MotorDeets

1999 Acura Tl: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1999 Acura Tl: 4 recalls, 157 owner complaints.

4vehicle recalls
157owner complaints
17mention a crash
–best combined mpg
1999 Acura Tl
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

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

Electrical Vehicle recall #02V120000 · 2002 · 1,000,000 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles, electrical contacts in the ignition switch can degrade due to the high electrical current passing through the switch when the vehicle is started.

Why it matters: Worn contacts could cause the engine to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Owner notification began June 14, 2002.

Electrical Vehicle recall #03V423000 · 2003 · 563,861 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles and MINI vans, the ignition switch May wear excessively and prevent proper interlock operation, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to "park."

Why it matters: If the vehicle operator does not shift to "park" before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.

The fix: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that determines the amount of cylinder body wear. If significant wear is indicated, the dealer will replace the cylinder body, collar, and latch plate. If no signs of wear are indicated, dealers will replace the latch plate with a redesigned part. Owner…

Electrical Vehicle recall #05V025000 · 2005 · 486,659 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the interlock operation of the ignition switch May not function properly, making it possible to turn the ignition key to the "off" position and remove the key without shifting the transmission to park.

Why it matters: If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.

The fix: Dealers will perform an inspection procedure that confirms interlock function. Vehicles will be updated with a redesigned interlock lever free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2005.

Airbags Vehicle recall #20V026000 · 2020 · 1,439,841 vehicles

What's wrong: Honda (american Honda motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2cl, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3cl, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0cl, 2001 Acura 3.2cl and Acura mdx, 1998-2000 Honda accord coupe, accord sedan, civic sedan, odyssey and Acura 3.5rl, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2tl, 1996-2000 civic coupe, 1997-2000 cr-v, 1997-1998 ev plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with non-azide driver air bag inflators…

Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.

Electrical58
Transmission & drivetrain37
Airbags13
Engine & cooling12
Other / unknown11
Speed control / throttle10
Steering8
Visibility (wipers, glass)7

What owners describe

The 1999 Acura Tl has 157 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 20 Tl model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 156). Complaints peaked in 2009 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 112,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (20 complaints, 2 recalls), 2000 (249 complaints, 6 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 1999 Acura Tl.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

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

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

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

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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
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FAQ

Does the 1999 Acura Tl have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Acura Tl problems?

Owners have filed 157 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (58), transmission & drivetrain (37), airbags (13).

Where can I get a 1999 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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