Is the 2008 Acura TL a reliable year?

Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Acura TL ranks #4 of 10 among TL model years (Complaint Index 67/100, verdict: Caution). It has 124 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura TL?

The most reported problem areas are airbags (34 complaints), steering (26 complaints), and structure & body (24 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 76,589 miles.

Does the 2008 Acura TL have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 Acura TL, most recently reported 2012, covering steering.

What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Acura TL?

EPA rates the 2008 Acura TL at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

2008 Acura TL Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#4 most-complained of 10 TL years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2008 Acura TL has 124 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 67 out of 100 — #4 highest of 10 TL model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is airbags (34 complaints, 27% of the total). Complaints report 4 crashes, 7 fires, and 3 injuries.

Complaints: 124
Recalls: 2
Crashes / fires: 4 / 7
Injuries / deaths: 3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 21; 18 city / 26 hwy

2008 Acura TL recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 12V222000May 17, 2012Steering625,762 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles. In September 2012, Honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 573,147 vehicles including certain model year 2003 through 2007 Accord V6 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 625,762. Prolonged under-hood and power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage.
Risk: If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy. Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners of these vehicles beginning on October 26, 2012, and will notify these owners again when parts are available so those vehicles can be brought to dealers for applications of the free remedy. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
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).

2008 Acura TL fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 18 MPG
Highway: 26 MPG
Combined: 21 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $3,800; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Premium
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2008 compared with other TL years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2006	Avoid	89	247	4	21
2007	Caution	56	124	2	21
2008	Caution	67	124	2	21
2009	Good	44	42	3	20.5
2010	Good	33	64	3	20

All Acura TL years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Acura TL a reliable year?: Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Acura TL ranks #4 of 10 among TL model years (Complaint Index 67/100, verdict: Caution). It has 124 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura TL?: The most reported problem areas are airbags (34 complaints), steering (26 complaints), and structure & body (24 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 76,589 miles.
Does the 2008 Acura TL have any recalls?: Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 Acura TL, most recently reported 2012, covering steering.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Acura TL?: EPA rates the 2008 Acura TL at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.