Acura Tl problems
The Acura TL is a car that was manufactured by Acura, the luxury division of Honda. It was introduced in 1995 to replace the Acura Vigor and was badged for the Japanese-market from 1996 to 2000 as the Honda Inspire and from 1996 to 2004 as the Honda Saber. The TL was Acura's best-selling model until it was outsold by the MDX in 2007. In 2005, it ranked as the second best-selling luxury sedan in the United States behind the BMW 3 Series, but sales decreased after the 2008 model year. Four generations of the Acura TL were produced, with the final fourth generation TL premiering in 2008 as a 2009 model and ending production in 2014, when it was replaced together with the TSX by the TLX.
First generation (UA1–UA3; 1996–1998)
The TL "Touring Luxury" debuted as 1996 model, first with the 1996 2.5 TL available with the 2.5 L 176 hp (131 kW) SOHC 20-valve 5-cylinder engine from the Vigor. The 3.2 TL used the 3.2 L 200 hp (149 kW) SOHC 24v V6 from the second generation Acura Legend. The model with the 2.0-liter inline-five was not offered in the US market. The debut of the TL signaled Acura's shift from traditional vehicle names to alphanumeric designations. By replacing recognizable names such as Vigor and Legend with a two-letter designation, the luxury maker hoped to focus consumer attention on the Acura name. The TL was the first Acura model to adopt the new naming scheme.
The 2.5 TL was positioned as the sporty model and the 3.2 focused more upon a luxurious ride. There were minimal styling differences between the two, but the 3.2 TL had larger tires despite the 2.5 TL's more sporty marketing. Moreover, the added power in the 3.2 TL gave it better acceleration. Both engines were mounted in a front-rear, or longitudinal position. This contrasted with the more typical transverse engine mount style, and was intended to provide better weight distribution and reduce nose dive. The engine mount design resulted in an elongated hood for the first generation TL, a shorter front overhang and longer wheelbase, fitting for a near-luxury car. The inline-5 engine in the 2.5 TL competed with similar 5-cylinder engines offered in Audi and Volvo models.
The first 1996 Acura TL was manufactured at Sayama, Japan on March 28, 1995. Sales of the 2.5 TL began in spring 1995, but the 3.2 TL was delayed until fall because of a U.S.-Japan trade dispute. The U.S. government had threatened to impose 100% tariffs on higher-priced Japanese cars in response a growing U.S.-Japan trade deficit. Ultimately a deal was reached which avoided the tariffs.
The first generation Acura TL had standard features including dual airbags, antilock brakes, automatic climate control, a cassette/CD player sound system, and power windows and locks. Leather was standard on the more upscale 3.2 TL, while the 2.5 TL featured a firmer suspension setup. Like its predecessor, the Vigor, this generation TL was a 4-door pillared hardtop, with frameless windows.
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Acura Tl model years
Common Acura Tl problems
The Acura TL is known for its reliability, but like any vehicle, it can develop issues over time. Here are some of the most common problems with the Acura TL based on complaints from owners:
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are common in the Acura TL, particularly in the 2003 model year. Owners have reported issues such as gear slipping, sticky shifting, jerking, and even transmission failure.
- Electrical Issues: Some Acura TL models, particularly the 2000 and 2007 models, have experienced electrical issues. These include odometers that fail prematurely and battery drain issues. While these problems may not prevent the vehicle from being driven, they can be a headache for owners and may affect the vehicle's value when it comes time to sell.
- Interior Accessories Issues: The Acura TL's high-quality interior can develop unsightly fractures that can ruin the aesthetic and even disable the passenger side airbag. This issue is particularly prevalent in older models and can be costly to fix.
- Sudden Loss of Engine Power: Some Acura TL owners have reported experiencing a sudden loss of engine power while driving, which can be a dangerous situation. In at least one case, this issue was attributed to problems with the intake and exhaust valves, which were adjusted to solve the problem.
