2004 Acura TL Base Auto
All photo credits
- Photo: 2005 Acura TL in Nighthawk Black Pearl, Front Right, 06-17-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: ACURA TL (UA6-7) China by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: ACURA TL (UA6-7) China (2) by Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2005 Acura TL in Nighthawk Black Pearl, Rear Right, 06-17-2022 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Interior Acura TL 2008 by Acuratl si, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2004 Acura TL Base Auto is a 270-hp 3.2-liter with a 5-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $32,650 MSRP and is rated at 21 mpg combined.
It makes 270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 238 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm, spinning to a 6,800 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).
The TL measures 189.3 inches long on a 107.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,575 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $32,650 ($56,174 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $33,195 ($57,112 *) |
| Destination Charge | $545 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 3.2-liter, SOHC VTEC V-6 |
| Displacement | 3.2 L |
| Horsepower | 270 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 238 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Redline | 6,800 rpm |
| Valvetrain | VTEC, 4 valves-per-cylinder, belt-driven SOHC |
| Bore and Stroke | 89 mm x 86 mm (3.50 in x 3.39 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Injection Type | Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift and Grade Logic Control |
| 1st Gear | 2.563 (45 mph **) |
| 2nd Gear | 1.552 (75 mph **) |
| 3rd Gear | 1.021 (113 mph **) |
| 4th Gear | 0.666 (174 mph **) |
| 5th Gear | 0.48 (241 mph **) |
| Reverse | 1.846 |
| Final Drive | 4.428 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 18 MPG |
| Highway | 26 MPG |
| Combined | 21 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium Unleaded, 91 Octane |
| Tank Capacity | 17 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Independent multi-link double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilizer bar |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | 1.0 in |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | 0.67 in |
| Turning Diameter | 39.7 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 11.4 in (300 mm) x 1.1 in (28 mm) |
| Rear Brake Disc | 11.1 in (282 mm) x 0.35 in (9 mm) |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 17x8 in |
| Wheels Rear | 17x8 in |
| Tires Front | P235/45R17 |
| Tires Rear | P235/45R17 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 189.3 in |
| Width | 72.2 in |
| Height | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.9 in |
| Front Track | 62.1 in |
| Rear Track | 62 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.8 in |
| Cargo Volume | 12.5 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,575 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (F/R) | 61.4% / 38.6% |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38.7 in |
| Headroom Rear | 37.2 in |
| Legroom Front | 42.8 in |
| Legroom Rear | 34.9 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 58.3 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 55.7 in |
| Hip Room Front | 55.6 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 53.8 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2004 Acura TL Base Auto with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
Recalls
6 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Acura TL. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Oct 10, 2019 · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
Consequence: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
NHTSA campaign 19E068000
Mar 6, 2019 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
NHTSA campaign 19V182000
Jun 22, 2011 · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
AFFINIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS, NAPA PART NO. 2601662, THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MISTAKENLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 - 2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES DUE TO A MISTAKE IN A NAPA AND NAPA DEALERS' PARTS APPLICATION CATALOGUE.
Consequence: MISAPPLICATION OF THIS PART COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: AFFINIA IS WORKING WITH NAPA TO IDENTIFY ANY OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS PART MISTAKENLY INSTALLED ON TO AN ACURA TL VEHICLE, AND WILL REPLACE THE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA GROUP'S WARRANTY ADMINISTRATOR AT 1-815-759-7757.
NHTSA campaign 11E022000
Feb 27, 2008 · STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
HONDA IS RECALLING 273,000 MY 2004-2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES. PROLONGED HIGH UNDER-HOOD TEMPERATURES MAY CAUSE THE POWER STEERING HOSE TO DETERIORATE PREMATURELY CAUSING THE HOSE TO CRACK AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID.
Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING ONTO A HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WILL GENERATE SMOKE AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HEAT RESISTANT POWER STEERING HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 800-382-2238. THIS IS AN EXPANSION OF A PREVIOUS RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V551).
NHTSA campaign 08V091000
Feb 27, 2008 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
HONDA IS RECALLING 129,600 MY 2004-2005 ACURA TL VEHICLES. IF WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR BREATHER PORT, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW THE MOTOR TO VENT WARM AIR DURING NORMAL OPERATION, IT CAN RESULT IN CORROSION INSIDE THE MOTOR HOUSING. THIS COULD CAUSE A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BREAKER INSIDE THE MOTOR HOUSING.
Consequence: IF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILS, IT WILL CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FOR SIGNS OF CORROSION. IF NO SIGNS OF CORROSION ARE PRESENT, A SNORKEL TUBE WILL BE ADDED TO THE WIPER MOTOR BREATHER PORT TO PREVENT WATER FROM ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR HOUSING AND FOAM TAPE WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE COWL ABOVE THE WIPER MOTOR TO DIRECT WATER AWAY FROM THE WIPER MOTOR. IF SIGNS OF CORROSION DAMAGE ARE OBSERVED ON THE WIPER MOTOR, THE MOTOR WILL BE REPLACED, AND THE BREATHER TUBE AND FOAM TAPE WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION ON THE NEW WIPER MOTOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
NHTSA campaign 08V092000
Apr 15, 2004 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Consequence: GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
NHTSA campaign 04V176000
551 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2004 Acura TL
Owner Complaints
551 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Acura TL (13 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 9 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Structure | 232 |
| Air Bags | 199 |
| Power Train | 56 |
| Tires | 51 |
| Unknown Or Other | 49 |
| Steering | 34 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2004 ACURA TL. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.