Skip to main content

Acura recalls over 52k 2007-08 TL models over potential fire risk

Affected vehicles may contain a deteriorated power steering hose, which might leak fluid, thus increasing the risk of a fire.
Acura TL

Acura has announced the voluntary recall of 52,615 model-year 2007-2008 TL sedans due to a potential steering hose problem. The TL’s power steering hose may deteriorate over time, causing a fluid leak, according to Acura. In turn, the leaking power steering fluid may result in loss of power steering assistance. Additionally, smoke or fire may ensue if it leaks onto the catalytic converter. Despite the worse case scenario, Acura said that no crashes, injuries or fires have been reported thus far.

Acura is encouraging owners of all affected vehicles to bring their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive a recall notification. Affected models will receive a new power steering house, free of charge. Acura will begin issuing safety recalls to customers in mid-June 2012. Aside from contacting customer via mail, TL owners can also visit www.recalls.acura.com or call (800) 382-2238 to determine if their vehicle requires repair. Concerned customers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or online at www.safercar.gov.

Today’s recall marks Acura’s second major steering hose recall in recent years. In 2008, the luxury automaker recalled 145,000 model-year 2004-2008 TL vehicles the identical reason. As is true with the current recall, no crashes, injuries or fires were reported with the 2008 recall.

Furthermore, Acura also recalled 43,200 RL sedans in 2007 for similar power steering hose issues. NHTSA documents indicate that power steering hoses in affected vehicles might crack from engine heat and pose a fire hazard. The recall involved 2005-2008 model-year RLs. Unlike the TL recalls, this particular recall was issued because of two fires, which occurred in Japan. The pair of fires, led to an internal investigation from Honda’s Tokyo headquarters.

Despite the safety notice, model-year 2007-2008 Acura TL models earned impressive overall scores, according to U.S. News. Both models received a comprehensive rating of 8.9 out of 10. Safety wise, the TL did very well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests in 2007-2008. Both models earned five out five stars in driver and passenger crash tests. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2007-2008 TL models its highest overall ratings.

Source: Acura

Automotive News
Acura