Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2004 Acura TL
The 2004 Acura TL has several recalls, notably issues with power steering hoses, airbag inflators, and the automatic transmission, potentially affecting its reliability. Known problems also include failing accelerator pedals and windshield wiper motors. Despite these concerns, addressing these recalls significantly enhances the vehicle's safety and dependability.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2004 Acura TL has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 551 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19E068000 Accelerator Pedal May Bind/FMVSS 124 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V182000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11E022000 LOWER BALL JOINT/REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V091000 POWER STEERING HOSE OIL LEAKING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V092000 WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V176000 HONDA/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Structure 232 complaints
- Air Bags 199 complaints
- Power Train 56 complaints
- Tires 51 complaints
- Unknown or Other 49 complaints
- Steering 34 complaints
Of the 551 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 551 complaints, owners report 17 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power steering hose cracks
How to check: Inspect steering components for leaks or cracks.
Faulty airbag inflator
How to check: Confirm airbag recall work was done.
Transmission gear chipping
How to check: Check for rough shifting or noises.
Wiper motor corrosion
How to check: Test wipers for smooth operation.
Binding accelerator pedal
How to check: Press and release pedal for smooth action.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rattling sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Evaluate steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe for smooth acceleration and shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerky shifting
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test for consistent, firm brake pedal feel.
Red flag: Vibration or soft pedal
- 06
Parking
What to check: Listen for any unusual noises while turning.
Red flag: Grinding or squealing sounds
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recalls been completed?
- When was the last transmission service?
- Any issues with the power steering?
- Has the airbag inflator been replaced?
- Are the wipers functioning properly?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion paperwork
- Service history records
- Accident history report
- Maintenance receipts
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2004 Acura TL at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.