- Hood Closing Unexpectedly: The hood of the Acura TL can close unexpectedly, which can be a safety hazard. This issue has been attributed to faulty struts that fail to hold the hood open, making it difficult to perform routine maintenance checks.
- Automatic Lock Malfunction: The automatic locks on the Acura TL can malfunction, which can be a frustrating and potentially expensive problem to fix. Replacing the locks can be costly, especially if each lock is replaced individually.
- Electronic Power Steering Failure: The electronic power steering system in the Acura TL can fail, which can make the vehicle difficult to steer and control. This issue has been reported in used 2012 Acura TL models and can be addressed by having the vehicle repaired at an Acura dealer.
- Excessive Engine Oil Consumption: Some Acura TL models, particularly the 2012 model, have experienced excessive engine oil consumption. This issue can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly and requires regular checks of the oil level to ensure that it is filled where it should be.
- Hard Shifting Transmission: Some Acura TL models, particularly the 2012 model, have experienced issues with the automatic transmission not shifting smoothly. This issue can be caused by a software problem and may require a software update to fix.
In summary, while the Acura TL is known for its reliability, it can still develop issues over time. Common problems include engine oil consumption, transmission issues, electrical issues, interior accessories issues, sudden loss of engine power, hood closing unexpectedly, automatic lock malfunction, electronic power steering failure, excessive engine oil consumption, and hard shifting transmission. Owners of Acura TL models should be aware of these potential issues and address them promptly to ensure the safety and longevity of their vehicle.
Is an Acura TL a reliable car?
The Acura TL has decent reliability. According to withclutch.com, the TL scores a 54.6. Although this score isn't excellent, it's still better than many other sedans. However, it scores lower on average than most of the other Acura options.
What years did the Acura TL have transmission problems?
Transmission troubles: The first-generation Acura TLs reportedly had a defective automatic transmission, but the biggest culprit was the 2003 model year. Owners reported experiencing symptoms like gear slipping, sticky shifting, jerking, and even transmission failure.
Is Acura TL expensive to fix?
The annual maintenance cost of an Acura TL is $467.
Why was the Acura TL discontinued?
When the economy began to slow in 2007 and 2008, so did sales of the Acura TL. Those sales never recovered, and 2012 Acura TL sales dropped to around 33,500. Sales of the 2013 Acura TL slipped further to 24,300. In its final year of production in 2014, Acura sold just 10,600 TLs.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Acura Tl years
We have researched Acura problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Acura Tl cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Acura Tl model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Acura Tl model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Acura Tl years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Acura Tl car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Acura Tl , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Acura Tl vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Tl model years
A total of 157 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Tl model years
There were a total of 42 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Tl model years
There were a total of 127 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Tl model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3160 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Acura Tl . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Acura Tl vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Acura Tl 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 19UUA66215A
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The driver and passenger side mirror lenses will click randomly while driving on the interstate going at a relatively good speed. When these click and move, it causes a distraction and I can no longer see what’s coming next to me. I have to turn the mirror lenses back to their original position in order to view my blind spot.
Acura Tl 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-24
- VIN: 19UUA65506A
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I am the original owner of this 2006 Acura TL. I have vertical cracks on the dashboard surrounding the passenger SRS airbag system. Aside from the bad look, is there a safety issue from either the air bag deploying prematurely and/or the air bag deploying in an unsafe manner and injuring the passenger. I have researched this issue online and there are numerous complaints about this dashboard issue and possible issues with the SRS airbag deployment.
