DecodedCars2008 Acura TL
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- /Nav Package/Type-S
- Engines
- 3.2L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 189.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,620 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Acura TL is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (3.2L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,620 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 0% better than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 TL — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 TL →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| /Nav Package/Type-S | 189.4 in | 75.6 in | 56.7 in | 107.9 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,620 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| TL | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| TL | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Acura TL under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Acura TL (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections · May 17, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V222000 · 625,762 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles. In September 2012, Honda informed the agency that it was including an additional 573,147 vehicles including certain model year 2003 through 2007 Accord V6 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 625,762. Prolonged under-hood and power steering fluid temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, resulting in cracks and power steering fluid leakage.
- Risk
- If this occurs, power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, leading to smoke and possibly an under-hood fire.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose, free of charge. The original recall began in June 2012, and owners of those vehicles may obtain the free remedy. Sufficient parts are not yet available for owners of the vehicles covered by the September 2012 expansion, but are expected to be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners of these vehicles beginning on October 26, 2012, and will notify these owners again when parts are available so those vehicles can be brought to dealers for applications of the free remedy. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Not every 2008 Acura TL is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Acura TL buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 29 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Steering — 18 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 108,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Acura TL. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other TL years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 TL | 23 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 15 |
| 2013 TL | 23 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 58 |
| 2012 TL | 23 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 107 |
| 2011 TL | 21 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 20 |
| 2010 TL | 21 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 49 |
| 2009 TL | 21 | 195.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 30 |
| 2007 TL | 21 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 65 |
| 2006 TL | 21 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 128 |
| 2005 TL | 21 | 189.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 155 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Acura. How we calculate this →