What are the most common Acura TL problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 7,100+ owner reports, the 2004-2014 Acura TL has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Takata Front Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall, Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V6, Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Leak. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Acura TL reliable?
The 2004-2014 Acura TL has 8 known issues documented across 7,100+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Takata Front Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall and Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V6. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Acura TL problems?
Repair costs for known Acura TL issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Takata Front Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Acura TL is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Acura TL. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2004-2014 Acura TL with 8 documented issues from 7,100+ owner reports.
What is the 2004-2008 Acura TL Automatic Transmission 3rd Gear Failure?
The third-generation TL automatic transmission is notorious for 3rd gear clutch pack failure, often between 80,000-120,000 miles. The 3rd gear clutch pack burns out due to insufficient fluid flow and a weak pressure regulator design, causing the transmission to slip, flare, or re… Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,500. Severity: critical.
What is the 2009-2014 Acura TL Takata Front Airbag Inflator Rupture Recall?
These TL model years were included in the major Takata airbag inflator recalls affecting many Honda and Acura vehicles. In a deployment, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, creating a severe injury or death risk. This is one of the most serious docum… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2014 Acura TL Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V6?
The 3.7L J37 V6 used in many TL SH-AWD models has a documented pattern of excessive oil consumption, sometimes leading to low oil level warnings, misfires, and spark plug fouling. Acura/Honda issued warranty extensions and service information for affected V6 engines in this famil… Repairs typically run $100-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2004-2008 Acura TL Power Steering High-Pressure Hose Leak?
The high-pressure power steering hose on the TL develops leaks at the crimp fittings where the rubber hose meets the metal line. The power steering fluid drips onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning smell and visible smoke. The leak typically appears between 80,000-120,000… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2014 Acura TL SH-AWD Rear Differential Whine or Groan from Fluid Breakdown?
TL SH-AWD models are known for rear differential noise, typically a whining, moaning, or groaning sound during low-speed turns or steady cruising. Owners and Acura service literature commonly tie this to differential fluid deterioration or contamination, and in some cases to inte… Repairs typically run $120-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2014 Acura TL HandsFreeLink Bluetooth Module Parasitic Battery Drain and No-Start?
A well-documented problem on 4th-generation TL models is failure of the HandsFreeLink (HFL) Bluetooth module, which can stay awake after shutdown and slowly drain the battery. Owners commonly report dead batteries after the car sits overnight or for a few days, along with inopera… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2009-2014 Acura TL Brake Pedal Vibration and Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping?
Many TL owners report front brake judder, steering wheel shake, and pulsation under moderate braking, often traced to uneven rotor deposits or rotor distortion. The heavier curb weight of the TL, combined with driving style and pad/rotor material, appears to make the front brakes… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2004-2008 Acura TL Dashboard Surface Cracking and Melting?
The dashboard material on 2004-2008 TL models develops deep cracks and a sticky, melting surface texture from prolonged sun exposure. The issue is caused by the plasticizer in the dashboard material breaking down under UV light, creating an unsightly and sometimes reflective surf… Severity: low.