Acura Tl 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-22
- VIN: 19UUA5660YA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: As you are driving down the road interstate or highway the car cuts off/shuts down but everything electrical stays on inside the vehicle then you have to wait 45 minutes/ an hour and a half to get it to start back up but it will turn over and continue to turn over if you try to start it before then happens a lot here lately took it to several mechanics to see what the problem was and plug it up to the computer/code reader and it will not get past 30% while hooked up trying to read/download the codes so you can’t even find out what the issue/problem is
Acura Tl 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
- VIN: 19UUA56613A
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: This complaint relates to safety recall campaigns work regarding my 2003 Acura TL car's SRS (air bags). I took my car to the Acura Service Center in Guaynabo, PR, for recall related repairs at various times during 2022 and 2023. The last time was [XXX]. The PROBLEM is that the Acura center's initial recall-related repair may have been faulty, thus causing the SRS warning light to turn on and stay on while I drive the car. The SRS warning came on a few days after the initial Acura service was performed. I was told during the second visit that they just had to reset something in the car's computer to turn off the SRS warning. But the SRS warning light would turn on again a few days after each service visit. The last time I took the car to Acura regarding this problem was on [XXX]. At that time, I requested a thorough diagnosis of the SRS problem. After that visit , the Acura service center sent me a video of the inspection work performed. However, that video and the $144.95 invoice paid, do not show that any SRS diagnosis work was done. They just did a "multi point" car mechanical condition inspection. Regarding the SRS problem, they again turned off the SRS warning light but did not indicate that in the video or the invoice. A few days later, the SRS warning came back on again. I called the national Honda HQ offices in the California, a few months ago. I expressed my frustration with the Acura dealer's failure to resolve this safety problem. They told me that they could not do anything, that I have to go back to the Acura dealer in PR (something that I already did, various times.) This is why I am now submitting this complaint to NHTSA. I present this complaint as a failure of the Acura corporation to satisfactorily perform the SRS safety recall work. They must re-do the work adequately on my Acura TL 2003 automobile. Please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Acura Tl 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-08
- VIN: 19UUA8F51EA
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: After driving the vehicle for about 30 minutes a red flashing dash warning light came on with an alarm that there is a power steering problem, after which power steering was lost. Parked the vehicle for two hours to have dinner and then proceeded home with normal steering until reaching home when the same dash warning light and alarm occurred. The following day had vehicle towed to dealership to diagnose the problem. They could not duplicate the problem, and no computer code of failure was recorded, therefore they could not therefore proceed to execute a repair, so I picked up the vehicle and drove home. I called Honda customer service to open a case number for my issue and the called the following day and basically told me what the dealership told me. I have since driven the vehicle several times without issue, however, am concerned that my wife is the primary driver and being elderly will have extreme difficulty in maneuvering the vehicle if she encounters a power steering failure.
Acura Tl 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-19
- VIN: 19UUA66204A
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I was driving and all of a sudden I hit a pot hole and then when I went to take a turn my car ended up making a shaking rattling sound when I pulled to to side to check it the ball joint was half way out of the control arm
Acura Tl 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 19UUA66208A
- Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My car caught on fire from under the hood. Me and my son was sitting in the car and it just caught on fire. I was scared and didn't know how it happen. I drove an hour and thiry plus minutes to my destination and when I got there. I parked my car and sat in it while I waited for the phone repair show to open up.
Acura Tl 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-01
- VIN: 19UUA66224A
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Car stopped working three days after I purchased it.
