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2008 Acura TL: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2008 Acura TL has 124 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1], and its two recalls both target a power steering hose that can leak fluid onto the hot catalytic converter and start an under-hood fire[2][3]. If you own or are shopping for one, confirm the recall work was done and look closely at the dashboard over the passenger air bag[4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 124 owner complaints for the 2008 TL[1]. Of those, 4 mention a crash, 7 a fire and 3 an injury, with no deaths reported[1]. Here is how they break down by component group[4][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]:
| Component | Complaints | Fires | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags[4] | 34 | 0 | 100,000 |
| Steering[7] | 26 | 5 | 73,794 |
| Structure[8] | 20 | 0 | 82,000 |
| Engine[9] | 15 | 3 | 93,000 |
| Electrical system[10] | 15 | 1 | 70,000 |
| Unknown or other[11] | 13 | 2 | 108,000 |
| Speed control[12] | 9 | 0 | 67,200 |
| Power train[13] | 8 | 0 | not listed |
Air bags. This group tops the list with 34 complaints[4]. In a sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, 9 describe the top of the dashboard cracking on the passenger side, right over the air bag cover[4]. Owners say they worry the crack could affect how the air bag deploys and that dealers would not replace the dash for free[4]. Two complaints in the sample describe side or curtain air bags going off while driving with no impact, and one describes air bags that did not deploy in a crash[4].
Steering. There are 26 steering complaints, and 5 of them mention a fire, more fires than any other group[7]. In a sample of 12 we read, 9 describe power steering fluid leaking from the hose, pump, rack or reservoir, and 3 of those mention smoke or a burning smell under the hood[7]. Five owners in that sample say they had the same hose leak but were told their car's VIN was not covered by the recall[7]. Two describe steering that became hard to turn[7].
Structure. Of 20 structure complaints[8], a sample of 12 includes 5 more reports of the cracked passenger-side dashboard and 4 about doors that will not stay open and swing shut on people getting in or out, especially on a slope[8].
Electrical system. In a sample of 12 of the 15 electrical complaints, 6 describe the hands-free link (Bluetooth) module failing and 6 describe the battery draining while the car sits parked, sometimes traced to the hands-free or navigation unit[10]. Two describe the engine shutting off while driving[10].
Speed control (9) and power train (8) have few complaints, so the data does not point to a pattern there[12][13].
Recalls
Both recalls for the 2008 TL deal with the same part, the power steering hose[2][3].
- Remedy pending
Power steering hose (12V222). Filed in May 2012 for certain 2007 and 2008 TL models and later expanded to certain 2003 to 2007 Accord V6 cars, for 625,762 vehicles in total[2]. High heat under the hood can wear out the hose early so it cracks and leaks fluid. If that fluid drips onto the hot catalytic converter, it can cause smoke and possibly a fire under the hood[2]. Dealers install a new heat resistant hose for free[2]. The free repair for the original TL group began in June 2012[2]. The recall notes say parts were not yet available for the vehicles added in the September 2012 expansion and were expected in early 2013[2]. - Power steering hose (08V091). Covers 273,000 Acura TL cars from 2004 to 2008[3]. The same heat problem can crack the hose and leak fluid onto the catalytic converter, which can cause smoke and possibly an under-hood fire. Dealers install a new heat resistant hose for free[3]. This recall began on April 28, 2008, and expands an earlier recall, 07V551[3].
Some owners in the complaint sample say their car was outside the recall's VIN range even though it had the same leak[7].
Fuel economy
All three EPA-rated versions use premium fuel and front-wheel drive[6][14][15].
| Engine and transmission | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[6] | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[14] | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,900 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5)[15] | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,100 |
The annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from 2008[6].
Safety ratings
The 2008 TL four-door was not rated in NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program[16]. That means there are no NHTSA star scores to compare for this year.
Engine and size
The EPA lists two engines for the 2008 TL, a 3.2L six-cylinder and a 3.5L six-cylinder[6][14].
The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications for the TL /NAV PACKAGE/TYPE-S, converted from metric, and US cars can differ slightly[17].
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 189 in |
| Width | 76 in |
| Height | 57 in |
| Wheelbase | 108 in |
| Curb weight | 3,620 lb |
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 | 0 |
| 1996 | 26 | 2 |
| 1997 | 23 | 2 |
| 1998 | 20 | 2 |
| 1999 | 157 | 4 |
| 2000 | 249 | 6 |
| 2001 | 149 | 3 |
| 2002 | 333 | 7 |
| 2003 | 391 | 5 |
| 2004 | 551 | 4 |
| 2005 | 388 | 5 |
| 2006 | 247 | 4 |
| 2007 | 124 | 2 |
| 2008 | 124 | 2 |
| 2009 | 42 | 3 |
| 2010 | 64 | 3 |
| 2011 | 20 | 3 |
| 2012 | 130 | 3 |
| 2013 | 62 | 3 |
| 2014 | 17 | 3 |
The 2008 TL has 124 complaints and 2 recalls on file, the same complaint count as the 2007[5].
- It has fewer complaints than every model year from 1999 through 2006, which range from 149 to 551, and fewer than the 2012 with 130[5].
- It has more complaints than 1995 through 1998 and more than 2009 (42), 2010 (64), 2011 (20), 2013 (62) and 2014 (17)[5].
- Its 2 recalls match 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2007[5]. Every other year from 1999 on has 3 or more[5].
These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide[5].
Should you buy a used 2008 TL?
The 2008 TL sits in the middle of the model's complaint history, well below the 2002 to 2005 peak and above the 2009 to 2011 years[5]. Its key safety issue is a power steering hose that can leak onto the catalytic converter, and dealers replace it for free under two recalls[2][3]. Before buying, confirm the recall hose was installed and look for power steering leaks, since owners describe leaks even after or outside the recall work[7]. Also inspect the dashboard over the passenger air bag and test the hands-free link and battery, since owners describe those problems in the complaint samples we read[4][10]. A car with those items checked and in good shape is a fair choice, but it is not a car to buy unseen.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura TL?
- Air bags (34 complaints), steering (26) and structure (20) are the top component groups on NHTSA[4][7][8]. In the samples we read, owners describe dashboard cracks over the passenger air bag, power steering fluid leaks and doors that will not stay open[4][7][8].
- Does the 2008 Acura TL have recalls?
- Yes, two. Recalls 12V222 and 08V091 both replace the power steering hose for free because it can crack, leak fluid onto the hot catalytic converter and cause an under-hood fire[2][3].
- What gas mileage does the 2008 Acura TL get?
- EPA ratings run from 17 to 18 mpg city, 26 to 27 highway and 20 to 21 combined, depending on engine and transmission, on premium fuel[6][14][15].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 124 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Acura TL (4 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 12V222, filed May 17, 2012: Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 08V091, filed February 27, 2008: Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections. NHTSA recall database
- 34 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Acura TL model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for TL, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 26 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,794). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 108,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,200). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for TL, 3.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for TL, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated; rollover risk 0.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TL /NAV PACKAGE/TYPE-S: length 189 in, width 76 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,620 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov