general problems of the 2005 Acura TL

See attached document for complaint.

I have a major safety concern with my 2005 Acura Tl. In April, 2010, the Acura dealer replaced broken compliance bushings during a routine service (82,000 miles). After the service, I immediately noticed my car felt unsafe to drive and had a very rough ride. After numerous dealer visits, they replaced the rear strut assembly. None of this improved the handling or ride. At this time, the dealer stated I had the wrong tires and needed to replace them with original equipment michelin pilot mxm4 tires. I had nearly new michelin pilot sport a/s plus tires and not experienced a problem prior to the replacement of the bushings. I checked at costco, where I purchased the tires, and they indicated that michelin pilot sport plus tires were an acceptable upgrade for my vehicle. The owners manual does not mention that the Acura suspension requires tires only purchased at the dealer. On Nov. 8, 2010, during a routine service visit, the dealer noted fingernail size chunks of rubber pealing off my 2 front tires. They recommended I immediately change them since they were unsafe. Costco agreed to prorate and replace them with the dealer recommended tire. I notified the dealer of the purchase and then was told that michelin made special tires only available at the Acura dealer. Until today, the dealer never stated that michelin pilot mxm4 tires manufactured especially for Acura were the only tires that would work with the Acura suspension. I have several problems with this. Nowhere does it say you must buy replacement tires from the dealer to have a safe car. Acura should not sell a car that can be safely driven with tires only purchased from them. I am very concerned that had I not taken the car in for service, I may have had a major tire failure causing serious injury or death. I am requesting that the ntsb investigate this issue and determine if other Acura drivers are at risk due to the purchase of tires from anyone other than the Acura dealer. Updated 01/20/11.

I recently purchased a dealer-certified used 2005 Acura Tl with new, dealer-installed bridgestone turanza el42 tires. In my first experience driving the vehicle in rain, I nearly lost control of the vehicle at 60 mph when I hit a shallow standing water (~1" deep) in the roadway. Being a front-drive vehicle, I was very surprised to feel the front tires distinctly hydroplane and cause me to almost lose control of my vehicle. These tires only have 2,000 miles on them and I find their lack of hydroplaning resistance to be well below normal expectations and therefore distinctly dangerous.

- the contact owns a 2005 Acura, and complained about the tires. The contact had 3 incidents with the tires that were on the vehicle at the time of purchase. During the first incident, the driver's side tire lost air due to a nail. The tire was repaired on may 6, 2006. In July the contact noticed the same tire was losing air, and was repaired on December 1, 2006. Also, the contact had the tires rotated, aligned, and the tire pressure checked. On December 31, 2006, the contact was driving and noticed the vehicle was slowing down . She then accelerated, but the vehicle continued to slow down. Suddenly a cloud of smoke appeared on the front passenger's side . The police escorted the contact to a safe location. The tire was burnt, and the rim was damaged. On January 2, 2007 all 4 tires were replaced at the dealer. The contact felt that Acura should not use this type of defective tire.

I purchased a new 2005 Acura Tl in August 2005. My car is a non-navigation 6 speed manual transmission model delivered with bridgestone el42 tires. The first time I drove the vehicle in the rain, I noticed that even at low speeds on wet roads, the tires do not have any traction at all. On ramps at 20 mph the front tires loose grip. As of today, the weather is getting colder and the tires are flat spotting on top of that. These tires are all season rated and delivered on a $35,000 vehicle. They are absolutely unsafe in anything but dry weather, but are rates all season. I fear for my safety on the highway at freeway speeds and even more fear the first day of snow. Acura has so far refused to do anything and referred me to the tire manufacturer. They do deliver other Tl models with michelin tires that are rated by customer much much higher. While the el42 tires present a big problem from wet weather traction, over flat spotting to premature wear, Acura has chosen not to do anything about it yet. How shameful for otherwise such a great car, putting on tires that will land them a lawsuit if anything happens at all! it it their choice to put these tires on some of their cars, so their responsibility to fix the problem!!.

The rear tires on a 2005 Acura Tl lost all thir tread with only 8000 mile on the odometer. The tires supplied by the vehicle manufacturer were bridgestone turanza el42 p235 45 r17 with a tread wear rating of 260. The tires were rotated by the Acura dealer at 4000 miles and no unusual ware was reported. This totally unexpected rapid wear resulted in the vehicle becoming unstable on wet pavement. This could have resulted in loss of control. The extreme tire wear problem was found when investigating the vehicle stability problem. These tires are either totally unsuitable for this vehicle and should have never been provided by the manufacturer or the rear suspension of the vehicle was not properly designed for the vehicle. All Acura Tl cars with these tires should be recalled and the tires replaced. It should be noted that recent vehicles are being shipped with michelin pilot hx mxm4 tires so the manufacturer appears to be aware of the problem.

There were original tires on the vehicle. The rear passenger tire was smoking and went completely flat while driving at 60-65 mph. It damaged the rim. The dealership gave the consumer the number for the manufacturer and they told her that the tire was tested and it was not defective. This was caused by a nail puncture.

I'm very upset about the oem tires on my 2005 Acura. I've had it since March of this year and complained from the beginning that the tires should be replaced because of the flat spotting and vibration. I complained to Acura in California who had my car in twice so far. They acknowledge the vibration in many of their Tls but won't replace the tires. They placed a small dampening rubber by the engine mount but it's still very obvious and very annoying. We as citizens come to you as a last resort many times to voice our concerns over safety issues. I cannot believe that with all the numerous complaints for over two years now about these tires failing, vibrating and very premature wear from new car buyers all over the country, nobody there is doing there job! Acura and bridgestone should be made to replace all bridgestone turanza el42 tires immediately.