1998 Acura TL: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
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 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1998 acura tl. Consumer writes in regards to defective or cracked exhaust manifold and seeks goodwill assistance. *smd the consumer stated the check engine code indicated a faulty oxygen sensor and there were exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 acura tl. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 05v025000 (electrical system), but the VIN was not included. While the vehicle was in drive position, the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle rolled away. The contact stated that he would forget to place the vehicle in park sometimes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. Updated 12/19/14*cn updated 05/26/2015 *js”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2012
“I recently bought a 1998 acura tl 2.5 and the driver side front ball joint squeaks. While I was looking for parts at autozone I was alerted that my car was under recall for defective lower ball joints. I am not the original owner and wondered if it is possible to get it repaired at no cost ? *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt: the contact stated while pulling out from a stop sign the transmission case bolt broke. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who found NHTSA recall campaign 99v227000 for automatic transmission. The manufacturer said that the recall repairs had been completed previously, and they were not willing to repair the transmission again. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2005
“I own an acura 2.5 tl model year 1998. I was informed by dealer last year that there was an exhaust manifold leak in the engine. The dealer quoted $2000 to fix the problem. I have not had it fixed so far, but I fear that the exhaust fumes were infiltrating the cabin, and we were breathing exhaust fumes when in the car. Upon further investigation I found that this problem was also reported widely in earlier model years. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2005
“Auto technician has determined that 1998 acura 2.5 tl has a cracked manifold. Same vehicle from 1995-97 has been mandated by NHTSA to have this repaired by manufacturer. I would like my vehicle year to be included in this mandate.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005
“Exhaust system on my 1998 acura 2.5 tl has a crack in the exhaust manifold. I've been told the manufacturer replaced this on the 96 & 97 tl's but will not for the 1998. I understand from research there were no changes to the body style or engine between the 96 -98 so why won't they cover the 98? *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2005
“Part b to odi# 10106272 forgot to note that exhaust comes into the vehicle from the fresh air intake and gives me headaches on long trips. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2005
“Consumer states the bolt on the vehicle broke. Recall number 99v227000 the consumer contacted the dealer and was told the recall had been performed on the vehicle . The consumer was not the original owner. Please provide any further information. Jb *tc”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2004
“Engine manifold developed a crack. As a result, vehicle produced an extreme loud noise. *ak manifold replaced. Trunk leaks when it rains. *tc”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - 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 1998 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 1998 Acura TL reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Acura TL. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1998 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.