Menu
CB Automotive and Vehicles Review of 2004 Acura TL
2004 Acura TL

2004 Acura TL review: Dashboard cracks 77

H
Author of the review
2:18 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

My 2004 Acura TL which I bought brand new off the dealership lot and is having cracks all over the dashboard. It has cracks above the gauges and cracks along the passenger airbag side. I talked the Acura dealership and they id that it's a wear and tare part. I also have extended warranty, and they also told me that it's a wear and tare part and it's not covered. I've seen cars that are 16 years old and the dashboard is still good. What's going with these high price luxury cars? I could of bought two cars for this. This is my first car with Acura and I will not recommend or buy another with Acura.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

77 comments
D
D
DrK D
Phoenix, US
Nov 23, 2021 11:16 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I agree with many posters above. My 04 TL has been kept up very carefully. But the cracks on the dashboard just get more extensive. Very disappointing.

M
M
md_ace
, US
Nov 24, 2018 9:39 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Does anyone know if there is a class action lawsuit currently underway?
If so, how can we join?

D
D
Dan Hutton
, US
Sep 07, 2018 3:20 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Original owner of a 2006 TL that has been well cared for and now has the typical cracks on either side of the passenger airbag. Count me in on a class-action lawsuit.

T
T
Timea Kovacs
, US
Jan 13, 2018 7:27 am EST

I am the second owner of Acura TL 04..It is my baby...I contacted Acura Customer relations they are dismissing you ...They do not respond to BBB and safercar.gov...It is not tear and wear...My first crack appeared a little over a month ago and I know before I know it will become a "puzzle".I do not want cover...Acura has to own up to his name and reputation...Me too I am afraid that it might affect the airbag deployment...they say, no, but I really do not want to find out in the worst way...We need to do something...petition, lawsuit whatever it takes.
Timea Kovacs New York

N
N
Neze
, US
Nov 07, 2017 7:05 pm EST

My first crack appeared a year after I purchased My 04 TL. Four more years and it all covered with cracks. Called client relations group and after being passed around I got the "we are not going to fix it, because your car is old". So I asked the rep named Damon the following questions. Are there other brand vehicles on the road older than my Acura without cracked dashboards? Are there other TLs with cracked dashboards that have been complained about? Does Acura know about this issue? Could this possibly affect airbag deployment? He answered yes to all these question, but yet wouldn't do anything about it.

His name is Damon, but he refused to give me his full name.
Case number is [protected].
Never buying another Acura car. Period!

J
J
Jim Gesacion
, US
Sep 02, 2017 9:58 pm EDT

I have an 06 tl that I bought new 12/2005. Its in the garage when not in use and I use a sunscreen when parked otherwise. The cracks started earlier this year (2017) with 60000 miles on the odometer. After researching the issue on the Internet and discovering that many owners have this issue, I discussed it with my dealer rep. After they reviewed it with the higher ups, they offered to cover 25% of the cost of parts and labor. Fortunately I did my homework and knew this was rediculous. The rep I was dealing with quit, so now I'm dealing with rep #2. This rep said that he would check witg their district rep. Unfortunately that didn't improve the offer. He advised me to contact the client relations group and gave me their number. After playing phone tag for a week, I finally got to talk with a rep. She stated that they would use their good will funds. She stated that the amount would depend on the age of the car, the mileage, brand loyalty and ownership (original owner vs not). The dealer rep.contacted me (this was now the third rep), and stated that Acura is now offering to cover 70%. They did the work yesterday and it looks great. Good luck to anyone with the same issue.

V
V
Valeria Acura lover
, US
Jun 05, 2017 8:01 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Acura should be held accountable for this

F
F
fragilewabbit
, US
Jan 12, 2017 8:21 pm EST

I too, own an '04 TL with MAJOR dash cracks, 80% of which have occurred within the last year. There are roughly 4 or 5 cracks of varying lengths over the instrument panel, center speaker (very annoying, because the speaker buzzes and rattles now, even when turned off), and around the passenger airbag. This is a very frustrating problem, since the vehicle still runs very well, but looks like crap! Is there any way to fix this problem short of replacing the entire dash? Has anyone tried to have the cracks repaired, our does the problem just continue, or worsen?
I DID have my heart set on a new RDX or MDX, but after this issue I'm definitely exploring other brands.

E
E
Eli Nguyen
, US
Nov 01, 2016 12:17 pm EDT

i just put $ 2100 on the seats because they all cracked . my 2004 looks brand new, then suddenly 3 big ### cracked came out from no where with in this month...love the car ...hate the cracked .

T
T
TGM2
, US
Oct 16, 2016 7:28 pm EDT

2004 TL with serious dashboard cracks. Planning to trade it in. Owned since new. Very well maintained. Internet salesman asked if the dashboard has cracks as if he already new the answer. Likely to affect trade in value. Maybe I shouldn't buy another Acura.