Acura Tl 2007
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 19UUA66287A
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My ball joint separation severed the bolt holding the drive axle in place due to that the car Is damaged and I have not been able to get it back right yet
Acura Tl 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-11
- VIN: 19UUA66265A
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Ball joint purchased from Napa Auto Parts #260-1791was defective. Nut supplied with ball joint was too small. This caused the ball joint to separate from the steering knuckle. After driving a very short distance the front end of the car collapsed, causing the front axle to break. The car fell on the front fender damaging it. This is the same problem reported in 2011. [XXX] This is a serious safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Acura Tl 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-13
- VIN: 19UUA66228A
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: My car has a recall on the high pressure power steering line because it prematurely fails and douses the catalytic converter in power steering fluid. The problem is the low pressure hose going back is just as susceptible if not more but no recall? I was told at the dealership it would cost 3,489 dollars to fix a fire hazard they knew [XXX] existed. The car is a safety hazard and I pray everyday the car doesnt catch fire because of the dealers greediness. I looked up estimates for other customers of acura and the repair should come out to 1200 not 3489.00. These are bad practices that quite frankly put myself and others on the road at risk. The Acura dealer is located at 505 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Acura Tl 2008
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-07
- VIN: 19UUA66298A
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing battery drainage failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after sitting for long periods without being driven. The contact stated that the battery was replaced six times however, the failure recurred. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the battery; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Acura Tl 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-20
- VIN: 19UUA56693A
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Driving on Highway going 65mph vehicle suddenly jerked and dropped to 20 mph. Causing my entire body to collide with the steering wheel. Luckily there no cars behind me. Was on my way to work when this happened too far from home. So when I got at work which is thirty minutes from where I live I had to get a tow truck to get my car home. That’s how bad it was. My mom had this car for about ten years. I’ve had it now for three years. Never had this problem before. We’ve had the car in the family for almost fifteen years. Only thing that’s had to change was a power steering line and front shocks. Almost sold it last week and I’m glad I didn’t. Has over 230,000 so I’m not upset. Just a bit sad that this happened to my TL. Needs A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A B.
Acura Tl 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-21
- VIN: 19UUA56633A
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: This car is not safe. First, the Takata airbags are in it. I drove my daughter, my mother and my little dog in this car! I can’t believe the used car dealership did not let me know that. Then the car starts shifting funny. Also dangerous. There should be a recall for transmission. There are over 500 people affected by this. I’m trying to enter a highway and I need to pick up speed, because there is a tractor trailer in the right lane and heavy traffic. I try to accelerate and it goes nowhere. 30mph. And that was after I merged in and have traffic going 70 behind me. Scariest thing ever. They should not be allowed to sell these cars. It is not safe for the driver and their family and it is not safe for others on the road. I can’t believe the negligence. I will not be driving this death trap ever again.
Acura Tl 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-20
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-20
- VIN: 19UUA8F59BA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I purchased a 2011 Acura TL with a salvaged title. The steering wheel airbag appeared to have been repaired with certain glue or epoxy after appearing to have been deployed by previous owner. However the airbag is fully intact. The Acura dealership refused to conduct the recall due to this issue. Would this warrant a refusal to be replaced by the dealership? Thank you
Latest 5 recalls Acura Tl
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 76 recalls for different components of the Acura Tl.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Acura Tl 2000
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
- Model: Acura Tl 2001
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
- Model: Acura Tl 1999
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
- Model: Acura Tl 2000
- Report Received Date: 2020-01-17
- Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
- Model: Acura Tl 2007
- Report Received Date: 2019-10-10
- Manufacturer: Dorman Products, Inc.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
- Summary: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."
- Consequence: If the accelerator pedal binds, the engine may not quickly return to idle after the pedal is no longer pressed, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and qualified service facilities will replace the affected accelerator pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2019. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, using option 5. Dorman's number for this recall is AS1019XXXX.
Latest negative Acura Tl car reviews
Latest positive Acura Tl car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2011
I bought my Acura TL about 1 year ago. I did some auto research on Edmunds and test drove similar cars from other manufacturers such as BMW, Infinity, Audi, and Mercedes. I found the Acura TL to be the most fun to drive (the Infinity was a close second) and the price made it by far the best deal. I have not been disappointed with my purchase. The car drives great and it is a pleasure to drive. I highly recommend it.
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Vehicle year: 1996
I really like my car, but unfortunately my dad has a hard time fitting in it, even though he's only 6'1
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Vehicle year: 2000
This has been an amazing vehicle! It's been so great that I'm now looking for a second Acura for our household.
