1996 Acura TL: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 acura 2.5 tl. The vehicle was serviced at the repair shop for a dead battery. The repair shop advised that the vehicle would not shift into gear. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id 99v227000 (power train: automatic transmission). The current and failure mileages were 56,569. Returned usps, 2nd attempt made 07/24/07 failed. *lj ,”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2007
“Got estimate from dealer for 2600.00 dollars for mechanical repair on a free 41 point inspection. Took car to another shop and had repaired for 119.00 dollars. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2006
“1996 acura tl windshield wipers failed on the vehicle.*mr the wiper motor has been replaced twice. This wiper failure resulted in poor visibility while driving in rain. *nm”Owner report · Visibility · May 2005
Show 6 more owner reports
“While driving at any speed vehicle overheated. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and mechanic determined that the intake manifold cracked and coolant spilled inside the engine. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2004
“I own a 1996 acura 2.5tl. A couple days ago while driving my passenger side wheel collapsed due to the lower ball joint breaking. I conducted research to see if there had been a recall on that part ,and in fact there was. The problem im facing is that it only covered certain vehicles with certain VIN numbers([xxx].... Through [xxx]...)my VIN # is [xxx]. I understand that my vehicle doesn't fall within those numbers but I experienced the same problem and don't think I should have to pay if in fact this is the same defect that happened to all those other vehicles. *nlm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Suspension · May 2003
“There is a loud growling sound coming from the enging compartment of my 1996 acura 2.5 tl. The dealer informed that it is a cracked manifold and he has seen it many times before. However, they still did not offer to subsidize the repair in any way. I would think that an exhaust manifold should not crack this early in the life of the car. What is even worse, is it is known problem and the manufacturer is doing nothing about it. The manifold is the same as that from the old acura vigor's. I would think the manufacturer would have fixed the problem by now. I sincerely hope the manufacturer corrects this problem, especially as it may pose a fire hazard.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2002
“I purchased an 1996 acura 2.5 tl in october of 1998 and I have never received a recall notice of any kind for this vehicle. My address has been the same for the last 9 1/2 years. The only personal information that has changed is my last name, from washington to gordon which changed july 13, 2002. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 1999
“Consumer has been experiencing brake defects. Every eight month or less consumer had to have brake repairs done. Every repair work was done by the dealer at cost to the consumer. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 1998
“1996 acura seat belt didn't lock and air bag didn't deploy during accident**cc the consumers wife hit a tree and consequently her head went over the steering wheel and hit the windshield. *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 1901
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH BALL JOINTS THAT CAN PREMATURELY WEAR OUT AND, IN THE WORSE CASE, THE BALL JOINT WOULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A TRANSMISSION CASE BOLT CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO DISENGAGE FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED BOLT.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact TL by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Acura TL reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Acura TL. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1996 Acura TL have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.