S
S
Spudz11
, US
Oct 11, 2016 11:57 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Well, I have the same severe cracking on my 2004 Acura T Navi. Cracks started on the right side of a the passenger side airbag and quickly (over a period of just a few days) all the way up to the windshield. Cracks then developed in the center and above the instrument cluster. I've kept the vehicle in top shape and now this. What a disappointment, but the failure of Acura to stand up and rectify our customer issues is typical based on my personal experience.

M
M
Mary collier
, US
Jul 30, 2016 7:50 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Same problem with my 2006 to cracked dashboard

C
C
Cal Calhoun
, US
Mar 14, 2016 4:37 pm EDT

Have 2004 acura tl six speed with nav.; just 2% of production was like this I was told when purchased new mid 2004.
Car has been garaged since 2010.
drove 4, 000 miles last year so not much daylight sun. Kept always the
dash and interior and rubber soaked with silicon and armorall to preserve for long term...having last had a 1974 260z purchased new that went 250, 000 miles, parked outside, with no dashboard cracks when sold in 2011.
2004 TL early on had substandard clear plastic over odometer and other gauges, which pitted in 2006 from armour all spray, which the dealer replaced and said to not do that again.

My dash cracked up like san andreas fault above the glove box when garaged this mild winter in Atlanta. Dash had been "dressed" in November along with all weather stripping. Dealer (original) says they will replaced March 2016 at 50% of "cost" which is over $1, 000 and I have 30 days to take care of it. Has been serviced by Nally Acura since I purchased and had 3 extended warranties in the 13 years of ownership. Have ordered from Amazon a "NEW" restoration plastic product by rustoleum restorer; and a liquid product for plastic cracks which "popped up" on amazon.

F
F
Frank Nitty Fontanez
, US
Feb 19, 2016 12:31 pm EST

I have a 2004 Acura TL and getting worst everyday with the cracks, I'm scare that if that air bag gives out because of those cracks and someone gets hurt because Acura can't get it right, I will be seeing a lawyer because Acura know about there bad dashboard but they continue to sell them .Acura should at least cover this default they have besides that, I love my Acura but if nothing get done soon I don't think I'll be purchasing another Acura .

J
J
John Brenda
, US
Feb 14, 2016 8:40 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have a 2004 TL just like all of you the dash cracked sitting in my garage.
Also like many of you I will NOT buy another Acura.
Back in the 1960's when we encountered a CHEAPLY built product we said " must be made in Japan'" I say it again!

S
S
shirley padgett
, US
Aug 21, 2015 11:00 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have a 2004 Acura TL that I bought brand new. It has been well maintained and dealer serviced. It has developed the hairline crack along one side of a rectangle above the airbag. I am very concerned about my grandson driving this vehicle when he becomes sixteen soon, not to mention the unsightly appearance of the dash in this 'luxury' car.

L
L
LJTAYLOR
Greenville, US
Mar 31, 2015 5:42 pm EDT

I PURCHASED A NEW ACURA TL IN 2004 FROM A VERY GOOD DEALERSHIP IN EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND I LOVE MY ACURA. THE DASHED STARTED TO CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE JUST OVER THE AIR BAG AREA AND IT HAS CONTINUED TO SPREAD OVER THE ENTIRE DASH. IM EMBARASSED TO CARRY MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS . I FEAR FOR MY LIFE WHEN DRIVING ALONG THE HIGHWAY NOT REALLY KNOWING WHEN IT MAY EXPLODE AND INJURE ME OR SOMEONE IN MY ACURA 2004 TL. MY CAR IS BLACK WITH EVERYTHING I ALWAYS WANTED IN A CAR EXCEPT FOR THE RECALLS AND THE UNSIGHTLY CRACKED UP DASH. PLEASE ALLOW THIS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF RIGHT -A-WAY. CONTACT : LTJ810@YAHOO.COM

S
S
spenced
Palm Beach, US
Mar 24, 2015 11:18 pm EDT

2004 with 120, 000 miles. Dash cracked everywhere. Law firm in Miami Spencer J. Charif, Esq. had filled suit on the dashboard claims. Hard to live with all the cracks, (at least 12) and harder for me to consider Acura again.

S
S
SJF25
Marlton, US
Mar 01, 2015 2:59 pm EST

I have a 2004 TL with 200k documented miles on it, I live in the Northeast. I keep the car spotless inside and out. I just noticed a crack over the passenger side air bag. From what I have been reading on this forum, the pattern seems to be the same. The crack starts on the passenger side air bag and then travels across the dash. I have always had at least one Honda product since the late eighties. This should be fix by the manufacturer. So what ever it takes to make them accountable should be done. I just had the trans rebuilt, by choice nothing was wrong with and it was the original Trans!

