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 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).
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).
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 comfort, timeless ele
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)
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
Paint clear coat failure and peeling, Honda/Acura paint notoriously poor quality, clear coat delaminates exposing primer, typical 10-15 years regardless of care, black and red colors most affected, complete respray only solution $3,000-$8,000, recurrent
Oil consumption issues (3.7L V6 2009-2014), worn piston rings or deteriorated piston liners cause excessive oil burning, 1-2 quarts per 1,000 miles typical severe cases, Honda issued recall for piston ring replacement, repair requires engine disassembly $3,000-$5,000, check recall completion status, recurrent (3.7L engines)
Owner insights cover all generations of the TL.
Typical used price
Used TL listings typically run $8,537–$13,495 across 2002 to 2014 model years.