What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2009–2014) TL?

TL owners have made 68 complaints about the 2009–2014 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 23rd out of 30 Acura generations in overall reliability, with real engine and interior concerns.

Compare With Other TL Generations

Common 2009-2014 Acura TL Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation 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. 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'

What 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

4th Generation (2009–2014) TL Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 68 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 23rd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 30 eligible generations.

Recent 4th Generation (2009–2014) 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. 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."

What TL Owners Say About This Generation

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