Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The dashboard on 3rd generation Acura TL has a design defect to where they will crack all over. In the event of a crash which results in a passenger-side dashboard airbag deployment, the dashboard can rip uncontrollably and send shards of rubber flying at everyone's face in the car and prevent the airbag from deploying properly. This is a very well known problem with this generation of Acura TL and the dealership refuses to address as a warrantied safety concern.
The red air bag light on the dashboard has been on for many months. It will occasionally turn off, but usually it is on. Is there a recall for my 2004 Acura TL air bags? Thank you, [redacted]
I noticed that my power steering hose is all dirty and full of built up power steering fluid and my airbag light in the dash screen does not come off. I'm concerned the air bag will fail in the events of an accident
I was reading some other complaints here and this has also happened to my car. The dashboard is totally cracked surrounding the airbag and looks like the airbag will explode any time. I was actually just in an accident and it didn't explode, which makes me even more nervous. It looks horrible and is very expensive to replace. I have talked to several mechanics as well as a vinyl/leather repair place. The repair place won't touch it because it surrounds the airbag and could effect proper function. However, like I said, I was just hit in the front of my car and it didn't explode at all!
Turning into a lane in the town (in motion), a car ran a red light, t-boned the car driver side. Totaled the car and shifted the entire car across the frame. Steering wheel bag did not inflate. If it did it would have helped my injuries. Red lighted by a large 1/2 ton or more red truck at about 40-45 miles per hour.
I bought a certified used 2004 Acura TL in 2011. The car was in awesome shape. Then in oct. 2014, I noticed two cracks running from the windshield almost to the glove box. It appeared to outline the airbag on the passenger side. Hairline cracks in the first couple of weeks. Then a cold spell hit and the cracks became much larger. Now a crack is running across the airbag area. I am very concerned about safety due to the airbag being compromised by a cracked dash. I took it to the dealer where I have purchased 3 Acura TL's for my family. They told me that it was a very well known problem but there was no recall on this issue. They suggested using leather conditioner to soften the dash in hopes of stopping the spread of the cracks. They blamed it on armer all type product usage on the dash. They even gave me a leather conditioner kit to apply. …
In the last 10 days, the SRS dash light came on without a known incident. Researching online Acura information, many areas refers to cracking of the dashboard as a possible reason for the SRS light to stay on. Upon investigation, there is a 15 inch crack on the passenger side, going down the right side of the airbag placement. Reports say cracks will continue, Acura knows of the issue however will not recall or correct the issue. For the numerous reported issues of cracking dashboards, Acura should take the corrective action needed. This has been my best purchase to date and have unquestionable faith in the car. With the multitude of complaints about this same issue, how can it be ignored? Before this, I would not consider purchasing anything other than another Acura however a $36K vehicle should not have a known repetitive issue thru several years of models. …
In the last 10 days, the SRS dash light came on without a known incident. Researching online Acura information, many areas refers to cracking of the dashboard as a possible reason for the SRS light to stay on. Upon investigation, there is a 15 inch crack on the passenger side, going down the right side of the airbag placement. Reports say cracks will continue, Acura knows of the issue however will not recall or correct the issue. For the numerous reported issues of cracking dashboards, Acura should take the corrective action needed. This has been my best purchase to date and have unquestionable faith in the car. With the multitude of complaints about this same issue, how can it be ignored? Before this, I would not consider purchasing anything other than another Acura however a $36K vehicle should not have a known repetitive issue thru several years of models. …
In the last 10 days, the SRS dash light came on without a known incident. Researching online Acura information, many areas refers to cracking of the dashboard as a possible reason for the SRS light to stay on. Upon investigation, there is a 15 inch crack on the passenger side, going down the right side of the airbag placement. Reports say cracks will continue, Acura knows of the issue however will not recall or correct the issue. For the numerous reported issues of cracking dashboards, Acura should take the corrective action needed. This has been my best purchase to date and have unquestionable faith in the car. With the multitude of complaints about this same issue, how can it be ignored? Before this, I would not consider purchasing anything other than another Acura however a $36K vehicle should not have a known repetitive issue thru several years of models. …
Takada recall I am hoping you can find out information for 2004 TL owners. Honda and Acura's for the years 2001-03 and 05 and beyond have been included in the Takata recall. I find it hard to believe that 04 Acura tls have airbags sourced from a company other than Takata. And I have been unable to find any reliable information out from Acura or Honda. I would like to understand why the 04 Acura tls are not listed in the recall, yet Acura and Honda cars in the years before and after 04 are. I even contacted the dealership about having a proactive air bag replacement even though the 04 Acura TL is currently not part of the recall. I was told they could replace the airbag, but that the replacement would be the same airbag that the car was manufactured with. …
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011…
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Airbag complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2004 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 199 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Acura TL, 36% of the model year's 551 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (43 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Acura TL airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-182 (inflator module, Mar 6, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Acura TL airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 1% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 9 injuries to air bags 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.