Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
This complaint refers to the original equipment tires (Bridgestone el-42, 235/45-17 93w ) supplied on the 2004 Acura TL with 6 speed manual transmission. After just a short time I have found this tire to be entirely unsafe and unsuitable to this vehicle. I believe that both Acura and Bridgestone should be held responsible for replacing this tire on all existing vehicles. This tire exhibits unsafe characteristics in wet weather, with noticeable drift and hydroplaning in any amount of standing water, even as little as 1/16 inch. In heavy rains, even with no standing water present, the tire seems incapable of dispersing water as quickly as it falls, again leading to vehicle instability. …
Forty eight days after purchasing a new set of pirelli p6 four season tires p235/45r17 for our 2004 Acura, my husband and I were crossing the chesapeake bay bridge, going approximately 35 miles an hour. About 3/4's of the way across the bridge, we heard a loud bang and the car instantly became more difficult to control. My husband was driving, and as there is no place to stop on the bridge, slowed down to a crawl and continued about a mile until he could safely pull over. There was nothing but the remains of sidewall on the rim. The police officer and the tow truck driver said they'd not seen anything like it but that we were correct in not stopping on the bridge. Upon research, we found that this complaint of a sudden blow-out has come up several times with this particular tire. …
During routine oil change on our 2004 Acura TL at 12,000 miles, excessive tread wear was noted by Acura mechanic on front OEM Bridgestone turanza el42 tires. Tire size is p235/45r17 (this complaint form did not have the correct size option to select). Said tires should be replaced. Finding it hard to believe these tires would last only 12,000 miles, we got a 2nd opinion by a non-Acura garage and they agreed tires were worn and should be replaced. Acura said premature wear was most likely due to "front end being out of alignment" or possibly "wrong tire pressure" (later found not to be the case when Acura replaced the tires). No mention of any problems with tires themselves. Trusting Acura's experience and expertise, we purchased and had them install two new el42s. Since then, we have learned that we are just one of many to have quality and safety problems with these tires. …
TL contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The vehicle has Goodyear Eagle tires. The contact stated that there was a TSB number 05-076 that was issued by Acura. The TSB pertains to tire wear when the vehicle is loaded. The contact purchased brand new tires in December of 2007. He took a road trip with 5,000 miles on the tires. The trip was 5,600 miles. While driving 75 MPH, he noticed that the tires were bald a couple of days ago. He called the Acura dealer and informed them of the failure. The dealer stated that they would repair the tires with the towing issue and the TSB, but would not replace the tires. The tires are both on the rear of the vehicle. The tire size was unknown. The failure mileage was 29,000. Updated 09/10/08 the consumer didn't believe the problem was with the tires. He believed it had to do with the poor design of the vehicle. …
TL contact owns a 2004 Acura TL. The contact replaced four sets of Bridgestone tires, size p23545r17 (na) due to inner tread wear. The dealer informed him of technical service bulletin number 05-050, dated January of 2006. The bulletin stated that the 2004 Acura TL can only use Bridgestone turanza el42 tires. The contact feels that Acura should have informed their customers of the required tires for the vehicle at the time of purchase. When the contact replaced the tires, he requested that the manufacturer assist with the cost; however, they refused and insisted that the vehicle had after market tires. The dot number was unknown. The failure mileage was 12,800 and current mileage was 39,400. Updated 4/21/08 the consumer stated tires were replaced with falken ziex ze512 p235/45r17 on 09/05 and 01/07. …
The vibration in the Bridgestone el42 turanza tires on 2004 Acura TL resulted in accident in February 2004 and $1500 worth of undercarriage damage. Flatspotting and vibration in tires caused loss of control of the vehicle when attempting to stop the vehicle in inclement weather. Flatspotting and vibration started 1 week after purchase of vehicle. Have documentation of numerous attempts to get the problem resolved by dealer, but dealer was complacent in dealing with the issue thus resulting in the aformentioned accident. Loss of control caused vehicle to end up in oncoming traffic lane almost resulting in head on collision. Car slid into curb causing the 1500 damage. Tires have been replaced with Michelin pilot sport tires. America Honda/Acura and Bridgestone needs to be held accountable for their complacency in dealing with this issue. Please investigate quickly as lives can be at stake.
Vibration and shaking of steering wheel during normal driving. Replacement of the tires and numerous rebalancing have had no effect. Acura dealer is not responsive and Acura customer care has informed me this "a charateristic of the car" while at the same time admitting that "we have received numeous complaints about steering wheel vibration and our engineers are investigating the problem" I was also told there we was no timeline for resolution. Given the situation, I am growing concerned about the handling and stability of the vehicle in its current state. Acura has admitted there is a problem but has not fully disclosed the details. I am also worried because this seems to be a widespread issue affecting many TL owners given the number of web forums I have visited on the subject.
During light rain my 2004 Acura TL with Bridgestone turanza el-42 tires hydroplaned and lost control. It hit the center divider and spun and ended up on the right shoulder. The front left wheel broke off. Fortunetly my car or the broken wheel did not hit another car. There were quite a few cars on the freeway all at normal freeway speed. I was actually following my wifes 2003 Honda accord lx in the same lane at the time of the accident. I have filed a complaint with Acura [phone] and my case # b012005-02-2300320. So far the complaint has accomplished nothing for me.
My 2004tl came with Bridgestone turanza el-42 tires. The dealer stated tires would be acceptable when I stated concerns with what I had read about flat spotting. On my first long distance trip (500+ miles) my front passenger tire blew off the rim. I had to have it replaced at procter Acura in tallahassee which in formed me to take tire to a tire manufacturer since it is warrantied thru its manufactururer. As of this date nothing has been done. I bought a new tire ($225) and am waiting to hear what else Bridgestone will do to compensate me.
I have owned this car since April 2004 and have had trouble with front wheel balance since almost new. Every time I have requested dealer service they have diagnosed the problem as a bent rim. My wife drives this car and she has absolutely no recall of hitting any potholes. As a result of these failures I have real concerns about the strength and integrity of the materials used in the wheel design. Three rims have now failed in the 7 months I have owned this car and I'm worried about the safety of this vehicle.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2004 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2004 Acura TL, 10% of the model year's 551 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Acura TL wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 12,000 miles, and 75% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to wheels & tires 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.