Acura TL: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Acura TL years to approach with the most caution are 2005. The strongest years in our data are 2013 and 2014. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2014), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Acura TL year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2014 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.; Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure. Full report ↗
2013 Recommended 7 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.; Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.; Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 6 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the largest NHTSA complaint category. Verify the recall was completed before purchase.; The 5-speed automatic on 2004-2006 cars is failure-prone: overheating clutch packs and torque converter cause harsh shifting, slipping, and complete failure, often near 80,000-120,000 miles. Acura revised the oil-cooler feed and 2007-2008 automatics use a stronger RL-derived unit that is far more durable.; Battery drain and parasitic electrical draws can prevent starting on 2006-2007 cars (faulty relays or accessories). Excessive front tire and brake wear from the front-drive V6 torque steer is also common. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.; Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.; Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the largest NHTSA complaint category. Verify the recall was completed before purchase.; The 5-speed automatic on 2004-2006 cars is failure-prone: overheating clutch packs and torque converter cause harsh shifting, slipping, and complete failure, often near 80,000-120,000 miles. Acura revised the oil-cooler feed and 2007-2008 automatics use a stronger RL-derived unit that is far more durable.; Battery drain and parasitic electrical draws can prevent starting on 2006-2007 cars (faulty relays or accessories). Excessive front tire and brake wear from the front-drive V6 torque steer is also common. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 4 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.; 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.; Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 4 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the largest NHTSA complaint category. Verify the recall was completed before purchase.; The 5-speed automatic on 2004-2006 cars is failure-prone: overheating clutch packs and torque converter cause harsh shifting, slipping, and complete failure, often near 80,000-120,000 miles. Acura revised the oil-cooler feed and 2007-2008 automatics use a stronger RL-derived unit that is far more durable.; Battery drain and parasitic electrical draws can prevent starting on 2006-2007 cars (faulty relays or accessories). Excessive front tire and brake wear from the front-drive V6 torque steer is also common. Full report ↗
2005 Avoid 3 Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the largest NHTSA complaint category. Verify the recall was completed before purchase.; The 5-speed automatic on 2004-2006 cars is failure-prone: overheating clutch packs and torque converter cause harsh shifting, slipping, and complete failure, often near 80,000-120,000 miles. Acura revised the oil-cooler feed and 2007-2008 automatics use a stronger RL-derived unit that is far more durable.; Battery drain and parasitic electrical draws can prevent starting on 2006-2007 cars (faulty relays or accessories). Excessive front tire and brake wear from the front-drive V6 torque steer is also common. Full report ↗

Acura TL problems by year

2014 Acura TL Recommended

Final-year, most-refined TL: post-2012 restyle, sorted 6-speed automatic and the oil-consumption era resolved make it the gen-4 sweet spot. Fewest complaints of any year with strong Acura reliability; premium fuel recommended.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.
  • Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure.

2013 Acura TL Recommended

A strong late-gen pick: refreshed styling, smooth 6-speed automatic, and among the lowest defect rates of the generation; reviewers and J.D. Power rated it highly. Just confirm the Takata airbag recall is completed.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.
  • Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure.

2012 Acura TL Caution

The 2012 refresh toned down the grille and added a 6-speed automatic, but this year shows elevated steering, powertrain, and airbag complaints. A good car once the Takata recall and any AWD oil-use are verified.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.
  • Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure.

2011 Acura TL Caution

The cleanest pre-refresh gen-4 year, with the lowest complaint count of the generation. Old beak styling and a 5-speed automatic; the front-drive 3.5L is the safer buy versus the oil-thirsty 3.7L SH-AWD.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.
  • Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure.

2010 Acura TL Caution

The 3.7L SH-AWD's excessive oil consumption peaks here (cited as the worst TL year), plus Takata airbags. The front-drive 3.5L is far safer; AWD buyers must verify oil-consumption history and the recall.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.
  • Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure.

2009 Acura TL Caution

Gen-4 launch year: polarizing grille, capable SH-AWD, but the 3.7L oil-consumption issue begins and Takata airbags apply. A solid driver if you choose the FWD 3.5L or confirm a documented, healthy AWD engine.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase.
  • 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected.
  • Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure.

2008 Acura TL Caution

Best of the third generation: the stronger RL-derived automatic, available Type-S and 6-speed manual, and the proven 3.2L V6. Watch for dashboard cracking and complete the Takata airbag recall; otherwise a durable, fun used buy.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the largest NHTSA complaint category. Verify the recall was completed before purchase.
  • The 5-speed automatic on 2004-2006 cars is failure-prone: overheating clutch packs and torque converter cause harsh shifting, slipping, and complete failure, often near 80,000-120,000 miles. Acura revised the oil-cooler feed and 2007-2008 automatics use a stronger RL-derived unit that is far more durable.
  • Battery drain and parasitic electrical draws can prevent starting on 2006-2007 cars (faulty relays or accessories). Excessive front tire and brake wear from the front-drive V6 torque steer is also common.

2007 Acura TL Caution

First year of the improved (RL-derived) automatic and the Type-S, much better than 2004-2006. Still note battery-drain/electrical gremlins and the Takata recall; reliability is solid once those are addressed.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the largest NHTSA complaint category. Verify the recall was completed before purchase.
  • The 5-speed automatic on 2004-2006 cars is failure-prone: overheating clutch packs and torque converter cause harsh shifting, slipping, and complete failure, often near 80,000-120,000 miles. Acura revised the oil-cooler feed and 2007-2008 automatics use a stronger RL-derived unit that is far more durable.
  • Battery drain and parasitic electrical draws can prevent starting on 2006-2007 cars (faulty relays or accessories). Excessive front tire and brake wear from the front-drive V6 torque steer is also common.

2006 Acura TL Caution

Tail end of the troublesome 2004-2006 automatic, plus dashboard cracking and Takata airbags drive high complaint volumes. Buyable only with a verified-healthy or replaced transmission and the recall completed.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the largest NHTSA complaint category. Verify the recall was completed before purchase.
  • The 5-speed automatic on 2004-2006 cars is failure-prone: overheating clutch packs and torque converter cause harsh shifting, slipping, and complete failure, often near 80,000-120,000 miles. Acura revised the oil-cooler feed and 2007-2008 automatics use a stronger RL-derived unit that is far more durable.
  • Battery drain and parasitic electrical draws can prevent starting on 2006-2007 cars (faulty relays or accessories). Excessive front tire and brake wear from the front-drive V6 torque steer is also common.

2005 Acura TL Avoid

Highest complaint volume of any TL year: the early 5-speed automatic is failure-prone, with dashboard cracking and Takata airbags compounding it. Avoid unless the transmission has been replaced/serviced and recalls are done.

  • Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the largest NHTSA complaint category. Verify the recall was completed before purchase.
  • The 5-speed automatic on 2004-2006 cars is failure-prone: overheating clutch packs and torque converter cause harsh shifting, slipping, and complete failure, often near 80,000-120,000 miles. Acura revised the oil-cooler feed and 2007-2008 automatics use a stronger RL-derived unit that is far more durable.
  • Battery drain and parasitic electrical draws can prevent starting on 2006-2007 cars (faulty relays or accessories). Excessive front tire and brake wear from the front-drive V6 torque steer is also common.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Acura models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.