Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 while driving at 60 MPH with her mother in the front passenger's side seat, her mother informed her that the vehicle was bouncing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front lower control arms, shocks, and bushings were replaced; however, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side of the vehicle dropped significantly and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11E022000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
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. …
I was driving and all of a sudden I hit a pot hole and then when I went to take a turn my car ended up making a shaking rattling sound when I pulled to to side to check it the ball joint was half way out of the control arm
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.
The aftermarket ultra-power k500117 {#51210sepa01} (economy) ball joint represents a severe safety hazard. It can result in separation of the lower control arm. The jpg ultra-power k500117 {#51210sepa01} (economy) after failure shows the lower control bushing ripped from the llower control arm. Jpg beck/arnley 1027932 bushing close-up is identical design as the Acura OEM part. This bushing is pressed into the control arm from the top. From the factory, once the ball joint is in place, the retainer nut holds both the ball joint and bushing securely in the control arm. The factory flanged nut is larger than the bushing diameter as to ensure contact with the control arm underside. Observe the nut in .jpg ultra-power k500117 {#51210sepa01} (economy)'s. It is a standard lock nut. The diameter is too small. It makes no contact with the control arm, but rather seats directly to the bushing. …
TL* the contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. After exiting the highway and pulling into a store parking lot, the vehicle was briefly parked. Upon restarting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal noise and the vehicle was unable to be driven. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lower control arm prematurely fractured, which caused the entire axle to fracture. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the axle, ball joints, and lower control arm needed to be replaced. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11e022000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 200,897.
TL* the contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. While driving 3 MPH over a speed bump, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise and the front driver's side of the vehicle detached. The vehicle was towed to a storage yard. The contact inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the ball joint had separated. The contact stated that this was not the first failure. The vehicle was also towed to jaggs auto service where it was diagnosed that the ball joint had separated. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 11e022000 (suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
I have not been contacted about the airbag recall, the potential problem with the accelerator pedal and the driver side lower ball joint recall. Several years ago I exited a highway, came to a stop sign and when I made a right turn the drivers side ball joint broke. I had the repair done and luckily I didn't hurt ao or myself. Thank you stay safe. I think it was in 2015.
I was driving my 2004 Acura TL on a recently repaved highway when the wheel fell off the axle without warning. There were no preceding noises or changes in handling. Fortunately, I was able to pull off the road quickly and avoid injury. The car is still under warranty, so I contacted Acura tlc service and was towed to the nearest dealer's referring auto body shop. Acura evaluated the car, and the service manager told me that it would not be covered under warranty, and to file a claim with my insurance. The auto body mechanics and my insurance adjuster both felt that it should be covered under warranty. Acura dealership was contacted by the auto body shop and asked to take a second look; they declined. I contacted Acura client services and requested a regional service manager to evaluate the car. They declined. …
Suspension complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2004 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the suspension of the 2004 Acura TL, 5% of the model year's 551 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower ball joint (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Acura TL suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2004 Acura TL, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Acura TL suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to suspension 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.