W
W
Winchcrank
Mission Viejo, US
Feb 05, 2015 4:34 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My name is Paul [censored]an. I am one of the many owners of 3rd generation [protected]) Acura TL’s who are experiencing significant cracks in the passenger side dashboard and resulting SRS indicator lights suggesting a potentially dangerous airbag problem. Most of us have contacted dealers and Acura corporate headquarters for assistance and have uniformly been told the parts are not defective and the damage results from normal “wear and tear.” We know this to be a lie and believe Acura knows it also.

While a small number of us have received partial payment as compensation, the majority have been rudely dismissed without any offer of help. Acura steadfastly refuses to admit the parts were defective at installation and, for years, has refused to make the needed replacement or repairs. This must end. I think Acura has been successful at denying our claims because they have been too fragmented to gain public attention. It seems that in the absence of popular and media pressure, the company has been able to hide its bad faith and behavior. It’s time to expose them.

I suggest creating a common website or forum where those already and yet to be affected can post their complaints and condemn Acura’s dishonorable conduct. Then we can gain wider and more focused access to a larger influential audience. It may not persuade Acura to act honestly and responsibly but it certainly can influence consideration of all Honda products. Our intent would not be to further injure the company’s reputation; instead we will attempt to return it responsive customer service. Please join in getting this started by emailing me at horse@cox.net.

A
A
ADMWS
, US
Jan 01, 2015 5:56 pm EST

2005 TL-72k bought new, I also have a cracked dash board. What amaze me is most of the cracks starts in the same area over the passenger air bag. Now I have a warning light that comes on anytime someone sits in the passenger seat, never had a light to come on until the crack show up. $2000.00 to fix problem. Are you kidding me! I have seen pictures of cracks in other Acura TL dashboards and it looks and have the same shape has mine. Imagine that! I also call the customer service waits of time. NEVER will buy another Acura, they don't stand behind there product and they know its a issue.

T
T
04 TL owner
Rocklin, US
Dec 27, 2014 11:16 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

04 TL, bought new, 132k miles, cracked dash and steering wheel leather pulling up, more concerned about the transmission failing, may be time to trade in for a Ford Explorer! I wonder how much $ I will get knowing what the inherent problems with the TL, I'm not very confident in Acura, It's been a good ten year run, time to cut loses!

I
I
imTina
Laguna Beach, US
Oct 20, 2014 5:21 pm EDT

2005 TL - Cracks are so bad I have no idea how many there are -- too many to count, gong it every direction. HFL unit died and drained my battery trying to pair endlessly. Lights are out on almost all the interior buttons, the display above the navi turns off and on randomly.

E
E
eddo1479
Woodbridge, US
Sep 22, 2014 8:58 am EDT

I have owned my 2004 Acura TL since it was a new car off the lot. I've babied it and serviced it regularly at Acura. The first crack started above the instrument cluster and looked like it was part of the design until more cracks started to sprout. They have since grown to over the passenger air bag and I can see how they are all interrelated with each other . Poor workmanship. I called the Acura Customer line department and they were completely useless saying the car is 11 years old and I am repsonsible for everything. I asked for escalation to a case manager. I have to wait it out till next Wednesday for repair.

C
C
Chas W
Spring, US
Aug 23, 2014 7:21 pm EDT

My 2004 TL developed a single crack along the passenger side airbag, from the windshield to the glove box. Then, I found another crack at the front pf the speaker. I tried a "dash cap", for $350.00, but the item didn't fit the dash very well. So, I just recently sprang for $1, 747.00 for a new dash, installed. Doubt that I will ever own another Acura, after seeing this many complaints. I'm just not impressed that a $34, 000 car would get this way with only 105, 000 miles on it. My 1990 Ford Tempo had 184, 000 miles on it when I traded it in, and the interior looked as good as new!

M
M
mohammad khurram
Brooklyn, US
Aug 22, 2014 4:48 pm EDT

Wow and i thought it was just a problem with my 2005 tl. 3 long cracks on my dashboard and I'm not happy for it.

D
D
DPrince
Sandersville, US
Aug 14, 2014 10:22 am EDT

Same thing here on my 2006 Acura TL! I've owned much cheaper cars without this problem! Mine started at the passenger side airbag. The airbag area appeared to have a "white color haze" in the perfect square, at first and I applied protectant to hopefully correct the slight discoloration, but it did not go away and then it seemed like overnight the dash crack started forming around the square of the passenger side airbag. I am worried about the integrity of the airbag now, especially since the cracks now seem to be extending from the square and running up and down the dash. But the really strange thing is that during the heat of the day, even parked under the carport, the cracks seem to disappear, as if they have "healed" themselves!? But as soon as the interior of the cars begins in cool down inside from the a/c the cracks become visible again. I have contacted Acura with no success either. This is a huge disappointment coming from a Luxury Car Manufacturer!

