TL (UA8)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
J35Z6
3.5L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
J37A4
4.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Acura TL Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
J27A4
3.7L 6-cyl / 280 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 4 additional engine variants with limited data
J32A1
3.2L 6-cyl / 225 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
J32A2
3.2L 6-cyl / 260 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
J32A3
3.2L 6-cyl / 270 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
K24Z2
2.4L 4-cyl / 177 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Acura TL, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2009-2014 Acura TL
On a used 2009-2014 Acura TL, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (137), the steering (59) and the transmission and drivetrain (48). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 137 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TL about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 59 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TL about the steering.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 48 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TL about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TL about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on the 2009-2014 Acura TL about the electrical system.
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2009-2014 Acura TL complaints?
Owners have filed 334 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2014 Acura TL. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the steering and the transmission.
Is the 2009-2014 Acura TL a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 334 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009-2014 Acura TL. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2014 Acura TL have?
NHTSA has 334 owner complaints on file for the 2009-2014 Acura TL as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2009-2014 Acura TL?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2009-2014 Acura TL vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Acura TL?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the steering and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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: 2026-10-12.