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Vehicle year: 1998
The handling of this vehicle is precise and predictable, which is a clear indication of quality craftsmanship. Unlike BMW, it has a tight riding experience that allows you to feel the contour of the road surface in a well-tamed manner. It is surprisingly reliable in various inclement weather conditions, earning it an A+. If you ensure that the air filter, spark plugs, and engine oil are clean, you will be pleasantly surprised by its mileage. My vehicle has 115,000 miles on it and faithfully drives about 27 miles per gallon on the highway, with some inner city driving combined. Today, it recorded 27.4 miles per gallon on my trip to Richmond. Not too shabby at all for such a heavy machine! It is definitely a great value for your money.
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Vehicle year: 1999
Hi there! I bought this car brand new and it has been a great ride. It has already clocked 220,000 miles and I am happy to report that there have been no issues with the transmission or engine. I did have to replace the power steering pump, but other than that, it has only required scheduled maintenance. It consistently gets 25-28 mpg, which is fantastic! :)
Are you having problems with your Acura Tl?
Randi Beier 2025-02-19
Vehicle year: 1996
At 200k miles on 9-30-11, I had to fix an oil leak caused by the filter neck gasket. I also had to replace the water pump, alternator, motor mounts ($400 each), fuel pump, and relay (which got stuck on the freeway). There were also oil leaks on the distributor gasket, valve cover (numerous), and cam seal. The seats had cracks, and there was a burning oil smell that needed to be addressed. Additionally, the harmonic balancer wheel to the alternator was bad and needed to be replaced. The front wheel ball joints were also problematic, and the radio had some trouble with the CD player. It seems like I fix one thing, and then the next week or day, another issue arises. But I'm grateful that I have the skills to fix my own vehicle! (I'm not really finished yet.)
Darion Jacobs 2025-02-09
Vehicle year: 2002
The Acura TL-S has a well-known transmission issue, which unfortunately I have experienced firsthand. Despite using only Michelin Sport A/S tires, the front end of the car vibrates and I have had to replace the transmission three times in just 70k miles. While the car used to have great power and handling, since the last transmission repair, it has lost a lot of its kick and pick-up. It seems that all Acura does is replace the transmission with a remanufactured one and hope for the best. Based on my experience, I would advise staying away from this model.
Milton Rempel 2025-02-04
Vehicle year: 2003
I purchased my TL at around 87K miles and unfortunately, I have experienced some issues with it. Last year, the transmission had to be replaced and recently, the engine required some maintenance. Additionally, the rear view mirror had to be replaced due to a chemical leak. Currently, the PCM Unit has failed and the repair cost is $1200. I am a bit frustrated with Hendricks Acura in Charlotte as they did not inform me about the option of getting an exchange or a reconditioned PCM which would have been more cost-effective. They have also requested a second diagnostic before replacing the PCM. Overall, my experience with this car has been challenging, but I am hopeful that the issues will be resolved soon.
Richard Swaniawski 2025-01-14
Vehicle year: 1999
I purchased this car from an auction when it had 102,000 miles on it. Unfortunately, the transmission failed at 116,000 miles and left me stranded on the highway. It seems that many 1999 models had transmission issues. In addition to the transmission, I also experienced problems with the catalytic converter, sensors, and other components, which ended up costing me around $6000, including the transmission repair. Overall, I would not recommend buying this car as a second owner due to these issues. Additionally, the seats, dashboard, and sunroof all make annoying sounds. However, I am confident that these problems were addressed in the 2004 TLS model, so I plan to purchase one when I can afford it.
Raymond McGlynn 2025-01-12
Vehicle year: 2004
I have owned five Acuras, and unfortunately, I am becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the basic car design. Despite the many nice comforts, there are several issues that need to be addressed. The trunk hinge is poorly designed and has caused leaks, which the dealer has been unable to locate. Additionally, the back seat ripped when I installed a child seat, but the dealer refused to acknowledge it as a defect. The seat belt configuration in the back also makes it challenging to use booster seats. Lastly, the paint on the rear bumper is peeling. These issues need to be resolved to improve the overall quality of the car.