Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Acura TL. The contact stated that the hard-plastic dashboard material cracked near and around the location of the air bag. The contact was concerned about a safety hazard should the air bag deploy. The cause of the cracking was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the issue, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The passenger side air bag that is located under the dashboard has caused the dashboard to crack around the outline of the air bag unit. Cracks in the dashboard can result in pieces of the dashboard being projected into the eyes and face of passengers once the passenger airbag deploys. The cracks allow moisture into the airbag module which can create the risk of a faulty airbag deployment or failing to deploy which can lead to severe injury or death. Given this cracking is extremely common in the 3rd generation TL, it must be a product defect. This dangerous defect should be repaired by Acura with a dash replacement so the air bag will function as intended at time of manufacture.
Prolonged high temperatures and/ or high humidity cause the dashboard to crack along the right side of the passenger side airbag. In a matter of days, the crack spreads all over the airbag area and dashboard. The material defect effects Acura TLs and TL TypeS from 2004-2008. Cracks in the dashboard can result in pieces of the dashboard being projected into the eyes and face of passengers once the passenger airbag deploys. The cracks allow moisture and debris into the airbag module which I believe could create the risk of a faulty airbag deployment or failing to deploy which can lead to sever injury or death
The car dashboard is severely cracking. More specifically, there is an area on the right passenger side that has cracked outlining where the airbag is located. It is feared that due to this cracking the airbag may falsely break free at any time.
The dash is cracked surrounding the passenger side airbag and is beginning to crack on the drivers side. I have contacted Acura and was assigned Case # 13709011 by email stating "We appreciate you taking the time to make us aware of your concern regarding the feature, and we understand your frustration regarding the matter. Upon further review of the circumstances regarding the issue, we were unable to find any open campaigns pertaining to this matter (e.g., safety recall, warranty extension or product update). Have you had a chance to reach out to your local preferred Honda dealership to make them aware of the issue? If not, the skilled Service Department at our dealerships are in the best position to evaluate your vehicle and determine the best available corrective action. …
Prolonged high temperatures and/ or high humidity cause the dashboard to crack along the right side of the passenger side airbag. In a matter of days, the crack spreads all over the airbag area and dashboard. The material defect effects Acura tls and TL types from 2004-2008. Cracks in the dashboard can result in pieces of the dashboard being projected into the eyes and face of passengers once the passenger airbag deploys. The cracks allow moisture into the airbag module which can create the risk of a faulty airbag deployment or failing to deploy which can lead to sever injury or death. Acura vehicles with as few as 60K miles up to 160K are affected by this problem. Acura is well aware of this issue and refuse to assist consumers with the replacement of the defective dashboard. …
While driving at a steady 35 MPH on route 9 in croton-on-hudson, new york the driver side curtain and front seat airbag deployed for no reason almost causing a catastrophic accident. The seat belt actuator is now locked rendering the seat belt useless. Acura towed the car to a dealer who uploaded all the computer codes and claims that the owner is responsible for the airbag replacement! The codes listed on the receipt are f3-11, 61-1, 81-55, 25-11. They list a defect code 03217. Customer service at Acura north America cited the condition of the 4 rims, (which are all scuffed at the edges), and scuffs on the bumper indicate possible reasons for air bag deployment. If this was possible, shouldn't the airbag have deployed when the scuffs occurred? There was no event that should have caused the airbag activation under steady driving. …
I noticed a crack in my dashboard on the passenger side around the air-bag housing after returning from work. Dealer stated it is merely cosmetic and would cost $1500 to replace. The crack has continued to run further on both sides of air-bag. Also, car has been towed several times because of failure to start after parked overnight. Had battery replaced twice. Finally took it to dealership and was told hands-free module needed to be replaced or removed. Removal cost me $200. Replacement would have cost $800. Also, my fuel cap indicator has been coming on for quite some time when the fuel falls below halfway. I have owned this car for 9 years. I keep the vehicle in good condition. Now with the dashboard cracking its value has decreased immensely not to mention could cause the air-bag to deploy without incident. …
In the 4th. Of August 2015, I brought my 2007 Honda Acura to the dealer that sold the vehicle to me to report an unusual pop-up damage to my vehicle dashboard just above the compartment that houses the airbag in front of the passenger seating position. After my service advisor checked the damaged dashboard he returned to me and informed me that it will cost me over $2000.00 (two thousand dollars) to replace the dashboard and that there is no other remedies. I asked him if the damage can be repaired with glue and he replied that if I do that, that the airbag in the compartment will deploy. At that point I left the dealership because I was can of socked about the information I just hard and as a result I am wondering if Honda company will help to find a solution to this problem as soon as possible because this damage will certainly effect the resale/trade-in value of my car. …
Dash crack. I bought this car in September. In February I noticed a large crack over the passenger airbag. I contacted Acura with safety concerns and was told they would do nothing about it. The car was parked in my garage when I noted the crack on 2-11-17. The crack started out the size of a personal checkbook and has grown in length. It spans from the windshield to the glovebox. I had the car inspected by a certified Acura inspector and was told the crack was not caused by damage. I reported my estimate of repairs to Acura (over $2000) and was contacted. Acura will not help cover any repairs d/t my car not being under warranty or under 50,000. I bought the car used and it was in pristine condition.
Airbag complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2007 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the air bags of the 2007 Acura TL, 33% of the model year's 124 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2007 Acura TL airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2007 Acura TL, though it has 2 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 2007 Acura TL airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 104,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to air bags 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.