Is steering a common complaint for the 2008 Acura TL?

Yes. NHTSA lists 26 steering complaints for the 2008 TL, which is 21% of all 124 complaints filed for that model year, one of the highest shares among TL model years.

Is there a recall for the 2008 Acura TL steering system?

Yes, two recalls cover it: campaign 08V091000 from 2008 and campaign 12V222000 from 2012. Both address a power steering hose that can deteriorate from heat, crack, and leak fluid, with Honda installing a new heat-resistant hose free of charge.

Did the steering problem cause fires or crashes?

NHTSA records associate this steering complaint area with 5 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury for the 2008 TL.

At what mileage do steering problems usually show up on the 2008 TL?

The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints is 73,794 miles.

Were all 2008 TL vehicles covered by the steering recalls?

Some owners reported the same hose failure but said their VIN fell outside the recall range, according to complaints filed with NHTSA.

2008 Acura TL Steering Problems

NHTSA has logged 26 steering complaints for the 2008 Acura TL, 21% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 73,794. Two recalls cover a power steering hose that can deteriorate, leak, and ignite under-hood fires; five fire incidents and one crash tie back to this area.

Steering complaints: 26; 21% of 124 complaints
All complaints this year: 124
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 73,795 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Power steering hose deteriorates from under-hood heat and cracks, leaking fluid onto the exhaust or catalytic converter.
Leaking power steering fluid produces smoke, a burning smell, or hissing noise shortly after startup or while driving.
Several owners report the leak led to an under-hood fire, sometimes while the vehicle was parked in a garage.
Steering suddenly becomes stiff or very difficult to turn while driving at low speeds.
Some owners with Type S trims or VINs outside the recall range say they had the identical hose failure but were denied a free repair.
One owner reported chronic hard steering causing physical strain that the dealer repeatedly said was normal.

When 2008 Acura TL steering complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 1, 2010, latest Dec 11, 2025.

26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2010 to Dec 2025; peak Oct 2010 (1).

Steering recalls for the 2008 Acura TL

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).

Steering complaints by TL model year

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

200525 (6%)
200628 (11%)
200715 (12%)
200826 (21%)
20092 (5%)
20101 (2%)
20111 (5%)
201225 (19%)
201328 (45%)
20142 (12%)

Frequently asked questions

Is steering a common complaint for the 2008 Acura TL?: Yes. NHTSA lists 26 steering complaints for the 2008 TL, which is 21% of all 124 complaints filed for that model year, one of the highest shares among TL model years.
Is there a recall for the 2008 Acura TL steering system?: Yes, two recalls cover it: campaign 08V091000 from 2008 and campaign 12V222000 from 2012. Both address a power steering hose that can deteriorate from heat, crack, and leak fluid, with Honda installing a new heat-resistant hose free of charge.
Did the steering problem cause fires or crashes?: NHTSA records associate this steering complaint area with 5 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury for the 2008 TL.
At what mileage do steering problems usually show up on the 2008 TL?: The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints is 73,794 miles.
Were all 2008 TL vehicles covered by the steering recalls?: Some owners reported the same hose failure but said their VIN fell outside the recall range, according to complaints filed with NHTSA.