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 2006 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was leaking power steering fluid. The contact also stated that the air bag housing along the dashboard was cracked. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,950.
The contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The "VSA" (Vehicle Stability Assist) and air bag warning lights illuminated, and an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact went to Auto Zone and was informed that the accelerator pedal sensor had failed. The contact replaced the sensor. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. …
As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.
Power steering pump, damaged power pump steel factory default likeo in a hydraulic system hoses. The car can not be estacinal since the guide is not stronger all the time and in the snow is a danger handle it the recalls was to repair the manga and manga damage was broken pump this is the recalls that damage the pump power steering hose NHTSA recall number: 08v-091 mfr campaign id: q73 summary: prolonged high under-hood temperatures May cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid. Safety risk: power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire. Remedy: power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will genergenerate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire.
Over the years since I purchased the Acura 06 TL I have been having problems with the battery- car won't start sometimes. I purchased a few batteries already. Finally on 7-24-2017 I was out of town (west palm beach) when my car won't start. I went to closest Acura dealer where I learned that the issue was a defective hfl that had a parasitic drain on the battery from defective hfl. Had to purchase another battery. Acura never informed me that there was a defect of hand free link. In past I had to replace the starter and power steering. Certain features still does not work- passenger front window, heating element for car seat passenger, power outlet in console box.
When I started the vehicle, it had a moaning sound. I continued driving and the battery light, airbag light, csv light, all came on just before the dash lights flickered on and off, then totally went out and the car engine shut off. When I tried to jumpstart the car, the car started after a few minutes but when the jumper cables were removed, the car instantly shut down. The car was in the middle of the road and had to be towed to my house. Three months ago, the car would not start. I got it jumpstarted and it ran perfectly until the above incident occurred. This is the third battery this car has had since 2009.
TL* the contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, an abnormal noise emitted from the steering wheel. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was fluid leaking from under the front side. In addition, the contact mentioned that the navigation system was defective. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a crack in the power steering hose and the navigation system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
TL* the contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the steering wheel detached from the steering column without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the steering wheel was re-attached. The technician was unable to explain the cause of the failure. The contact called fountain Acura (8785 s orange blossom trail, orlando, fl 32809) and was informed to schedule a diagnostic appointment. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The VIN was not provided.
I have a 06 Acura TL and for the last few months I have heard a very winding up and down noise under the hood, when I am turning one way or the other it gets louder . I noticed a recall on my vehicle but Acura tells me no ! I took it to a shops and they informed me that it's my power steering hose leaking/ could be bad .. I have had this car for 5 years and I take good care of my car , but lately all these problems are coming full circle. I find recalls and when I call them about it they said it's not my car but I see on the website that it is , but not my VIN # !
TL* the contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. While driving 20 MPH in second gear, the vehicle shook violently and the steering wheel vibrated and made a whining noise. In addition, the check engine, transmission, and power steering warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 181,000.
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 2006 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Acura TL, 11% of the model year's 247 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 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 2006 Acura TL steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.