MotorDeets

1998 Acura Tl: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1998 Acura Tl: 2 recalls, 20 owner complaints.

2vehicle recalls
20owner complaints
3mention a crash
–best combined mpg
1998 Acura Tl
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Suspension Vehicle recall #99V069000 · 1999 · 124,875 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: This condition would result in vehicle deceleration and a sudden loss of power. Also steering controllability would be reduced.

The fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V227000 · 1999 · 96,518 vehicles

What's wrong: A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.

Why it matters: The vehicle could lose power to the drive wheels without warning. Also, shifting the transmission into the park position would not lock the wheels, and a parked vehicle could move unexpectedly if the parking brake is not set.

The fix: Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling9
Electrical3
Speed control / throttle2
Body & structure2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Steering1
Airbags1
Suspension1

What owners describe

The 1998 Acura Tl has 20 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 20 Tl model years for complaints (well below the 156 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 77,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (23 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (157 complaints, 4 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Acura Tl.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1998 Acura Tl manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1998 Acura Tl manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1998 Acura Tl manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1998 Acura Tl manual

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FAQ

Does the 1998 Acura Tl have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Acura Tl. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1998 Acura Tl problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (9), electrical (3), speed control / throttle (2).

Where can I get a 1998 Acura Tl repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Tl years

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