1998 Acura TL: common problems and reliability

The 1998 Acura TL has 26 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and electrical system. Owners most often flag driver seat bolster wear and peeling, leather quality poor allowing driver side bolster to crack, peel, tear exposing foam, typical 100,000-150,000 miles, replacement seat covers $200-$400, reupholstery $600-$1,000 per seat, very frequent.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

26
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
6
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Acura TL vehicles (US, public record).

Is 1998 a good year for the TL?

Across the 8 TL model years we track, complaint volume runs from 20 (2011) to 397 (2003). With 26 complaints, the 1998 TL sits belowthe model's median of 159.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine and engine cooling
9
electrical system
4
vehicle speed control
4
power train
4
structure
2

Recalls affecting the 1998 TL

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 99V227000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A TRANSMISSION CASE BOLT CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO DISENGAGE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.

suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint

Campaign 99V069000

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.

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment for sport sedan regarded as Acura's golden era defining model, praised extensively for powerful smooth J-series V6 engines delivering effortless acceleration, engaging driving dynamics balancing sport and…

  • Catastrophic automatic transmission failures (1999-2006 primarily), complete 2nd gear failures, oil jet clogging, inadequate cooling, premature wear 80,000-120,000 miles typical, replacement cost $3,500-$5,500, Honda extended warranties covered many failures though expired, drain-and-fill every 30,000 miles (NEVER power flush) critical prevention, 2007+ significantly improved though not immune, very frequent (1999-2006), recurrent (2007-2008), isolated (2009-2014 with 6-speed auto)
  • Universally cracked dashboards, all 3rd generation (2004-2008) affected regardless of climate or care, cracks develop 80,000-150,000 miles, sunlight accelerates deterioration, no permanent repair exists, dash covers only solution, replacement dash costs $1,200-$2,000 installed and cracks again, very frequent (3rd gen universal)

Owner insights cover all generations of the TL. See the full TL owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used TL listings typically run $8,537–$13,495 across 2002 to 2014 model years.

Other TL model years

Compare every TL year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.

2011 TL2008 TL2006 TL2003 TL2002 TL1999 TL1996 TL

Compare the TL against its rivals

TL vs Acura TSXTL vs Audi A4TL vs Infiniti I30TL vs Mercedes-Benz C-class
Full Acura TL owner reportCompare against another car