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 2005 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Acura TL. The contact stated that she had parked her vehicle and went inside a store as her children waited inside the vehicle. Her son then texted her from inside the vehicle that the alarm had gone off. Soon after the alarm went off, her daughter noticed that both white and black colored smoke began to emit from the vehicle. Her children exited the vehicle as the front end of the vehicle caught fire. Pedestrians called for the authorities and both the police and fire departments arrived at the scene. The fire was extinguished and an incident report was filed. No injuries were reported; another vehicle was damaged as a result of the fire. The vehicle had yet to be towed or removed from the scene of the incident. Prior to the failure, the contact had noticed that while driving at highway speeds, heat would emit from vents despite the A/C being turned off. …
The vehicle has been gradually leaking power steering fluid over time. I have been monitoring the fluid level and have noticed a recurring burning smell while operating the vehicle. At times, I have also observed what appears to be a very faint, clear or nearly transparent smoke or vapor that is only visible when light reflects off of it. I am uncertain whether this is smoke or vapor. The steering has not become difficult or hard to turn at this time. I am concerned that power steering fluid may be leaking onto or near a hot engine or exhaust component, causing the burning smell and possible smoke or vapor and creating a potential fire or safety hazard. The exact source and cause of the leak are currently UNKNOWN. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request.
My wife, [redacted] , purchased a 2005 Acura TL on [redacted]. The car was not inspected, it had a hole in the oil tank, was leaking battery acid, had broken control arms, wore out rotors, wore out brake pads, bald tires, Vehicle Stability Control disabled, no AC, cracked dashboard where the passenger air bag is located, and the alignment was so bad that the car would try to pull very hard off of the road. Toxic hot fumes entered the cockpit during my wife's drive home from the car dealership. The fumes made her feel sick and gave her a horrible headache because of the leaking battery acid and perhaps the hole in the oil tank. It's a health and safety issue that needs to be taken seriously. The used car dealership (Premium Auto Outlet Inc.) is selling vehicles to customers and are not providing them with the title. My wife paid in full, yet she had to fight to receive the title. …
TL* the contact owns a 2005 Acura TL. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to smoke. There was no fire and the fire department was not contacted. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump fluid was leaking into the catalytic converter. The contact was advised that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V091000 (steering). Tim short Acura (131 maccorkle ave sw, charleston, wv 25303) informed the contact to bring in the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Also, while attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start and the key immobilizer indicator flashed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
1. Hfl lhas continuously drained several batteries since I purchased the car in 2008. Until recently I did not know it was the hfl until the Acura dealership said it's a known problem and it either needs to be repaired or removed. It's very expensive to repair, so I had it removed. I also just purchased a 2007 Acura TL s and while I was sitting at the dealership inputting the radio info and attempting to connect with to the hfl link the battery became completely drained in less than 10 min. The hfl has not worked in the 2005 since I bought it and it does not work on the 2007 either. I have a separate complaint form filled out for that car. The dealership said it's a known problem with Acura TL, but not a recall yet. It should be a recall. 2. The power steering has seemed to go out over the last 8 months and it has become difficult to steer. …
My vehicle was in motion on power inn and calvine rd I was making a left turn onto calvine rd my right side wheel well whether holds the wheel had snap on me n I was stuck there for an hour till highway patrol came an called Eagle towing.... But before the officer had arrived I tried shifting it into park it wouldn't let me I just bought the car from offerup an the person had informed me he replaced the tranny etc.... Idk I'm just stress about buying a new car an now it stuck sitting here in my garage and the most headache about this situation is I need to register into my name n I can't even do that now that his happen sigh if there's anything you guys can do for me and my girl I'd highly appreciate it please an thank you *date of incident isn't correct I know I was the end of March or beginning of April I'm going to have my girl call Eagle towing or highway patrol for actual …
My 2005 Acura TL has lost power at least a dozen times while I have been driving on the freeway. The battery also completely drains after the car has not been driven for a day or two. I just replaced the battery and have had the alternator tested at least half a dozen times by 3 different mechanics. My issues sound very similar to the fuse box recall but my VIN does not fall under the recall apparently.
The power steering fails at low speeds. Parking, reversing and turning etc. Once you are going above 10 MPH or so it seems to be okay.. But I am afraid this is going to happen when driving faster and something horrible happen. When I am trying to turn or park or get out of a parking lot... It is nearly impossible and scary that I am going to hit something or someone because I can't turn my car.
I lose power steering at very low speeds, I.e. When trying to park or trying to reverse out of parking or make a turn, but once the speed crosses 10-15 MPH, power steering is fine. So far it has not happened at highway speeds, but I'm worried it might happen. I've seen this same very complaint by other Acura owners in multiple forums.
Airbag: cracked dashboard above airbag. ABS off steering: (in motion and when stationary) steering wheel moaned while turning wheel/driving and even after parking and turning steering wheel. Brakes: (in motion) when going down on dips on road, brakes make noise and seem to slip.
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 2005 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Acura TL, 6% of the model year's 388 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 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 2005 Acura TL steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 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.