N
N
NoMoreAcura
Fountain Valley, US
Aug 11, 2014 2:11 pm EDT

darn Acura. Recall this crap. My TL 2006 has the cracks on the passenger side. When I looked at it i had a feeling it's the airbag causes it. since i bought this car i have so many problems. first the freelink died and keep sucking the battery. then the starter. now this dashboard. i think it's a wake up call for everyone to avoid Acura.

P
P
Pat McGinn
Williamson, US
Aug 03, 2014 12:04 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My son's Acura 2004 TL has the same 'hairline' cracks along the pass side airbag. There needs to be a recall and get this fixed for us all!
Add us to the list !
Pat McGinn
Atlanta
[protected]

D
D
ddciusa
Los Angeles, US
Aug 01, 2014 9:15 am EDT

Acura - Do something to bring back your loyal customers. It is depressing to see my 2005 TL has developed a large crack along the passenger side airbag and growing by the day. It has little over 100K. My Honda Odyssey, 14+ years old, has no issue so far. It seems, this is a manufacturing or parts defect and Acura should take care of it. Otherwise no more Acura ever.

I
I
igoodable
, US
Jul 14, 2014 3:42 pm EDT

2006 acura TL, 110k Miles, Large crack appears on top of the passenger side air bag. Very upsetting.

J
J
Jeremy Hood
Spring, US
Jun 18, 2014 3:55 pm EDT

2004 Acura TL cracks are spreading everywhere since yesterday, has anyone had any luck?

View 0 more photos
J
J
Jeremy Hood
Spring, US
Jun 18, 2014 3:54 pm EDT

I have a 2004 Acura TL Maintained by the book and garaged, yesterday cracks started appearing on the dash and today it has started to spread and it's very upetting.

Has anyone had any luck?

S
S
s puran
Ocala, US
May 31, 2014 11:29 am EDT

i have a 2005 acura tl the dash board crack all over only 55k miles no care i will never buy a acura again jim

J
J
JaneyC
Black Mountain, US
Mar 20, 2014 6:28 pm EDT

I have a 2004 Tl and I am extremely disappointed in the quality of this vehicle. My dashboard began splitting on Monday and it makes me sick every time I drive my car now. Want to sell it but this defect is going to ruin the resale value. So disappointed. This is my 5th Honda/acura product and now I doubt I will buy another.

M
M
M Penick
, US
Jan 01, 2014 7:51 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have 2005 TL...I went outside and saw a long thin crack on the passenger side dashboard in the area of the airbag. To my horror, I see cracks all over my driver side dash in the area of the speaker system and gauges. I am soooooo angry. It looks awful. And I'm not spending 1800 bucks to fix a problem that is only going to re-occur. I thought Acura was about top-notch products! Good grief, my old 1991 Olds Cutlass Ciera never cracked on the dash. Really, Acura?

A
A
atpat25
, US
Dec 16, 2013 5:26 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

2004 Acura TL. Cracks have been appearing at first over display area only to disappear periodically. I was quoted $800 by Stealership. Now the cracks are all over dashboard. I was a Honda/Acura person for YEARS. The absolute disregard for this defect for [protected] (at least) TLs has definitely made me not get another Acura at this moment. I purchased a LEXUS RX350 and my dad has soured on buying a new Acura as well. Leaning towards Lexus himself. Good luck trying to re-coupe loyal customers from the past that swore by Honda vehicles.

C
C
cracked 2004 acura tl dashboard
Midway, US
Dec 13, 2013 5:53 pm EST

well guess add me too cracked dash board...3 long cracks with in 3 months...2004 tl acura...have used sweenshild cover everday...and oiled it onece a month...started over airbag about 12 inchs...then weeks later over radio area...now just last week drivers side over and around too the speaker ...this really sucks...o btw was thinking about buying a 2010 acura...but after reading all the blogs...no way unless thay stand by it and replace for free...

M
M
mer965
Laurel, US
Dec 04, 2013 3:44 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My 2004 Acura TL also displays the cracks in dash outlining the passenger airbag & also beginning to crack over the instrument panel. The auto was purchased new at Acura of Jackson and the service manager told me the same thing as above--approx. $1800 to replace. I was about to purchase another Acura but have probably changed my mind. This is a CORPORATE FLAW and should be replaced free of charge & one that been evident to Acura for quite a while.

W
W
WimaumaSandy
, US
Sep 05, 2013 6:12 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My 2004 Acura, garage kept and sun protected developed one large crack - then another and another I am waiting for a reply from Honda since I wrote to them. So far no response. I am hoping they will stand behind their product. Is this wishful thinking?

Trending companies