2008 Acura TL recalls and problems

The 2008 Acura TL has 2 safety recalls and 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
124
Crashes / fires
4 / 7
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Acura TL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Acura TL recalls

Recall 12V-222: Steering

Reported May 17, 2012 · 625,762 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles. In September 2012, Honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 573,147 vehicles including certain model year 2003 through 2007 Accord V6 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 625,762. Prolonged under-hood and power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage.

Risk: If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy. Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners of these vehicles beginning on October 26, 2012, and will notify these owners again when parts are available so those vehicles can be brought to dealers for applications of the free remedy. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Recall 08V-091: Steering

Reported Feb 27, 2008 · 273,000 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: Honda is recalling 273,000 my 2004-2008 acura tl vehicles. Prolonged high under-hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid.

Risk: Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose free of charge. The recall began on april 28, 2008. Owners may contact acura at 800-382-2238. This is an expansion of a previous recall (Please see 07v551).

2008 Acura TL problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags34
Steering26
Structure20
Electrical System15
Unknown or Other13
Engine10
Vehicle Speed Control9
Power Train8
Suspension7
Seats6
Engine and Engine Cooling5
Service Brakes4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 10
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 76,589 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Acura TL complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the vehicle lost automotive power and shifted into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and drove as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message “System too Lean” was displayed on the instrument panel associated with Bank 1 and Bank 2. While starting the vehicle and while the vehicle idling, the RPM was raised above 1,000 RPM, and the message "Idle Position Needs to be Relearned " was displayed. The contact restarted…
Steering · at 40,000 miles · reported Dec 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at lower speeds or while making a left or right turn, the steering wheel became stiff and excessive force was required to steer the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. It was unknown whether the vehicle was previously diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Steering · at 164,000 miles · reported Apr 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the power steering fluid reservoir needed to be refilled more often than expected, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the Vehicle Safety Assist (VSA) system failed and the VSA Modulator Control illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure of the VSA system had caused the locking mechanisms and seat belts to fail to operate as needed. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 12V222000 (Steering) and 08V091000…
Steering · reported Mar 13, 2024
My car has a recall on the high pressure power steering line because it prematurely fails and douses the catalytic converter in power steering fluid. The problem is the low pressure hose going back is just as susceptible if not more but no recall? I was told at the dealership it would cost 3,489 dollars to fix a fire hazard they knew [XXX] existed. The car is a safety hazard and I pray everyday the car doesnt catch fire because of the dealers greediness. I looked up estimates for other customers of acura and the repair should come out to 1200 not 3489.00. These are bad practices that quite…
Electrical System · at 20,000 miles · reported Mar 7, 2024
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.

Other Acura TL years

Compare all Acura TL years · All Acura models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Acura TL have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Acura TL: 12V-222 (steering), 08V-091 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Acura TL?

Owners report air bags problems most often (34 reports), followed by steering (26). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 76,589 miles.

Are Acura recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Acura dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.