Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Acura TL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I noticed a vertical straight line/crack in the dashboard of my 2008 Acura TL located on the passenger side, which is directly in the area of the air bag system. Oddly enough it seemed to appear literally overnight. I've noticed the crack seems to expand when in cooler temperatures, however the crack appears to fuse back together when the temperature is warmer and/or hot outside, which is concerning in itself. My vehicle has been stored in a garage since it's purchase and when not in use a sunshade is used to protect the dash when exposed outside. I am very concerned that there may be a bigger problem with the air bag system that may result in the air bags being inadvertently deployed resulting in an accident, injury or even greater death. Internet searches reveal this a common problem among individuals similarly situated with the same make and model, and Acura is apparently aware. …
3 issues 1) two vertical cracks overnight on passenger side dash at air bag location-horizontal crack forming-fear of airbag deploying while driving causing me to wreck-should be recall-I no longer feel safe for fear or accidental deployment 2)Bluetooth module failure-two batteries and alternator replaced-now have module disconnected-safety issue of not being able to use hfl while driving 3)since buying car in 2008, complained about drivers door closing back on my leg when I open it-have avoided injuries so far-as others stated, I have to kick door open or hold foot on it when exiting vehicle from what I have read many 2008 TL owners are having the same issues - whats it going to take for NHTSA to force Acura/Honda to address these issues? I dont have $2000 to replace a dash that I caused no part in the failure of. …
Sept 2016 was having an issue with the SRS light remaining on constantly. Seat belt buckle under recall, had that replaced'that did not fix the problem. July 2017 now the dashboard on passenger side has a deep straight crack. I have done research and hundreds of other Acura TL have this issue. The airbag is in that dashboard right where the crack is. Acura refuses to acknowledge a safety issue and will not repair, replace or recall. I have kept the car immaculate, I have regular service and a Honda/Acura repair shop. I understand Acura TL specifically 2008 has this problem around the country in a variety of climates, and whether the car has been garaged or not. It's a design flaw. It is endangering my passenger. Also, if you find a junk part and replace the dash, apparently the replacement dash will crack also and the SRS light will be on and the airbag compromised again.
Dashboard cracks: potential danger of airbag failure over the last few years, my car has developed several cracks in the dashboard. Of particular concern is a large crack which just recently appeared along the left side of the front passenger airbag unit. (see photos) I am very concerned that the cracks can allow moisture or condensation to enter the airbag unit, possibly causing it fail, deploy prematurely, or not properly deploy in a crash situation. Although the dashboard cracks are seemingly cosmetic, its potential to create a severe safety issue is of great concern. Especially in light of the Takata recall for airbags, I hope that the manufacturer can help repair or replace these faulty dashboards with a quality material that will not degrade in such a manner.
TL* the contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. While the contact's granddaughter was driving, the air bag deployed without warning or an impact. The driver and front and rear passengers had ringing in their ears and saw flashing lights due to the air bag explosion. There were no injuries and medical attention was not received. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact called the Acura hotline air bag deployment number at [phone] and was informed that they would call the Acura dealer and schedule an appointment to tow the vehicle. The contact was provided case number: 09727380. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Takata recall- passenger roof, seat and side airbags deployed when I hit a curb on the drivers side. How can this be? I have a 2008 Acura TL. It needs to be considered in the recall. Upon the above mentioned, the passenger side dash has separated from the front passenger frame. This is very dangerous and could separate while driving. All of the damage is on passenger side and not on the drivers side where the impact was. Currently I do not feel safe in the drivers side if the airbags malfunction like that nor can I have passengers in my car. This airbag recall needs to include some 2008 models that are not showing at this time.
There is a long gash in the dashboard by the passenger airbag. Apparently this is a known issue based on internet searches and Acura has not issued any recall for the same even though it poses a potential safety risk. I reached out to Acura corporate and their response was that because my vehicle is outside the initial warranty period, there is nothing they can do. There are numerous online records of individuals with the same model year reporting this issue. I am concerned that this not being resolved poses a safety risk to my family and other occupants of my 2008 Acura TL which was purchased brand new. Thank you for your help.
Takata recall - my airbags on my 2008 Acura TL have exploded on my seats, roof, and side airbags. I don't understand why previously submitted complaints about this issue have not been responded to. My airbag light is on and will not go off and my safety is being jeopardized everyday on this vehicle and it appears for the last decade other owners of the 2008 TL have reported on the Acura forums what I have, yet for some reason, the recalls are excluding this model. Why, why why????? Does it take another death for someone to recognize this???? The vehicle was moving when this occured on an exiting access road.
A large crack has appeared on the dash panel covering passenger side airbag. I fear this will get in the way of deploying passenger side airbag in an emergency situation and/or potentially generate dangerous shards. This seems to be a known problem when I visited the Acura service department earlier today, but they have so far refused to advise me on a suitable course of action. My car has never been in an accident and has been very well taken care off, with most of the driving being limited to surface streets and always being garaged overnight.
I bought a 2008 Acura TL from with 50,000 miles on it. After the first year of owning it I noticed a crack on the right side of the dash where the air bag is. Called Acura they said there is nothing they can do about it but buy a new one really. I see the same complaints in here that I have, so it's nothing we have done to the dash. There needs to be a recall on these dash. Also at 55,000 miles my Bluetooth has gone out as well. Again no help buy a new one. Can someone please tell me what is going on with this thank you
Airbag complaints in other TL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Acura TL?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Acura TL, 27% of the model year's 124 complaints. The component named most often is side/window (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Acura TL airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2008 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 2008 Acura TL airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 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.