The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the power steering fluid reservoir needed to be refilled more often than expected, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the Vehicle Safety Assist (VSA) system failed and the VSA Modulator Control illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure of the VSA system had caused the locking mechanisms and seat belts to fail to operate as needed. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 12V222000 (Steering) and 08V091000 (Steering); and linked the failure to the recalls. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 164,000.
Acura TL loss of power problems
52 of the 3,117 owner complaints about the Acura TL describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2002 model year.
- owner complaints
- 52
- worst model year
- 2002
- typical mileage
- 91,903
By model year
Often reported together
Power steering loss 14Transmission failure 11Stalling 6Check engine light 6Slipping 4Won't start 2Jerking 2Hesitation 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0730 1
What owners say
Slipping , shift feels like it’s losing power and jerks and sputter . Check engine lights is on now . Throwing a P0730 code .. transmission fluid level are where is supposed to be and clean
At random times the engine dies while driving the car which has resulted in unsafe handling and loss of power steering while in traffic conditions. I was unaware of a recall (02V120000) until recently. I have owned this car sense 2002 and the current millage is 109,000 miles. I contacted Findlay Acura in Henderson NV. and they stated there was no recall on the ignition switch which I have recently found that there was as noted above. Can you contact the Dealer on my behalf as I am under the impression that the dealer is suppose to replace the defective part at no cost as it does cause an unsafe condition when it occurs. Engine just dies without warning. There has not been an independent assessment of the condition as it occurs on a random basis and of course, never occurs when you want it to.
While crossing median ahead of oncoming traffic, electric power steering lost power, leaving me unable to steer to avoid collision. Steering warning began to flash but gave no advance warning. I was not strong enough to steer the car. Engine was running. Car is available for inspection. Honda dealer said they had never seen this problem. Power steering is still inoperative and the dealer says no recalls for t his problem.
My car has been automatically shutting off while driving. Bringing my car to a halt, not a full on stop but to the point my wheels lock up. Sort of like im slamming on my brake but I can't press my brake. I lose power steering, the entire car shuts off. Then I have to try and restart it, but it won't turn over. Sometimes its just for a few minutes. Other times Im stranded for hours. A few times its been days. After it dies and i turn the key off and then back on but not over ill have power. I have a kid and we've been stranded on an on ramp with cars going 60 all around us. The car just randomly shut off in the middle of the road. There's a lot of traffic around these parts and we were stuck, not even being able to get out of the vehicle with the cars going on each side of us. Ive done some research and ive seen thousands of other complaints about this issue since 2002. Ive had 3 different mechanics try to figure out what the issue was. Have had my car at the shop for weeks at a time. A few times even the mechanics couldn't get it started, and it had to sit for 3 days before it would start up again. The check engine light is on and all 3 different mechanics have fixed everything thats came up. After this started happening ive had to replace brakes and rotors several times. My car started shifting way to late. And feels like its starting to slip. This is a safety hazzard. Especially in larger cities.
I was driving home with my kids and the steering practically locked up, but I was still going about 50 MPH. Thankfully, we didn't get hit while I guided the car over to stop safely. The panel just told me to check the steering system... While I was trying not to get hit after losing all power to my steering with no warning while driving. Had vehicle towed home, as it was nighttime. Now I have to get it sent to someone who might tell me anything. This looks like a serious trend based off of what I've read on this sight. It's dangerous and I'm sure getting it fixed will be costly. This is a serious issue on many levels.
I went to go at a stop light I got to about 15 MPH and my car jus lost all power and didn't restart. When I tried to turn the key on and off again no power as well as everytime I put the key in the ignition it makes this weird buzzing noise when I try to turn it over.
I was driving my car out of nowhere it lost power this the third time it happens. Its really scary because the last time I had my baby with me and that happened. I had to park and turn off the car also when I reverse it takes long to change gear.
Driving on interstate for 8 min at 70 MPH on a 70 degree morning when I lost power to the engine. Luckily, I was able to pull over to the shoulder. My certified mechanic diagnosed the engine lost all compression. The car has 98,000 mi. I called acura client services and they stated it had to be diagnosed by acura dealer. The dealer stated it was a blown engine and they have no idea how it happened. I called acura again and they stated there was nothing they could do. I stated something unusual has happened and it should be researched to understand why. Engines shouldn't just fail. Acura stated the vehicle is out of warranty and the customer would have to pay for the diagnosis before they would review the claim. I paid the dealer to test. The dealer filled the system with fluids and set the vehicle outside. He checked for leaks every few hours. I told him it was a slow leak and he had to monitor it closely. The dealer stated he couldn't find any issue. I called acura and told them the test was not conducted properly. Acura stated the dealer can't find the issue and no more investigation can be done. I asked acura why they are not having their field team review this incident. Acura states it's a customer issue not an acura issue. Without conducting the proper testing & diagnosis that conclusion cannot be made. Acura refuses to authorize the dealer to investigate the defect properly. Acura refuses to have their field technicians, warranty group, and supplier review the defect, asks the customer to pay to diagnose the problem. Acura's policy to not review major field issues with their vehicles outside of warranty is a dangerous position especially when it is a major safety issue with a blown engine. Acura's corporate strategy to suppress an investigation until a major incident happens creates a potential risky product liability with all their customers.
My 2005 acura tl has lost power at least a dozen times while I have been driving on the freeway. The battery also completely drains after the car has not been driven for a day or two. I just replaced the battery and have had the alternator tested at least half a dozen times by 3 different mechanics. My issues sound very similar to the fuse box recall but my VIN does not fall under the recall apparently.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and could cause the timing belt to contact a bolt on the cylinder head. Eventually the belt could be damaged and fail.
- Risk
- If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the water pump and if it is one of the defective pumps, the water pump and timing belt will be replaced. Owner notification began august 30, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.
Recall number 02V226000 · Recall details
Questions about the Acura TL loss of power
Which Acura TL years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2002 (11 complaints), 2005 (9 complaints) and 2012 (6 complaints).
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