2006 Acura TL Problems
- Complaints
- 247filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles, 200 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.2L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Acura TL (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2006 Acura TL most often report a cracking dashboard around the passenger airbag area and a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink module that drains the battery, leaving the car unable to start after a day or two parked. Steering noise and fluid leaks from the power steering hose, plus occasional transmission and brake complaints, make up most of the remainder. Many of these reports come in between roughly 50,000 and 130,000 miles.
- Body and structure
Cracking dashboard around passenger airbag
- 118 complaints (48%)
- median 88,000 mi at 8.9 yrs old (98 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 13 quotes)
- filed 2010–2025
Owners describe hairline cracks appearing on the passenger side of the dashboard that quickly spread into long cracks outlining the airbag cover, with some also seeing cracks above the steering column. Complaints frequently note the car was garage kept and often ask the dealer or Acura for help; some were offered partial cost assistance, while others were quoted several thousand dollars for a new dash or told the cracks were due to heat. Owners commonly raise concern about how the airbag will deploy through a cracked cover. Commonly reported between about 30,000 and 140,000 miles, often on cars several years old and described by owners as garage kept.
Recall 19V1820002 related service bulletins
What to check: Inspect the top of the dashboard on both sides of the passenger airbag and above the instrument cluster for cracks or lifted edges. Ask whether the dash has been replaced and whether any goodwill assistance was requested.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dash board started cracking about a month ago, a crack on the passenger side above the air bag, and now there are 2 to 3 cracks all along the dash board. I have owned this car for almost 3 1/2 years, and it has not been exposed to the elements for over an 8 hour period. I park this in a garage all the time. Honda should pay for this, I have never had a dashboard crack, even on cheap cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10452836, filed 2012-03, 75,800 miles“I bought Acura 2006 TL in november 2006 and I have noticed there is a crack on my dashboard where the passenger side air bag sits. I noticed on 8/6/11 and now after one week these cracks are started growing. I asked the dealer in pembroke pines and they said it would cost me 800 bucks which is way expensive. I am very disappointed from the manufacture that they wouldn't care for their customers.”
NHTSA complaint #10419296, filed 2011-08, 48,000 miles - Electrical system
HandsFreeLink drains battery, car won't start
- 22 complaints (9%)
- median 75,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- filed 2011–2020
Owners report the battery going flat after the car sits for a day or more, sometimes repeatedly replacing batteries and needing jump starts. Several traced the drain to the HandsFreeLink Bluetooth module, which they say keeps trying to power up with the ignition off; disconnecting the module stopped the drain in some cases. Complaints describe dealers confirming the drain or declining to cover a replacement, and some owners noted the part is no longer made. Reported from roughly 50,000 to 110,000 miles, typically after the car sits unused for a day or more.
What to check: Ask whether the HandsFreeLink module has been disconnected or replaced, and check for a battery that has been replaced unusually often. A service bulletin describes the module's internal parasitic draw and the repair procedure.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2006 hands free link stopped working after less than 5 years. To replace the part, Acura charges approximately $650+tax. I have heard that the dealer will replace the part for $700....parts and labor. The labor involved in minimal. Also, to diagnose the problem, the dealer want $110. There are many others out there who have a similar problem, as I researched this issue via the internet. Acura should provide a recall or replacement of this part an no cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10395923, filed 2011-04, 75,000 miles“I replaced the car battery and within 4 days of being parked it was dead. The blue tooth hands free module continually tries to boot up even when the car is turned off and will leave you stranded if you park the car for a few days even with a brand new battery. I called the customer care line and they said they stopped making the part so the car must be parked with a trickle charger on it. There are only 64000 miles on the vehicle. The company should at the very least have somewhere the part can be repaired at. …”
NHTSA complaint #11123362, filed 2018-08, 64,000 miles - Steering
Power steering noise and hose leak
- 25 complaints (10%)
- median 120,000 mi at 9.6 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2026
Owners describe a moaning or whining noise from the steering when turning, especially with the engine cold, and some report fluid leaking underneath the front of the car. In a few complaints fluid reached the exhaust and produced smoke and a burning smell. Dealers and shops identified a cracked or leaking power steering hose; some owners mention the hose recall covering this part on 2004-2008 TLs. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 200,000 miles, often noticed at low speed or on cold starts.
