YearToAvoid

2005 Acura TL Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 25 steering complaints for the 2005 Acura TL, 6% of that year's 388 total complaints, including 2 fires and 1 injury reported. A related recall (08V091000) covers a power steering hose that can crack and leak, with median failure mileage at 128,500 miles.

Steering complaints
25
6% of 388 complaints
All complaints this year
388
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
128,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Power steering hose deteriorates from under-hood heat, cracks, and leaks fluid, sometimes onto the catalytic converter and producing smoke.
  • After the recall hose repair, some owners report the power steering pump itself later failed, with dealers denying further coverage.
  • Rack and pinion leaks appear, requiring frequent steering fluid refills and raising concern about sudden loss of steering control.
  • Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn or loses assist entirely at low speeds, such as parking or reversing, then returns to normal above about 10-15 mph.
  • Some owners describe the steering wheel losing function altogether while driving, with no clear cause identified.
  • Aftermarket tire swaps have been reported to disrupt the variable-assist steering centering, causing the wheel to drift off-center during cornering or acceleration.

When 2005 Acura TL steering complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 29, 2007, latest Aug 16, 2026.

2005 Acura TL steering complaints: complaints filed per month1Dec 2007Jul 2011Mar 2015Dec 2016Aug 2018Apr 2020Aug 2026
25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2007 to Aug 2026; peak Dec 2007 (1).

Steering recalls for the 2005 Acura TL

  1. NHTSA 08V091000Feb 27, 2008Steering273,000 vehicles

    Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections

    Honda is recalling 273,000 my 2004-2008 acura tl vehicles. Prolonged high under-hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid.

    Risk: Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose free of charge. The recall began on april 28, 2008. Owners may contact acura at 800-382-2238. This is an expansion of a previous recall (please see 07v551).

Steering complaints by TL model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200525 (6%)
  2. 200628 (11%)
  3. 200715 (12%)
  4. 200826 (21%)
  5. 20092 (5%)
  6. 20101 (2%)
  7. 20111 (5%)
  8. 201225 (19%)
  9. 201328 (45%)
  10. 20142 (12%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems on the 2005 Acura TL?
NHTSA has logged 25 steering complaints for this year, making up 6% of the 388 total complaints filed for the 2005 TL.
Is there a steering recall for the 2005 Acura TL?
Yes. Recall 08V091000, reported in 2008, covers a power steering hose that can deteriorate from heat, crack, and leak fluid. Honda's remedy was to install a heat-resistant replacement hose free of charge.
Did the steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA records no crashes tied to this complaint area but note 2 fires and 1 injury among the reports.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this steering issue is 128,500 miles, though individual complaints range widely, including some reported well below that figure.
Did fixing the recall solve the steering problem for owners?
Not always. Some owners reported that after the recall hose was replaced, the power steering pump later failed, and dealers said the pump itself was not covered by the recall or warranty.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.