Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 6% | 90,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 3% | 1,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% | 35,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 14% | 70,000 miles |
| 2008 | 20 | 16% | 82,000 miles |
| 2007 | 20 | 16% | 73,000 miles |
| 2006 | 64 | 26% | 90,000 miles |
| 2005 | 156 | 40% | 95,000 miles |
| 2004 | 232 | 42% | 90,000 miles |
| 2003 | 15 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% | 86,000 miles |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% | 162,000 miles |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% | 143,000 miles |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% | 141,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 10% | 153,000 miles |
| 1997 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 1996 | 1 | 4% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The struts/shocks no longer hold the hood open/up. Unable to check engine/fluids without using some other means to hold the hood open/up. First time it happened I was almost struck by the unexpectedly closing hood.
I had the hood up in order to put in windshield washer fluid. Just when I stepped away the hood fell down. I tested it again and noticed that it would stay up only if it was up all the way. However, if it I touched it lightly or moved it down just a tiny amount, the hood then falls down luckily my head or arm was not under the hood when it fell down. I immediately took it to the dealer. I was advised that the oil in the 2 piston like shock absorbers which hold up the hood, looses viscosity and the pistons have to be replaced. The car has just under 60,000 miles and the hood is rarely opened. It was interesting that the dealer had the parts in stock. That tells me these pistons fail regularly. After the repair was completed, I also noticed that the replacement pistons for the hood were much stronger than the original ones.
In an auto collision where a car rear end the vehicle from an idle position into an 18-foot box truck in front which was also idle. The vehicle smashed in the front and back which it was deemed a total loss and the airbag did not deploy. This caused the driver to have several injuries including a head concussion. When contacted the dealer service department where recall maintenance had been performed, I was instructed to contact the airbag manufacturer. The vehicle inspected by insurance adjuster (GEICO). There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure of the airbag deploy.
Hi I'm wanting to complain about this year Acura making models breaks because in the winter time when you go to press the brakes and start the car the brakes are completely frozen. Also wanted to complain about the headlights the headlights get dull and dingy with wear in tear and get very dull causing it to be very hard to see at night as well as the body all the molding on the top of the roof is peeling off the chrome trim molding please look into this further. My car is a daily driver I drive it everyday I get it a car wash every other day but that should be no reason for the top chrome trim on the roof to start peeling off and be coming undone from your car
Air bags deployed during wreck going 35 MPH in rain.. Hit breaks and car slid. Damage was to left front bumper on drivers side.... Insurance company didn't total car in first claim and came back adding another 1000 to claim which would have totaled car all together.. Now I can't trade and vehicle isn't worth but half of what was paid bc of air bag deployment.
Anytime I go over 40mph, there is some kind of whistle noise that is coming from right side. When I'm driving, it seems like its coming from front passenger side. When front passenger is seating there, they tell me that it's coming from back side. This issue is not continues; when it happens, it's there and I have to raise radio volume in order to over come this whistle noise. When I drop my car speed below 40mph, this noise goes away. I have taken to dealer, but they cannot duplicate this issue. I have called Acura number, but regional manager tells me that he cannot do anything.
Hood falls suddenly when open. Struts have failed to hold the hood open securely. I have reported this problem to the dealer ( Acura of santa monica california) and they told me it was probably due to hot weather in los angeles. Now, the second time, it has happened in winter when the la temperatures are in the 60's. This is a dangerous problem and should not happen. I came very close to seriously injuring my hand or losing a finger!!!
The lower part of the dashboard, at mid level on the left and right sides next to the vent openings, is finished with a reflective material that causes severe side mirror glare when driving with sunlight coming from the rear. The glare is so bad, that it creates a blind spot in the side view mirror. When this happens, the glare almost completely covers the entire surface of the mirror, making it impossible to see whatever might be in the next lane or behind. In an emergency situation, if you come across something in the road and must change lanes, if you look into the mirror, you can't see what is in the lane next to you because of the glare. This could lead to an accident, particularly if there is not enough time to turn and look.
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura TL years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (232), 2005 (156), 2006 (64), 2007 (20) and 2008 (20) model years. Body complaints make up 42% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Acura TL body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Acura TL model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Acura TL body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles; 14% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (156 mentions), followed by the frame and members › underbody shields (8).
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.