Acura TL Steering Problems
Owners have filed 210 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Acura TL across 19 model years. The 2004 model year has the most (34). The words owners use most often: “steering hose” (15% of reports).
- 210steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 9mention a crash
- 7mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $1,650typical repair cost reported by owners
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering hose: mentioned in 32 of 210 complaints (15%)
- Fluid leaking: mentioned in 14 of 210 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the Acura TL at $1,650, and half of them between $1,400 and $3,450.
Based on 11 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2010–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 153 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 210 complaints, 9 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 7 an injury.
Acura TL steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 TL | 2 | 12% | 56,700 |
| 2013 TL | 28 | 45% | 75,000 |
| 2012 TL | 25 | 19% | 70,500 |
| 2011 TL | 1 | 5% | 186,000 |
| 2010 TL | 1 | 2% | 41,000 |
| 2009 TL | 2 | 5% | 10,050 |
| 2008 TL | 26 | 21% | 73,795 |
| 2007 TL | 15 | 12% | 88,000 |
| 2006 TL | 28 | 11% | 120,000 |
| 2005 TL | 25 | 6% | 128,500 |
| 2004 TL | 34 | 6% | 131,500 |
| 2003 TL | 5 | 1% | 141,500 |
| 2002 TL | 4 | 1% | 96,000 |
| 2000 TL | 2 | 1% | 143,000 |
| 1999 TL | 8 | 5% | 170,000 |
| 1998 TL | 1 | 5% | — |
| 1997 TL | 1 | 4% | 120,000 |
| 1996 TL | 1 | 4% | 150,000 |
| 1995 TL | 1 | 100% | 89,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Model years: 2007, 2008
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.
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Model years: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
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).
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Fuse box Power steering hose
On Monday, July 27, 2026, my vehicle suffered a complete failure of the EPS system at startup in my garage, making the steering wheel lock and rendering the vehicle completely non-operational. The vehicle did start and would go into gear but there was a severe increase in steering effort, creating…
The vehicle has been gradually leaking power steering fluid over time. I have been monitoring the fluid level and have noticed a recurring burning smell while operating the vehicle. At times, I have also observed what appears to be a very faint, clear or nearly transparent smoke or vapor that is…
As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Acura TLs have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 210 owner complaints about steering for the Acura TL. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Acura TL steering?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the Acura TL?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,650 (half paid between $1,400 and $3,450), from 11 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Acura TL?
The most frequent phrase is “steering hose”, in 32 of 210 complaints, followed by “fluid leaking” (14).
Other Acura TL problems
- Power Train problems (904)
- Air Bags problems (826)
- Structure problems (548)
- Electrical System problems (260)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (117)
- Tires problems (108)
See all Acura TL problems.