2004 Acura TL Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 2%of 551 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 Acura TL, 2% of the 551 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“About 18 months ago the headlights on my 2004 TL began flickering on and off while I was driving. I took the car to Acura but they couldn't find the problem and they told me it would cost $1000 to do an appropriate diagnostic test . The problem with the headlamps stopped after a few months, but then other lights began going out (interior center console where the AC and radio are, and the interior console to the left of the steering wheel, and the interior door console) and flickering (exterior side panel lights when I alarm or dis-alarm the car). …”
NHTSA complaint #10441914, filed 2011-12, 73,000 miles“Since all headlights have been redesigned to have plastic covers rather than glass, the amount of light available for lighting the road has diminished with time as the plastic ages. I have seen some vehicles where the headlight covers are totally opaque. If any vehicle has diminished luminous from its lights, it is a hazard to all other vehicles and pedestrians. Recalls should be sent to all manufacturers.”
NHTSA complaint #10455672, filed 2012-04, 67,000 miles“The rear brake lights of this Acura TL were failing to turn on when pressing on the brake pedal or were extremely dim. Another driver notified me when he nearly rear ended the car. The problem was determined to be a faulty brake switch, which seems to be a common issue on many (2004+) tls based on the TL forums. Honda/Acura has issued a new replacement part with updated part number as well. This part should be swapped out on all affected models to prevent rear end collisions!”
NHTSA complaint #10585554, filed 2014-04, 109,000 miles“2004 Acura TL both xenon headlights stop working. This car low and high beam are on this system (one bulb for both low and high beam). No lights for driving at night and bad weather.”
NHTSA complaint #10300024, filed 2010-01, 56,000 miles“The left headlamp beam creates a dark/blind spot about 5-6' inches in diameter. The driver's eyes start focusing on this spot at high speeds the driver misses the lanes and gets blinded, dazed and confused - a cause that may very soon cause accidents.”
NHTSA complaint #10058374, filed 2004-02, 500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10012913Feb 1, 2004Brakes lights don't work stuck in park.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Acura TL
232 complaintsAir bags
199 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
56 complaintsTires
51 complaintsOther or unknown
50 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsSeats
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Acura TL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology