2006 Acura TL problems, complaints & recalls

2006 Acura TL recalls (1)

• Recall 19V182000Mar 6, 20191,101,534 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

  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 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

  Risk: 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.

  Remedy: 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 owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Recent 2006 Acura TL complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Jul 10, 2026GAFireElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11749644 · source
2. Filed Nov 17, 2025ARAirbags

   My Acura (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a non-collision spontaneous deployment of the side airbag while the vehicle was completely stationary. There was no impact, no crash, and no triggering event. This is a serious safety defect that could have caused significant injury or loss of vehicle control had the car been in motion. This vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Recall 19V182000 involving Takata airbag inflators, but the recall repair was never completed, and the recall…

   NHTSA complaint #11699822 · source
3. Filed Nov 10, 2025170,000 miILAirbagsAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   The contact owns a 2006 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The "VSA" (Vehicle Stability Assist) and air bag warning lights illuminated, and an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and waited to restart the…

   NHTSA complaint #11698546 · source
4. Filed Sep 24, 2024VAOther / Unknown

   I am the original owner of this 2006 Acura TL. I have vertical cracks on the dashboard surrounding the passenger SRS airbag system. Aside from the bad look, is there a safety issue from either the air bag deploying prematurely and/or the air bag deploying in an unsafe manner and injuring the passenger. I have researched this issue online and there are numerous complaints about this dashboard issue and possible issues with the SRS airbag deployment.

   NHTSA complaint #11616146 · source
5. Filed Aug 7, 2023RITransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission shifts down very hard, once causing the car to lose traction and skid approximately 10 feet on the highway. The car luckily regained control and I avoided collision. I have seen many other reports of hard shifting in this car.

   NHTSA complaint #11537036 · source
6. Filed Jun 21, 2023CATransmission & Drivetrain

   My transmission failed at 105,000 had to pay 4500 for a new transmission, I’m sure they have had complaints about the Acura TL through 2004-2008. I am currently on my third transmission and now the new one is hard shifting already.

   NHTSA complaint #11528133 · source
7. Filed Apr 3, 2023NYAirbags

   Dashboard cracked. Internet search revels this is a Acura TL fleet wide issue. Cracked dashboard may rip airbag during deployment rendering it useless, impede airbag deployment, or send shards of plastic during airbag deployment.

   NHTSA complaint #11515155 · source
8. Filed Mar 30, 2023FLEngine

   Car has been in family and well taken care of, smell of fire along with multiple alternators and battery changes. Mechanics cannot figure out why car goes through alternator and batteries. Paid for 6 to 8 alternator and battery. Transmission is now going on car. Like I said car has been taken care of but not worth transmission job, my complaint is I see almost every person who has Acura TL all have transmission problems. I need Acura to answer for all transmission problems…

   NHTSA complaint #11514549 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology