Just traded my 2002 TL-S for a new 06 TL. Noticed an issue with the car drifting to the right which I did not notice on the test drive. Actually the faster I go 60+ the more pronounced it is. Actually the steering wheel is not completely horizontal when this issue occurs. It has a slight deflection to the left of horizontal. If I drive with the steering wheel perfectly horozontal/level the car definitely moves to the right. If I drive with the steering wheel in the left of horizontal position the car goes straight. This is not noticeable at slower speeds. I have an appointment to take the car back to the dealer and wanted to get some advice so I have an understanding of the potential causes before I take the car in next week. I've counted 10 balancing weights on some of the wheels. This appears excessive. I've also read some other posts and most have advised that the tires are the cause. Appreciate the advice.

 

My TL had similar issue but was noticable at lower speeds. Seems like Acura Quality control is a bit off. I had to have the steering wheel realigned and centered, 4 wheel alignment and 4 new tires since they started to wear out unevenly. After that...the car was driving like it should.

 

I drove mine off the lot (12 miles on it) and the pull was so strong I just turned back around and turned it back into the shop. They blamed the 18in wheels that I purchased from them and claimed to of performed an alignment. I still notice the pull, only it's not nearly as pronounced. JNOA, I would really be interested in hearing what your resolution turns out to be, as well as what size wheels you have.

Thanks

 

Have them do an alignment and if that doesn't work, then it's time to adjust the tie rods. Mine did the same thing from day one.

 

I have an 06 and mine does the same at all speeds. I guess its just an steering wheel alignment issue. I'll tell them to center the steering wheel when i go in for the first service soon.

 

Is it a manual or an auto?

 

Mine is an auto w/ Navi.

 

Hmm, I have a manual and I had the same issue. I've seen couple of other people with manuals that also had the pull. The alignment was out on my car, it was covered under warranty and all is fine now.

 

Regarding drifting to the right-take into account that many roads are canted/sloped for drainage of water. If it is severe then probably the alignment needs to be looked at. My tech came back from a road test, after a rotation and a perfect alignment with a statement that there is a slight pull to the right. I then tested it on a section of perfectly flat road and - straight tracking all the way! A printout from the Hunter alignment machine is also good to have as a reference point.

 

There was another post about this somewhere else in the 3G forum that I cannot find right now, but many people said the dealer changed their tires and the problem was fixed.

 

I appreciate the responses. The car is going to the dealer this Saturday. I should have noticed this issue on the test drive as the first one I test drove had a severe pull to the right. I'm somewhat disappointed that this is an issue with the car. I had the 2002 TL-S with the infamous transmission issue and now this. My 1972 Corvette with a tired old suspension and 123,000 miles handles better on the interstate than my new Acura. I'd feel safer going 100 mph in my Corvette than my new Acura. I noticed some of my wheels had 10 balancing weights on them. Does anyone think that in addition to an alignment problem the tires are defective? Why would they need so many weights to balance the tires??

 

It's a bummer when your brand new car isn't driving like new off the lot. I think Acura needs to work on their final inspection or delivery. After they fix everything...you'll love the TL. At NYC autoshow...I love how people react when they saw and sat in the NBP ASPEC TL. Didn't see those kind of reactions in Mercedes or BMW.

 

I ahd the same problem with my '05 except that it pulled to the left - $79.00 for a 4-wheel alignment fixed the problem. Cheaper than 4 new tires (BTW - all four wheels needed some alignment)

 

I'll give you the update on my new 06 TL after taking it to the dealer today. Turns out that one of the front tires was defective (they replaced it) and also the front end was out of alignment (realigned). But here is the serious issue. The service rep asked me if the car had been in an accident. I almost fell out of the chair in the service lounge. I immediately asked him if the dealer sold me a car that had been in an accident. I said why?? It turns out the right rear control arm is bad (bent). So they had to order one and now another wasted Saturday and a trip back to the dealer. Even after replacing the tire and aligning the front end the car still drifts to the right. I even notice they pumped up the right front tire to 40 psi to keep it driving straight. ALso, they chipped the paint on the right front rim where they took off the old wheel wrights for the balancing. If they can't cure the drive issues, I'm making a Lemon Law complaint.

 

its not really that the tires if defected its just the way that michelin design their tire. this problem is common all you have to do is to rotate the tires dont waste your money on doing the alignment it would not solve the problem. especially on a brand new car too. ofcouse the people will tell you its out of alignment but its really not they just want your money we have many of this problem coming in to our shop. so just try to rotate the tires first before doing anything else

 

ive seen a lot of these posts and just havnt said anything b/c this probably isnt true with acura but i know with mercedes, they align the car to slightly drift to the right for safety. at least thats what the service manager told me.