1998 Acura TL Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other TL years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 17th of 20 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Acura TL. That ranks 17th out of 20 TL model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (9 complaints, 45%), typically at around 74,000 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 3 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 20owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 3complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1998 Acura TL problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | 45% | 74,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 3 | 15% | 98,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 2 | 10% | 115,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 2 | 10% | 107,750 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 10% | 115,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 1 | 5% | 69,933 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 5% | 115,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 5% | — | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 5% | 107,233 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1998 Acura TL recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Power train:automatic transmission
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
Risk: The vehicle could lose power to the drive wheels without warning. Also, shifting the transmission into the park position would not lock the wheels, and a parked vehicle could move unexpectedly if the parking brake is not set.
Fix: Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.
Suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Certain vehicles were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out and, in the worse case, the ball joint would separate causing the front suspension to collapse.
Risk: This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 acura tl. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 05v025000 (electrical system), but the vin was not included. While the vehicle was in drive position, the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle rolled away. The contact stated that he would forget to place…
1998 acura tl. Consumer writes in regards to defective or cracked exhaust manifold and seeks goodwill assistance. *smd the consumer stated the check engine code indicated a faulty oxygen sensor and there were exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.
No events indicating a failure was imminent. Pedal brake for 1998 acura failed to stop while driving in stop/go municipal traffic. Car accelerated out of control and hit an off road tree and was a total unrepairable loss. Police investigated. Car occupants transported to hospital for emergency…
My 1998 acura 2.5 tl has had noticeable exhaust leak into the passenger compartment from about 100,000 miles point, since january 2008l about one year ago. All the outside smells come right in even though i always have vents and air cond or heater set to "inside air only" setting. Along with…
I recently bought a 1998 acura tl 2.5 and the driver side front ball joint squeaks. While i was looking for parts at autozone i was alerted that my car was under recall for defective lower ball joints. I am not the original owner and wondered if it is possible to get it repaired at no cost ? *tr
Other Acura TL years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 TL | 17 | 3 |
| 2013 TL | 62 | 3 |
| 2012 TL | 130 | 3 |
| 2011 TL | 20 | 3 |
| 2010 TL | 64 | 3 |
| 2009 TL | 42 | 3 |
| 2008 TL | 124 | 2 |
| 2007 TL | 124 | 2 |
| 2006 TL | 247 | 4 |
| 2005 TL | 388 | 5 |
| 2004 TL | 551 | 4 |
| 2003 TL | 391 | 5 |
| 2002 TL | 333 | 7 |
| 2001 TL | 149 | 3 |
| 2000 TL | 249 | 6 |
| 1999 TL | 157 | 4 |
| 1998 | 20 | 2 |
| 1997 TL | 23 | 2 |
| 1996 TL | 26 | 2 |
| 1995 TL | 1 | 0 |
See all Acura TL problems by year, every Acura model, or the Acura VIN decoder.
Similar Acura models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Acura TL?
Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, electrical system, power train problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 9 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Acura TL?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 1998 Acura TL a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other TL model years, the 1998 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.