TL (UA8)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
J37A4
4.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
J27A4
3.7L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
J35Z6
3.5L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Acura TL regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2009-2014 Acura TL problems?
The 2009-2014 Acura TL has accumulated 334 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Steering, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Acura TL engine is most reliable?
The 2009-2014 Acura TL was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.474057568L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2009-2014 Acura TL a good used car?
The 2009-2014 Acura TL can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 334 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2014 Acura TL have?
The 2009-2014 Acura TL has 334 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2009-2014 Acura TL?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2009-2014 Acura TL vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Acura TL?
Before buying a used Acura TL, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Steering, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the TL?
The 2014 Acura TL received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 4 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 334 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.