Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at 10 - 15 mph, a burning odor was detected and smoke was coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact inspected under the hood and noticed there was fluid leaking onto the catalytic converter that was causing the smoke. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V091000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
I purchased this used car and while driving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assis) light comes on with the accompanying trianlge with exclamation point. When the light comes on while driving the car will tug you to the right. Once you stop the vehicle and turn off and re-start the light will turn off. As you drive again, the light comes on and tugs the vehicle to the right. When we purchased the vehicle I drove it home with my 16 year old (it is planned to be his first car) and I was on the highway going 60 and the VSA light came on and tugged the vehicle to the right. I did not lose control but it can definitely catch someone off guard and cause them to over correct. I took the car in to a local auto shop and they said there was a fault on the VSA module and a couple of other issues. …
In December of 2022, my power steering hoses were found to be leaking. This was confirmed by a local mechanic, but not any manufacturers or insurance reps. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to this happening. Upon my research, I noticed that there is a standing recall for the 2004 Acura TL, but not for my specific VIN. I believe that my issue may be related to this recall (08V-091) and believe this recall should be added to my vehicle.
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
After having my car in the shop for 2 weeks trying to figure out why the power steering won't stop freaking exploding when there is nothing wrong with any of the parts except the hoses going bad. I once again was left in the middle of a busy street with no power steering trying to muscle my way back to the shop. This is ridiculousssssss. Why are they not telling us their cars have issues!!!!!
The steering shaft assembly and control arms that connect to the tie rods, sway bars and links to cv axle and I beleive rack and pinion suspension came apart from the tires and caused me to lose control of my vehicle with my child as a passenger which resulted in an accident. We are both very lucky to be alive as we were in route to travel the interstate before this crash occured.
TL* the contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking power steering fluid and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the power steering hose had a leak and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V091000 (steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 174,000.
TL* the contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. While making a left turn, the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V091000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
I have Acura TL 2004 well maintained service on time . One day it's raining and I drive around 10 MPH and after some time my steering was froze I can't move I about to get crashed then I think it might be due to steering fluid I check its almost good then I drive next few days and problem gone but again when it's raining it did same thing.im scared to drive that car in raining . It's only bad in raining I don't know why. It also has sometime airbag warning on in rain .
TL contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact smelled burning oil while driving at an unknown speed. He pulled over and noticed smoke coming out of the hood. Whenever the contact turns the vehicle, smoke entered through the vents and out of the hood. He examined the vehicle and noticed that the power steering hose was leaking fluid. The contact has not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The current mileage was 110,000 and failure mileage was 109,000.
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Honda is recalling 273,000 my 2004-2008 Acura tl vehicles. Prolonged high under-hood temperatures May cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid.
Remedy: 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).
Steering complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Acura TL, 6% of the model year's 551 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Acura TL steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-091 (hose, piping, and connections, Feb 27, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Acura TL steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 150,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.