From my research, it appears that the 04/05 TL does not have side airbags for the back passengers? Is this correct?

If so, does anyone know why this is so? My 04 MDX has side airbags for all the passengers.

 

You are incorrect - The TL has a very sophisticated air bag system. The rear passengers have side curtain airbags which deploy during a side impact. The side airbags extend far enough fore and aft to cover both front and rear side windows. Your dealer has literature which will fully explain the airbag systems.

 

For 04 TL, it does have side airbags for back passengers~

I dunno where did u get the info.?

 

From the Acura website, detailed list of "Safety" items on TL -

Side Curtain Airbags
Front Side Airbags


It doesn't mention "Back Side Airbags".

I know it has side curtain airbags which cover the glass for the backseat passengers, but what about protection against the door?

 

I went to Acura's website and saw this.

Front Driver & Front Passenger has :

Front airbags & side airbags (by the door) and side curtain (near the window to protect the heads).

Back & Back Passenger has:

Side curtain that extends from the front to the back. No rear side (by the door) airbag.

Hopes this clarify the airbag system. Correct me if I'm wrong...

 

I check the website. MDX doesn't have side airbags (by the door) for rear passengers.
It's the same for both TL & MDX with side curtains for rear passengers.

 

Actually it does, here is the detailed list for the MDX -
Side Curtain Air Bags
Side Air Bags
Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Air Bags


Notice, it doesn't say "Front side air bags" like the TL does.

 

Ok, I stand corrected. I thought the MDX had side airbags for the backseat passengers but apparently I was remembering wrong. I just looked at the pic of the airbags.

 

Go this http://www.acura.com/showroom/showroom_index.asp

And, click TL => Interior features => Airbags.