2004 Acura Tl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Acura Tl: 4 recalls, 551 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #04V176000 · 2004 · 1,099,796 vehicles
What's wrong: On some MINI vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
Why it matters: Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
The fix: On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already…
Steering Vehicle recall #08V091000 · 2008 · 273,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Prolonged high under-hood temperatures May cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid.
Why it matters: Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose free of charge. The recall began on April 28, 2008.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #08V092000 · 2008 · 129,600 vehicles
What's wrong: If water enters the windshield wiper motor breather port, which is designed to allow the motor to vent warm air during normal operation, it can result in corrosion inside the motor housing. This could cause a failure of the electrical circuit breaker inside the motor housing.
Why it matters: If the circuit breaker fails, it will cause the windshield wiper motor to become inoperative, which can increase the likelihood of a crash in certain conditions.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield wiper motor for signs of corrosion. If no signs of corrosion are present, a snorkel tube will be added to the wiper motor breather port to prevent water from entering the wiper motor housing and foam tape will be installed on the cowl above the wiper motor to…
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V182000 · 2019 · 1,101,534 vehicles
What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2cl, 2013-2016 ilx, 2013-2014 ilx hybrid, 2003-2006 mdx, 2007-2016 rdx, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 tl, 2010-2013 zdx and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda accord, 2001-2005 civic, 2003-2005 civic hybrid, 2001-2005 civic gx ngv, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 cr-v, 2003-2011 element, 2007 fit, 2002-2004 odyssey, 2003-2008 pilot, and 2006-2014…
Why it matters: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #11E022000 · 2011 · 150 vehicles
What's wrong: 2601662, that May have been mistakenly installed in certain model year 2004 - 2008 Acura tl vehicles due to a mistake in a napa and napa dealers' parts application catalogue.
Why it matters: Misapplication of this part could lead to separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm and collapse of the front suspension, which could potentially cause a vehicle crash.
The fix: Affinia is working with napa to identify any owners that have had this part mistakenly installed on to an Acura tl vehicle, and will replace the part free of charge. The safety recall began on July 20, 2011.
Speed control / throttle Equipment recall #19E068000 · 2019 · 3,744 vehicles
What's wrong: Dorman products, Inc. (dorman) is recalling certain accelerator pedal assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura mdx, 2004-2008 Acura tl and tsx, 2003-2007 Honda accord, 2005-2006 Honda cr-v, 2007-2011 Honda element, 2005-2008 Honda pilot and 2006-2014 Honda ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly May bind. As such, these vehicles…
Why it matters: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine May not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (232): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (199): the most common themes are warning light on (20), fails to deploy (13).
- Transmission & drivetrain (56): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (18), noise or vibration (15).
- Tires (51): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (50).
The 2004 Acura Tl has 551 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 20 Tl model years for complaints (3.5× the average Tl year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (73 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 90,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (391 complaints, 5 recalls), 2005 (388 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Acura Tl.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2004 Acura Tl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Acura Tl, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Acura Tl problems?
Owners have filed 551 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (232), airbags (199), transmission & drivetrain (56).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Acura Tl get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.2 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Acura Tl repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.