Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 6 | 10% | 11,000 miles |
| 2012 | 11 | 8% | 80,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% | 98,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 7% | 96,000 miles |
| 2008 | 15 | 12% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 25 | 20% | 78,000 miles |
| 2006 | 31 | 13% | 75,000 miles |
| 2005 | 28 | 7% | 117,000 miles |
| 2004 | 11 | 2% | 73,000 miles |
| 2003 | 15 | 4% | 87,000 miles |
| 2002 | 12 | 4% | 158,000 miles |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% | 145,000 miles |
| 2000 | 25 | 10% | 110,000 miles |
| 1999 | 58 | 37% | 117,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 15% | 98,000 miles |
| 1997 | 8 | 35% | 101,000 miles |
| 1996 | 2 | 8% | 111,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving my 2013 Acura Tl on my way to work and suddenly I got an electronic power steering error that resulted in my steering wheel stiff and I had to use all my strength to pull over to the emergency lane. The vehicle's steering became very heavy and was very hard to turn. I am fortunate not to be in an accident when it occurred. There is so many people with Acura TL having this issue and Acura need to do something about it.
Power steering EPS failure right around 60,000 miles my Acura TL's power steering EPS failed. The car was driving ~45mph on a straight 2-lane highway when the indicator lights went off and the power steering failed. After pulling over to the side of the road and letting the car sit for several hours, it started up with no issues. The next day, upon starting the vehicle, the power steering went out and never returned. This failure caused a chain of events (according to my Acura licensed mechanic) which caused failures in and eventual replacement of the rack & pinion, EPS sensors, steering computer module, and multiple other sensors. The total bill was $4,200 for repair. Since this incident I received a notice from Acura that this is a known problem, and the warranty has been extended. …
The vehicle has a faulty Hands free link module which runs the battery down when the vehicle is not in use. Acura has been aware of this problem since 2005. The government of this sorry ass country has done nothing about this issue except sit on their hands and accept payoffs from Acura. Acura dealers refuse to call back when this issue is mentioned. This results in money being paid for unnecessary repairs for batteries, alternators, and testing Just think if you were a handicap person who had to rely on your vehicle for medical services on a weekly basis and every time you went to your vehicle it would not start because of this issue that has been unresolved by Acura since 2005.What a national disgrace.
On 4/28/2023 per Balcones Heights Police officer Ford and Officer [redacted] there is an issue with the license plate light. The light has been replaced twice, to avoid traffic stops. Police continue to cite the issue of No License plate light. There are not any warning lights on the dash board only cited by law enforcement. On 12/19/2020 Officer [redacted] with Guadelupe Sheriffs Officer issued a warning. The warning cited No License Plate Light. I took photos of the license plate light and took had the vehicle inspected by the Acura dealership.
The Acura key has a hinge on it with a release button and a spring where the keys open when the button is pressed and the key locks in place. The locking mechanism on the hinge failed. This means that when enough items are on a keychain on the key the weight will rotate the keys into a lever and pull the car into the off position on its own while driving on the road. My car has turned off without warning due to the key hinge lock failure on the highway ant speed and well as on bumpy roads and at stoplights.
TL* the contact owns a 2009 Acura TL. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled more than twice without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The alternator assembly was replaced three times and the battery had been replaced more than five times. The failure continued. The contact also took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the alternator assemby and battery needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic replaced the parts, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for further diagnostic testing. It was diagnosed that the radio needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.
The contact owns 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing battery drainage failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after sitting for long periods without being driven. The contact stated that the battery was replaced six times however, the failure recurred. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
While driving car, speed decelerated despite pressing on gas/accelerator pedal. Total ability to control speed on high way ended, as car crawled to a speed of under 5mph, nearly resulting in being hit by vehicles behind me. Immediately called independent mechanic who advised me to cut off ignition and restart the car. Highly dangerous to even attempt on a highway during rush hour traffic, nearly resulting in a multiple car crash. Reproduced several times until mechanic was able to diagnose and correct an issue unknown to me. There was no warning light indicator at all, no messages on car navigation/information panel.
Related recalls (4)
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
On certain passenger vehicles, a loose terminal in the main fuse box May cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine May not start.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the entire fuse box free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2005. Owners May contact Honda at 800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch May not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that confirms interlock function. Vehicles will be updated with a redesigned interlock lever free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2005.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles and Mini vans, the ignition switch May wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."
Remedy: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
NHTSA investigations
Ignition-park interlock
The above failure report counts are for model year (my) 1999 - 2001 Honda accord models that were not within the scope of a related Honda recall action (NHTSA 03V423); these vehicles were investigated by odi under defect petition (dp) 04-006.complaint information for other models and model years was not obtained by odi.the noted population indicates the number of vehicles (including the my 2002 accord plus the…
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura TL years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (58), 2006 (31), 2005 (28), 2000 (25) and 2007 (25) model years. Electrical complaints make up 37% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Acura TL electrical problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 05V-132 (fuses and circuit breakers, Apr 5, 2005); 05V-025 (switch, Jan 28, 2005); 03V-423 (switch, Oct 27, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Acura TL electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition › switch (23 mentions), followed by the ignition (16).
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.