Is the 2008 Acura TL reliable?

NHTSA data gives the 2008 TL a Complaint Index of 67, making it the 4th worst of 10 model years for this model, with a Caution verdict.

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

Owners most often filed complaints about airbags (27% of complaints), steering (21%), and structure/body issues (19%), based on NHTSA data.

Does the 2008 Acura TL have a steering recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls affecting steering, both involving power steering hoses that deteriorate from underhood heat and can crack and leak.

How does the 2008 TL compare to other TL model years?

The 2008 TL's Complaint Index of 67 is worse than 2007 (56), 2009 (44), and 2011 (11, rated Best), but better than 2005 (100) and 2006 (89), both rated Avoid.

What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Acura TL?

The EPA rates the 2008 TL at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.

2008 Acura TL Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2008 Acura TL has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 4th worst out of 10 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Owners most often reported airbag, steering, and structural issues, with 124 total complaints and 2 recalls tied to steering hose failures.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 67/100; #4 of 10 TL years
Verdict: Caution; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 124; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 4; reported in complaints
Fires: 7
Injuries: 3
Top issue: Airbags
Best nearby year: 2011; rated Best

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 21; 18 city / 26 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 3 / 0

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 reliable?: NHTSA data gives the 2008 TL a Complaint Index of 67, making it the 4th worst of 10 model years for this model, with a Caution verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Acura TL?: Owners most often filed complaints about airbags (27% of complaints), steering (21%), and structure/body issues (19%), based on NHTSA data.
Does the 2008 Acura TL have a steering recall?: Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls affecting steering, both involving power steering hoses that deteriorate from underhood heat and can crack and leak.
How does the 2008 TL compare to other TL model years?: The 2008 TL's Complaint Index of 67 is worse than 2007 (56), 2009 (44), and 2011 (11, rated Best), but better than 2005 (100) and 2006 (89), both rated Avoid.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Acura TL?: The EPA rates the 2008 TL at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.