an expansion to include coverage for the 2011-14 TSX L4 and TSX Sport Wagon L4, four cylinder models. Today, July 11, 2019 is announcing the final expansion to this warranty extension to include certain 2011-14 TSX V6, six cylinder models. Under certain conditions, affected vehicles may experience: - Heavier than normal steering - The EPS indicator may blink with no DTCs - The indicator may come on steady with EPS DTC(s)."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Dealer Message - On April 19, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2012-14 Acura TL vehicles to address a concern with the electric power steering (EPS) system. Today, June 1, 2019, Acura is announcing a vehicle population expansion to this warranty extension to also include coverage for the 2011-14 TSX L4 and TSX Sport Wagon L4, four cylinder models. Under certain conditions, affected vehicles may experience: - Heavier than normal steering - The EPS indicator may blink with no DTCs - The indicator may come on steady with EPS DTC(s)."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Acura TL has a widespread EPS failure problem that strikes both intermittently and catastrophically. Owners report the system failing anywhere from 30,700 to over 111,000 miles, with most cases clustering in the 60,000–75,000-mile range.
The failure pattern is clear: the Check Power Steering System warning light comes on, steering becomes extremely hard to turn or locks completely, and power assist vanishes. Early occurrences sometimes reset after restarting the engine, but the problem returns unpredictably and eventually becomes permanent.
The real danger surfaces when this happens at highway speeds—40 to 70 mph. Drivers lose steering control mid-maneuver with zero advance warning. Several owners report they lacked the physical strength to turn the rigid steering wheel, and one notes his wife couldn't have managed it at all. One owner was unable to make a left turn and plowed straight through a parking lot; another had to cross a median ahead of oncoming traffic.
Dealers diagnose a failed EPS control module. Replacement costs range from $1,000 to $1,200 for the part plus labor, though cascading failures can push bills to $4,200. Some vehicles get towed because owners won't risk driving them.
Acura extended the EPS warranty after complaints surfaced, but owners who paid out of pocket before the announcement faced uphill battles for reimbursement. Dealers sometimes cannot replicate the problem even when it's actively occurring, complicating diagnosis.
Same Acura TL steering reports on nearby years: 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Module Failure
The EPS control module or unit fails, causing partial or complete loss of power steering assistance. This occurs both intermittently (can be temporarily reset by restarting the vehicle) and permanently. When it fails, the steering wheel becomes extremely heavy and difficult or impossible to turn, requiring significant physical force even at low speeds.
When: Mileage range 30,700–111,000 miles; most commonly reported between 60,000–75,000 miles. Failures occur while driving at various speeds (city traffic, 40–70 mph highway speeds).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn or completely locks up; Check Power Steering System or Electronic Power Steering warning light illuminates; Audible beeping or alarm sounds; Power steering assist completely lost; Intermittent loss followed by temporary recovery on restart (early occurrences); Loss of steering control in the middle of driving maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: EPS control module replacement costs cited by owners: $780–$1,200 for part, $420 labor, plus towing. One owner reported total repair bill of $4,200 (including cascading failures of rack & pinion, EPS sensors, and steering computer module). No trouble codes recorded in some cases despite intermittent failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acura extended the EPS system warranty (15-year extended warranty mentioned by one owner). Some owners received notice of extended warranty after paying for repairs out of pocket. Acura may honor reimbursement claims for repairs performed before warranty extension announcement, though outcomes vary. Dealer diagnostic difficulty: some dealers cannot replicate the problem even when owners report it occurring frequently.
Intermittent Power Steering Failure with Restart Recovery
Power steering fails intermittently during driving, with steering becoming stiff and hard to turn. Restarting the vehicle temporarily restores function, but the problem recurs unpredictably. Eventually the failure becomes permanent and no restart recovers it.