Recall 08V0910001 related service bulletin
What to check: Check the power steering fluid level and look for wet or oily residue on hoses near the front of the engine. Ask whether the hose recall (08V091000) was completed, and listen for noise when turning from cold.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 06 Acura TL and for the last few months I have heard a very winding up and down noise under the hood, when I am turning one way or the other it gets louder . I noticed a recall on my vehicle but Acura tells me no ! I took it to a shops and they informed me that it's my power steering hose leaking/ could be bad .. I have had this car for 5 years and I take good care of my car , but lately all these problems are coming full circle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11361562, filed 2020-09, 198,000 miles“When I started the vehicle, it had a moaning sound. I continued driving and the battery light, airbag light, csv light, all came on just before the dash lights flickered on and off, then totally went out and the car engine shut off. When I tried to jumpstart the car, the car started after a few minutes but when the jumper cables were removed, the car instantly shut down. The car was in the middle of the road and had to be towed to my house. Three months ago, the car would not start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10683420, filed 2015-02, 127,500 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping or dropping out of gear
- 30 complaints (12%)
- median 107,030 mi at 9.4 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $1,565 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2006–2023
Complaints describe the car slipping out of gear, losing acceleration at speed, or refusing to move in any gear, sometimes with the engine stalling and restarting only after a cooldown. Owners report towing the car and being told a rebuild or replacement transmission was needed, and several note that shops had trouble reading codes. Some owners describe the problem as a known weakness of these years. Reported from about 100,000 to 130,000 miles in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed and watch for delayed or harsh shifts, slipping, or warning lights. Ask for transmission service records and whether the unit has been rebuilt or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had the most harrowing experience while driving home last saturday, nov.27, around 1:15am, at constant speed of 60 mpg when suddenly while stepping on the accelerator pedal I felt slipping of the gears, then the car's acceleration quickly dropping as I frantically tried to regain control and barely managing to steer the car onto the shoulder where it stopped to move completely. …”
NHTSA complaint #10370029, filed 2010-12, 108,353 miles“Well my air bag sensor, my psa light and my tpsa light is on. All dealing with faulty sensors and electrical issues. And my air bag sensor will come on once in awhile, saying it's off. And from the Acura TL community 2003 to 2006 have horrible transmissions. Everybody I know and talk to that have a TL that falls into those years, have had their transmissions either rebuilt or replaced. And nobody ever talks about it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311223, filed 2020-02, 167,000 miles
Buying note. These reports center on the dashboard and the HandsFreeLink battery drain, both of which are easy to inspect or ask about before purchase. Confirm recall work was done and get service records for the steering hose and transmission, since those repairs are the more costly ones.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 247 consumer complaints for the 2006 Acura TL. 200 of the complaints include a mileage, and 16% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 88,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 40 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags85 34%
- Body and structure64 26%
- Other or unknown44 18%
- Electrical system31 13%
- Steering28 11%
- Transmission and drivetrain19 7.7%
- Brakes13 5.3%
- Engine10 4.0%
- Suspension9 3.6%
- Vehicle speed control9 3.6%
Also reported: Wheels (7), Electronic stability control (6), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Equipment (4), Exterior lighting (4), Tires (2), Fuel system (1), Interior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Dash has cracked completely around passenger side dash air bag, which , in my belief, will effect deployment. This problem began occurring in the summer of 2016. I noticed the first crack one morning when I took the car out of the garage. I took the vehicle to Acura service dept to ask for assistance, and was told that they would only provide $200 on an $2000 bill to replace the dash.”
NHTSA complaint #10934025, filed 2016-12, 145,000 milesBody and structure: “Problem started with a small crack on my dashboard by the passenger airbag(outline of the airbag started cracking). After about a week the crack grew all the way to the windshield and now I have 2 cracks about a foot long each perpendicular to each other. Also another crack closer to the middle of the dashboard appeared about a week ago. That crack is about half the size of the cracks by the passenger airbag.”
NHTSA complaint #10562176, filed 2014-01, 145,000 milesOther or unknown: “Over the last couple of months, a crack has developed on the dashboard. The crack continues to grow larger in size. The crack is running right along where the passenger side airbag is located in the dashboard. I am concerned that this is compromising the the ability of the airbag to not spontaneously deploy. I am nervous to allow anyone ride in my passenger seat. This car is garage kept - it does not sit in the sun.”
