Before you buy
This 2008 Acura Tl has 124 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2008 Acura Tl Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2008 Acura Tl trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2008 Acura Tl Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Acura Tl has 124 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- Tl
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 124
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 26
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2008 Acura Tl problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Steering Defects
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Steering Defects, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2008 Acura Tl?
This ACURA TL year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2008 Acura Tl
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Acura Tl, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The ACURA TL has 124 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. 4 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 124 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 4 federal recall campaigns
- 4 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2008 Acura Tl complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Acura Tl. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 34 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 26 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 15 | — | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 15 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | — | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Acura Tl. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 war…
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 w…
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 s…
My car caught on fire from under the hood. Me and my son was sitting in the car and it just caught on fire. I was scared and didn't know how it happen. I drove an hour and thiry plus minutes to my destination and when I got there. I parked my car and sat in it while I waited for …
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 …
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 howev…
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that after his wife had dropped him off at work, she was driving at an undisclosed speed when the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. No warning lights was illuminated. The contact then stated that his wife h…
While driving car, speed decelerated despite pressing on gas/accelerator pedal. Total ability to control speed on high way ended, as car crawled to a speed of under 5mph, nearly resulting in being hit by vehicles behind me. Immediately called independent mechanic who advised me…
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was a whining sound coming from the steering column while making right or left turns. Upon inspection, it was discovered that power steering fluid had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle …
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the passenger's side dashboard was cracked near the passenger's side air bag housing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The m…
dash is cracked air bag is not secure seat are torn
I was driving down HWY 101 in Oregon State in the rain. I was accelerating because I had just turned onto the highway, I got up to about 60 mph whe the car started dinging as it does when you open the door with the keys still in the ignition. The VSA light, as well as the engine,…
Random slipping/stalling causes not to go in gear.. torque converter could. coolant expansion tank needs replacement hoses and cap causes car not to heat up and operate at regulating temperature. Power steering pump replacement
I noticed a vertical straight line/crack in the dashboard of my 2008 Acura TL located on the passenger side, which is directly in the area of the air bag system. Oddly enough it seemed to appear literally overnight. I’ve noticed the crack seems to expand when in cooler temperatur…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, HE DETECTED A FUEL AND OIL ODOR. THE CONTACT THEN SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND …
STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT, STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL02
WAS LOOKING TO SELL MY CAR SOON AND WAS LOOKING ON KELLY BLUE BOOKS AND TURNED OUT MY CAR HAD AN UNRESOLVED RECALL BUT I WAS NEVER GIVEN A NOTICE OR ANY PAPER WORK FROM THE CURRENT DEALERSHIP I AM BUYING FROM. I DID NOTICE THE SAME EXACTLY PROBLEM ON MY CAR THAT WAS LISTED ON THE…
FEBRUARY 2020 GOING DOWNHILL AT 30MPH ON A CURVED ROAD, AND MY WHEEL SNAPS TO THE RIGHT THANKS TO RECALLED BALL JOINTS!!!!!!!!! HIT THE CURB, SNAPPED MY ROTOR IN HALF AND THE BRAKE LINE. LOWER CONTROL ARM WENT THRU MY CRADLE. SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL WITH NO STEERING AND NO FREAKI…
BRAKES FEEL SPONGY EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE BRAKE BLEEDING AS WELL AS A MASTER CYLINDER REPLACEMENT. PEOPLE ON ACURA TL TYPE S FORUMS ARE REPORTING THAT AIR IS BEING INTRODUCED THROUGH THE VSA/ABS MODULATOR.
THERE IS A LONG GASH IN THE DASHBOARD BY THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BASED ON INTERNET SEARCHES AND ACURA HAS NOT ISSUED ANY RECALL FOR THE SAME EVEN THOUGH IT POSES A POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK. I REACHED OUT TO ACURA CORPORATE AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT B…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Acura Tl.
Safety recalls
2008 Acura Tl recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Acura Tl. 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2008 Acura Tl buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Acura Tl reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 124 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. This ACURA TL year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura Tl?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (34 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (26 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Acura Tl?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Acura Tl?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Acura Tl, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 124 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Acura Tl have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Acura Tl. A major recall area is VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL. 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Acura Tl?▾
This ACURA TL year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Acura Tl reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Acura Tl based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.