Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2005 Acura TL Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

82/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: B+

A premium sport sedan value, but its automatic transmission is a looming shadow.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2005 Acura TL

  • Has 7 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
  • Scores 5 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2007 Acura TL earns a 87.
  • The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (5-speed) (critical severity).

Should You Buy the 2005 Acura TL?

The 2005 Acura TL offers an excellent blend of performance, luxury, and general reliability, making it a strong contender in the used luxury sedan market. However, a significant Achilles' heel exists with its automatic transmission, demanding careful pre-purchase inspection and diligent maintenance to avoid substantial repair costs. If you can navigate this specific weakness, it's a remarkably satisfying and durable vehicle.

Biggest Strengths

  • Naturally aspirated J32 V6 engine durability
  • High-quality interior materials (excluding dashboard)
  • Strong structural integrity and safety ratings

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2005 Acura TL. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Automatic Transmission (5-speed)critical
2
Power Steering Systemmoderate
3
Dashboard Crackingminor
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

7 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

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.

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."

What breaks on the 2005 Acura TL?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Acura TL by Year

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Acura TL. Click any year for its full report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2005 Acura TL

7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair cost projections, buyer checklist, and expert verdict.

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