Acura TL Reliability Problems

TL owners have made 354 complaints over 19 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it second to last in overall reliaibility, with significant transmission and interior concerns.

4 Common Acura TL Problems

A list of some of the most common issues TL owners have to deal with.

  1. Takata Airbag Inflator Recall

    A large number of Acura vehicles have been recalled because they contain dangerous airbag inflators made by Takata. The shrapnel-hurling inflators have been recalled in over 37 million vehicles (and counting).

    Continue reading article "Takata Airbag Inflator Recall" Crash ttest dummy about to slam into an airbag with a super-imposed Takata logo

  2. HandsFreeLink Drains Battery

    Acura's parent company Honda was one of the first to offer a hands-free system called HandsFreeLink. In their rush to beat the competition, however, they missed a defect that allows the system to stay on at all times. Yes, even after the ca…

    Continue reading article "HandsFreeLink Drains Battery" The blue user interface of HandsFreeLink is shown making a call via a BlackBerry.

  3. Excessive Oil Consumption

    Changed your oil recently? I'm guessing you think you’re good to go for another 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on the oil you’re using. Acura owners with V6 J-Series engines better think again.

    Continue reading article "Excessive Oil Consumption" A gauge cluster with an orange wrench warning light labeled 'Service Due Now'

  4. TL Cracked Dashboards

    Does every 2004-2008 Acura TL have cracks in the dashboard? It certainly feels that way. Regardless of your climate or if you’ve garage-kept your sedan, hairline cracks and deep gaps are a common complaint from owners.

    Continue reading article "TL Cracked Dashboards" An Acura dashboard with two cracks running perpendicular to the windshield

What TL Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

TL Generations

The TL has 4 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 3rd generation (2004–2008).

TL Key Numbers

  1. 354 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 529 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 27 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

TL Class-Action Lawsuits

The TL has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

Recent TL News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Acura's parent company, Honda, wants to settle up a decade-old lawsuit about downshifting transmissions

    with an offer so low it's borderline insulting. A 2009 lawsuit says 5-speed automatic transmissions in some 2002-2004 Honda and Acura vehicles have a defect in the 3rd clutch. That defect can cause the transmission to suddenly downshift from 5th to 2nd gear. That's one way to reach your heart rate goal on your FitBit.…

    keep reading article "5-Speed Transmission Settlement for Some California Acura Owners"

  2. Acura's parent company, Honda, has reluctantly agreed to settle an oil consumption lawsuit for vehicles with 3.7-liter J37 engines.

    I emphasize reluctant because the automaker says they're closing the book on this case to "avoid the time and expense of ongoing litigation" and says only a small number of customers have filed complaints.

    Despite that rousing show of support for its customers, the settlement will provide relief for out-of-pocket expenses related to consumption issues if the owner can show documentation like oil change receipts. Honda has also agreed to extend its powertrain warranty. CarComplaints.com has a great breakdown of the settlement details in further detail.

    keep reading article "Acura Agrees to Oil Consumption Settlement for J37 Engines"

  5. When Honda and Acura recalled 1.1 million Takata airbag inflators for exploding into pieces, they replaced the defective part with a slightly different version from the same company. Now those are exploding too.

    The replacement PSDI-5D desiccated inflators were exposed to excess moisture during assembly. This rapidly degrades the propellant and allows pressure to build up over time, turning the inflator into a mini-grenade that explodes during airbag deployment.

    Acura plans on mailing recall notifications on April 17th, but parts are already available and affected owners should schedule a replacement as soon as possible. Unlike the dishes, this is one chore you shouldn’t ignore.

    keep reading article "Those Replacement PSDI-5D Takata Inflators That Were Supposedly Safe? Now They're Exploding Too."

  6. A Puerto Rico man has sued Honda after being severely injured by an exploding Takata airbag.

    According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff's Acura "lightly bumped" another car in front but the Takata frontal airbag allegedly exploded and sent shrapnel into his face, chest and neck, allegedly causing severe lacerations.

    The 2002 TL is on the “high risk” list which has Honda representatives going door-to-door in some areas urging owners to get the necessary repairs. but it’s possible they weren’t doing this in Puerto Rico.

    In this case, the plaintiff said he received five recall notices one month after the accident.

    keep reading article "Puerto Rico Man Sues Honda For Severe Injuries from a Takata Airbag Explosion"

What Owners Say About Their TL

Why Do Acura Engines Use an Excessive Amount of Oil?

I have a 2010 Acura TL and it consumes oil like a thirsty camel. In between oil changes, I'm constantly filling the oil back up with 2-3 quarts of oil. To add to the oil consumption issue, when I accelerate, my car makes a rattling noise. Took to dealership, got a valve adjustment, got the car back, same issue.

2010 TL Owner in MD

While on Highway 26 in Oregon my wife was changing lanes to pass and the transmission suddenly slammed into a lower gear causing minor whiplash and creating a dangerous situation. Shortly after, the entire transmission failed and went into limp-home mode.

2003 TL Owner in OR

Other Acura Models