Most common 1999 Acura TL problems
Share of the 157 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura TL complaints by model year
Best TL years: 2011, 2014, 2009. Years to avoid: 2004, 2003, 2002, 2005, 2000. Compare all years →
1999 Acura TL recalls (4)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999…
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch May not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that confirms interlock function. Vehicles will be updated with a redesigned interlock lever free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2005.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles and Mini vans, the ignition switch May wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."
Remedy: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1999 Acura TL:
Ignition-park interlock
The above failure report counts are for model year (my) 1999 - 2001 Honda accord models that were not within the scope of a related Honda recall action (NHTSA 03V423); these vehicles were investigated by odi under defect petition (dp) 04-006.complaint information for other models and model years was not obtained by odi.the noted population indicates the number of vehicles (including the my 2002 accord plus the…
What 1999 Acura TL owners say
Electrical system all 58 →
At random times the engine dies while driving the car which has resulted in unsafe handling and loss of power steering while in traffic conditions. I was unaware of a recall (02V120000) until recently. I have owned this car sense 2002 and the current millage is 109,000 miles. I contacted Findlay Acura in Henderson NV. and they stated there was no recall on the ignition switch which I have recently found that there was as noted above. Can you contact the Dealer on my behalf as I am under the impression that the dealer is suppose to replace the defective part at no cost as it does cause an unsafe condition when it occurs. Engine just dies without warning. There has not been an independent assessment of the condition as it occurs on a random basis and of course, never occurs when you want it to.
My 99 will unexpectedly shut off while driving down the road whether it be 5 miles an hour or 60 miles an hour. When this happens all power is off then kicks itself back on but won't start until about 5 minutes to 10 minutes later and then runs smoothly but sometimes it will shut off again and take longer to start.
Transmission & drivetrain all 37 →
On July 23, 2011, my hand and elbow were permanently disabled, when my 1999 Acura TL rolled backwards down the driveway and knocked me down. As I tried to stop it from rolling down the driveway but the car won. The car was in park and the brake was engaged, but it still rolled backwards. The car had been in for service at least three times previous to the accident in 04-20-11,05-16-11, and 06-22-11. Each time, the car was taken to mungenast Acura for service yet not once did they mention the recall of the interlocking switch to repair this problem. Their negligence in this matter directly contributed to this accident and my permanent disability. They just replaced the switch when the car began to turn over but stall out as I reported to them 3-13-14. Their disregard for my safety and Honda's refusal to address my concerns about this problem has been outlandish. …
TL* the contact owns a 1999 Acura TL. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and the engine stopped. The brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to turn the key to the off position, shift into park, and turn the key in the ignition in order for the vehicle to start. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Two days later, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000. Updated 01/25/2017 the consumer has since sold the vehicle. Updated 02/14/17.
Engine & cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1999 Acura TL. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and the engine stopped. The brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to turn the key to the off position, shift into park, and turn the key in the ignition in order for the vehicle to start. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Two days later, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000. Updated 01/25/2017 the consumer has since sold the vehicle. Updated 02/14/17.
TL* the contact owns a 1999 Acura TL. The contact stated that when decelerating, the engine stalled and the key warning light illuminated. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
1999 Acura TL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Acura TL a good car?
Based on 157 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 TL rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the TL at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Acura TL?
The electrical system — 58 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (37) and engine & cooling (17).
How many recalls does the 1999 Acura TL have?
There are 4 recalls for the 1999 Acura TL, the most recent from January 17, 2020 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura TL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2014 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004, 2003, 2002, 2005 and 2000. See the full Acura TL years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Acura TL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 112,000 miles; 2% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.