When: Early-stage failures at mileage ranging from 30,700 to 75,000+ miles; can occur multiple times over several days before becoming permanent.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes very hard to turn mid-drive; Check Power Steering System warning light illuminates; Restart of vehicle temporarily restores power steering; Unpredictable recurrence over hours or days; Failure can occur during turns or while driving straight
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as EPS control unit failure. One owner's vehicle diagnosed with intermittent EPS module failure at 59,711 miles; control unit replaced at cost of $1,026.29. AAA service center noted no trouble code was recorded and failure was considered intermittent with likelihood of return.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty available, though not retroactively applied to owners who paid for repairs before announcement.
Sudden Complete Power Steering Loss at Highway Speed
Without warning, power steering assistance completely ceases while the vehicle is moving at interstate or highway speeds (40–70 mph). Steering wheel becomes extremely rigid and requires all available physical strength to maneuver the car safely off the road. This creates an acute safety hazard, especially for drivers of smaller stature or reduced strength.
When: Reported at various mileages (59,711 to 111,000+ miles) and speeds ranging 40–70 mph on highways, interstates, and rural roads.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering assistance at driving speed; Steering wheel becomes rigid and extremely difficult to turn; Check Power Steering or Electronic Power Steering warning light; No advance warning before loss of power; Loss of vehicle control mid-maneuver
Repairs/costs cited: EPS control module replacement required. Repair costs documented at $1,000+; one comprehensive repair bill totaled $4,200. Several owners had vehicles towed rather than risk driving them.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended EPS warranty offered by Acura after complaints filed. Owners note that recall status has not been initiated despite the safety-critical nature of failures.
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
I was driving my 2013 Acura Tl on my way to work and suddenly I got an electronic power steering error that resulted in my steering wheel stiff and I had to use all my strength to pull over to the emergency lane. The vehicle's steering became very heavy and was very hard to turn. I am fortunate not to be in an accident when it occurred. There is so many people with Acura TL having this issue and…
2013 Acura tl steering got locked after check power steering system, this is very risky if I was on highway and would have happen during driving. Such problems needs to be addressed by co asap as this is life threatening to driver including passengers in vehicle during problem. Steering is locked and can't move in any direction.
The car lost power steering completely while highway driving. Steering almost impossible to manage and a weaker/smaller/frail individual could not. Turning from a stop even more difficult. No warnings were given and the car was maintained religiously. The vehicle did have 109,000 miles but I have noticed numerous incidents reported online about the same problem with fewer miles. Power steering…
In july 2020, with 82143 miles, my power steering completely stopped working.
Lost power steering while driving. Also at the same time tire pressure monitoring system lit up saying tires were low, when checked the tires were at proper pressure.
I was driving home with my kids and the steering practically locked up, but I was still going about 50 MPH. Thankfully, we didn't get hit while I guided the car over to stop safely. The panel just told me to check the steering system... While I was trying not to get hit after losing all power to my steering with no warning while driving. Had vehicle towed home, as it was nighttime. Now I have to…
Could had an accident I was on the freeway and all of a sudden the light on my car came on saying that the power steering had gone out at that time I realize that I could not control the car it was hard I had to get a feel for it to turn it so I could pull off to the side and then that's when I called aaa to come and tow the car because I could not steer it. My car has 75,000 miles only. That's a…
I was driving my 2013 Acura tl on the interstate when I got an 'electronic power steering ' error that resulted in my steering wheel required me to use all my strength to pull over to the emergency lane. The vehicle's steering became very heavy and was very hard to turn. I am fortunate that my wife was not driving, because she would not have had the strength to pull over to the emergency lane…
While crossing median ahead of oncoming traffic, electric power steering lost power, leaving me unable to steer to avoid collision. Steering warning began to flash but gave no advance warning. I was not strong enough to steer the car. Engine was running. Car is available for inspection. Honda dealer said they had never seen this problem. Power steering is still inoperative and the dealer says…
While backing out of my garage the check "electronic power system" indicator light came on as I was backing into the street out of my driveway. As I entered the street the steering wheel locked and would not let me turn the wheel to complete turning to straighten the wheels to drive forward. I was literally stuck in the middle of the street and I live on the downside of a hill so cars can't see…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 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 2013 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 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 67,000 and 111,000 miles, with the median around 82,143. A quarter of owners report trouble before 67,000; a quarter make it past 111,000. 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/2013/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.