Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
TL* the contact owns a 2000 Acura TL. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light continuously illuminated.the failure recurred each time the vehicle was started. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02V080000 (air bags). The contact also stated that the vehicle would not start until after several attempts. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V025000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
TL* the contact owns a 2000 Acura TL. The contact stated that while at a stop and attempting to park the vehicle, the contact was able to remove the key from the ignition while the gear shifter was in the drive position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 05V025000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
When turning car off ignition transmission interlock failed and the car was left in neutral and after exiting car it rolled backward (on a hillside) & hit parked truck. Very risky! I didn't know that Acura TL had prior years (thru 99) that were recalled. Also Honda had other models in later years with the same problem. Called national Honda 800 and they verified not covered. I had fixed, but Honda is putting public at risk!
At the time of this text, the car is at an Acura service center. The interior has become soaked with water affecting the battery & possibly other components. The continuous problem, creating a damp & very wet interior, has caused mold to form everywhere inside the car, I am a severe asthmatic & this has been extremely detrimental to my health. I will be providing documentation as soon as I receive it.
TL* the contact owns a 2000 Acura TL. On several occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
TL contact owns a 2000 Acura TL. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for a routine maintenance check. He mentioned that he discovered NHTSA campaign id number 05V025000 (electrical system:ignition:switch) for his year, make, and model vehicle. The dealer stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was concerned that the electronic ignition system would be in the drive position and he would be able to remove the key from the ignition, possibly resulting in the vehicle rolling. The contact was indeed able to remove the key from the ignition while the gear was in drive. The dealer stated that he would get back to the contact regarding the repair and cover the cost if it was less than $150. The current and failure mileages were approximately 110,400.
My key can be pulled from the ignition without first putting the shifter in park. If the emergency brake isn't applied the car can roll but cannot be steered. It is dangerous. Acura and Honda have a number of recalls for this issue, including some 2000 TL vins but apparently doesn't include my VIN under the recall. The description of the recall exactly matches my symptoms and it is a serious safety issue and a very expensive repair. Onset date and mileage are approximate. I've been living with this problem for years hoping that Acura would eventually recognize that they are responsible for this and pay for the repair.
2000 Acura TL. Consumer states unintended acceleration causing a crash. As the consumer backed out from a parking space and proceeded to drive, the vehicle accelerated out of control with fierce force and speed and spun around in circles several times. Finally, the vehicle hit a post in the parking lot. The momentum caused the consumer to hit two parked cars. The police were called, however they had no authority to investigate since the accident happened on private property. An inspection of the vehicle was ordered, but nothing was found wrong.
TL* the contact owns a 2000 Acura 3.2 TL. The contact stated that when activating the air conditioner, no air would blow from the vents. Upon further inspection, he found that the electrical connector was melted and causing the failure. The contact repaired the vehicle by replacing the connector and blower motor. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. Updated 9/27/11 the consumer stated the electrical connector burned and melted as well as the fan. Updated 10/07/11
Ignition key switch intermittently works and then does not; causing the car to stall or not start. The car can be induced to start by shaking (vibrating) the keys while the key is in the ignition switch slot. This has the same symptoms as the Honda recall of the 1999 Acura TL & cl's (along with various other Honda models). The symptoms that LED to the previous recall caused the car to stall during operation putting the driver (& passengers) at risk of an accident. My vehicle is a 2000 Acura TL and thus not covered by the recall.
Related recalls
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.
NHTSA investigations
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…
Electrical complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2000 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Acura TL, 10% of the model year's 249 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Acura TL electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-025 (switch, Jan 28, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Acura TL electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.