NHTSA complaint #11021804, filed 2017-09, 108,000 milesElectrical system: “The bluetooth audio unit on my 2006 Acura TL has short circuited and is draining my battery causing the ignition system issues when starting the car in the morning. The short circuit had occurred due to the audio unit being placed above the rearview mirror console, this location is exposed to sunlight which in turn causes the components to heat up and damage the audio unit.”
NHTSA complaint #10505387, filed 2013-04, 72,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
16% of the 200 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 65,000 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Acura TL. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2006 Acura TL version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| TL FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V182000Mar 6, 2019Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Acura TL 2002–2006, 2009–2014, RDX 2007–2016, Honda Element 2003–2011 +14 more
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic…
- 08V091000Feb 27, 2008Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Acura TL 2004–2008
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.
- 06V270000Jul 26, 2006Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manualCovers: Acura TL 2006, Honda CN250 2006–2007, Ridgeline 2006 +37 more
On certain passenger vehicles and motorcycles, the owner's manuals contain incorrect contact information for the national highway traffic safety administration's (nhtsa) vehicle safety hotline.
- 05V510000Nov 3, 2005Air bags › FrontalCovers: Acura TL 2006, Honda Accord 2006
On certain passenger vehicles, on the frontal airbag system where the two external impact sensors is mounted, near the front headlights the front impact sensor bolts were not properly torqued.
Recall details for the 2006 Acura TL → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 40 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10165333Jul 11, 2019Suspension. This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small. The outer diameter…
- 10100462Nov 23, 2016Equipment. Service bulletin - navigation system information.
- 10086288Aug 29, 2016Equipment, Air bags. Letter sent in conjunction with the florida highway safety and motor vehicles department to remind florida owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment at their earliest convenience.
- 10084166May 12, 2016Electrical system. Dealer message - ahm is investigating client complaint of handsfreelink not working or battery being too low to start the engine. Prior to performing any repair, please send suspect parts back to ahm.
- 10084285Apr 29, 2016Electrical system. Ahm is investigating customer complaint of the handsfreelink not working or the battery being too low to start the engine. Please send specific parts to ahm prior to attemping any repairs.
- 10084268Apr 25, 2016Electrical system. Ahm is investigating customer complaint of the handsfreelink not working or the battery being too low to start the engine. Please send specific parts to ahm prior to attemping any repairs.
- 10084265Apr 25, 2016Electrical system, Engine. Engineering request for investigation of the handsfreelink (hfl) not working or the battery being too low to start the engine.
- 10083835Apr 13, 2016Engine, Electrical system. Dealer message - request for parts to investigatethe handsfreelink (hfl) not working or the battery being too low to start the engine.
- 10204257Mar 30, 2016Equipment. The HandsFreeLink (HFL) system doesn?t work, and/or the battery sometimes won?t start the vehicle.
- 10198910Mar 30, 2016Electrical system. HandsFreeLink (HFL) Doesn?t Work, or Battery Is Too Low to Start the Engine: The HandsFreeLink (HFL) system doesn?t work, and/or the battery sometimes won?t start the vehicle.
Other model years of the Acura TL
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 17 | 36,000 | 3 | 4 | 23 | — | Falling |
| 2013 | 62 | 69,503 | 3 | 4 | 23 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 130 | 55,000 | 3 | 3–4 | 23 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 20 | 89,500 | 3 | — | 21 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 64 | 62,830 | 3 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 42 | 60,038 | 3 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2008 | 124 | 76,589 | 2 | — | 21 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 124 | 79,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 247 | 88,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 388 | 91,000 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 551 | 90,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 391 | 75,900 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 333 | 64,500 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 149 | 81,936 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 249 | 110,400 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 157 | 112,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 20 | 77,500 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 23 | 86,260 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 26 | 68,100 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Acura TL model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Acura TL?
Owners of the 2006 Acura TL most often report a cracking dashboard around the passenger airbag area and a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink module that drains the battery, leaving the car unable to start after a day or two parked. The issues reported most often: Cracking dashboard around passenger airbag; HandsFreeLink drains battery, car won't start; Power steering noise and hose leak.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Acura TL have?
NHTSA recorded 247 consumer complaints for the 2006 Acura TL as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Acura TL is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 85 complaints (34% of the total), followed by body and structure with 64.
Has the 2006 Acura TL been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Acura TL get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Acura TL (TL, 3.2L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Acura TL reported?
Among the 200 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 88,000 miles and the middle half falls between 65,000 and 120,000 miles; 16% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.