1999 Acura TL: common problems and reliability

The 1999 Acura TL has 159 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. 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 1999 model year

159
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
18
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1999 Acura TL vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
58
power train
38
air bags
13
engine and engine cooling
12
vehicle speed control
11

Recalls affecting the 1999 TL

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 20V026000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and A…

electrical system:ignition:switch

Campaign 02V120000

ON CERTAIN SEDANS, COUPES, HATCHBACKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN DEGRADE DUE TO THE HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

electrical system:ignition:switch

Campaign 05V025000

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTERLOCK OPERATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT SHIFTING THE TRANSMISS…

electrical system:ignition:switch

Campaign 03V423000

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY WEAR EXCESSIVELY AND PREVENT PROPER INTERLOCK OPERATION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT S…

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.

Other TL model years

2011 TL2008 TL2006 TL2003 TL2002 TL1998 TL1996 TL
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