Acura TL Is Focus of Two Recalls
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Honda is recalling 273,000 2004-’08 Acura TL sedans to fix potential fires under the hood due to a power steering hose that can crack and leak power steering fluid. In a separate recall, the Japanese automaker is recalling 129,600 TLs from the 2004-’05 model years to correct a potential failure of the circuit breaker inside the windshield wiper motor.
In its recall summary concerning the TL’s power steering hose problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that prolonged high underhood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid. “Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an underhood fire,” the government watchdog said. Acura dealers will install a new heat-resistant power steering hose for free. NHTSA does not yet have a start date for this recall. The agency notes that this is an expansion of a previous recall campaign.
In the second TL recall, NHTSA says Honda will address a potential failure of the circuit breaker inside the windshield wiper motor. “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,” NHTSA said in its recall summary. Acura dealers will inspect the windshield wiper motor and replace the motor if they find signs of corrosion. NHTSA does not yet have a start date for this recall.
Owners may contact Acura at (800) 382-2238 regarding both recalls.
What this means to you: If you own any of the aforementioned Acura TLs, better have them checked out by your dealer ASAP. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent