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Vehicle Stats/Acura/TL Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Jul 2026Methodology

Acura TL Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 1,216 complaints and 39 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Acura TL options? We analyzed 10 model years (2005–2014) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

1,216
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
39
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
35
Crash-Related
crash complaints
20
Fire-Related
fire complaints
32
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2005–2014

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Found a Acura TL? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
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Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Acura TL has 1,216 owner complaints and 39 safety recalls across model years 2005–2014. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2005 drew the most complaints; 2014 drew the fewest.

Acura TL — key reliability facts
Make
Acura
Model
TL
Model years analyzed
2005–2014 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
1,216
Safety recall campaigns
39
Crash-related complaints
35
Fire-related complaints
20
Worst model year (by complaints)
2005 (387 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2014 (17 complaints)
Top reported issue area
AIR BAGS
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Jul 27, 2026
This TL has 39 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Acura TL: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2005387 complaints2006247 complaints2012130 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
201417 complaints201120 complaints200942 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2005 Acura TL? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

20142014 Acura TL 4 DR 4WD
Overall Safety
4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
20132013 Acura TL 4 DR 4WD
Overall Safety
4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
20122012 Acura TL 4 DR FWD Later Release
Overall Safety
4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The ACURA TL has 1,216 NHTSA complaints and 39 recalls on record. 35 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 1,216 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 39 federal recall campaigns
  • 35 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2005
387
2006
247
2007
124
2008
124
2009
42
2010
64
2011
20
2012
130
2013
61
2014
17

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

39 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

#19E068000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDALOctober 10, 2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V182000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEJune 3, 2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V182000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEJune 3, 2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V182000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEJune 3, 2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V182000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEJune 3, 2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V182000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEJune 3, 2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V182000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEJune 3, 2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#16V061000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEMarch 2, 2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#16V061000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEMarch 2, 2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#16V061000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEMarch 2, 2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#16V061000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEMarch 2, 2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#16V061000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEMarch 2, 2016
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V500000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V500000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V500000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V500000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V500000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Safety recall

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

#08V091000STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Safety recall

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

#12V222000STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

#11E022000SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2005–2014. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,216 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
AIR BAGS440 complaints
02
STRUCTURE277 complaints
03
STEERING151 complaints
04
UNKNOWN OR OTHER147 complaints
05
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM120 complaints
06
POWER TRAIN118 complaints
07
ENGINE57 complaints
08
SERVICE BRAKES45 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

1,216 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

AIR BAGSOct 2023

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITYDec 2022

Driving my 2011 Acura TL on I95 South in NC from VA to SC at about 2p on 12/2/22, It is a clear sunny day. It is 62 degrees out, there were no vehicles around and no debris flying or dropping and no overpasses or anything around. Heard a loud explosion. Sounded like a shovel with a ton of rocks being dropped on the roof. Opened the slider for moonroof (which is a original manufactured item) and realized the sound was the moonroof glass. The glass was shattered and huge amount missing. Glass rained down into the car all over everything including me. No evidence of any source of cause for this happening. Just glass shards. Appears to have just combusted on its own? Prior to this event the moonroof was operable and in good working order with no cracks or anything. Setup a service appointment for tomorrow 12/3/22 at 3p at McDaniel's Acura dealership in Charleston, SC

ENGINEMar 2021

THE CAR IS BURNING OIL AT AN ACCELERATED RATE WHICH CAUSES A WARNING WHEN THE OIL LIFE IS AROUND 40 TO 50% THAT THE ENGINE HAS LOW OIL LEVEL.

FireENGINEJan 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT AND DISPERSED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER BRADSHAW ACURA (2450 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607, (864) 297-4529) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING AN UNKNOWN BOX ASSEMBLY, EPS, APS UNIT, AND SUB-HARNESS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.*DT

SEATS,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMAug 2020

WHILE TRYING MAE A QU VERSIN SUSCITADOS EN HABLARAN

POWER TRAINAug 2020

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

Read 14 more owner reports
AIR BAGSMay 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BECAUSE AFTER THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS RETAINED AND MONTHS LATER ANOTHER NOTIFICATION WAS SENT FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WALKER ACURA (8951 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD, METAIRIE, LA, 70003, (504) 464-4004) SERVICED BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS. THE DEALER HAD NOT TOLD THE CONTACT ABOUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

AIR BAGSJan 2018

TAKATA RECALL

STEERINGOct 2017

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK AND MY ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT I ALMOST HIT A TRACTOR TRAILER AND IT CAUSED ME TO HAVE A PANIC ATTACK BECAUSE IT ALL HAPPENED SO FAST I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO BESIDES SLAM ON THE BRAKES. THIS ISSUE COULD OF POTENTIALLY CAUSED MY DEATH OR OTHER PEOPLES DEATH OR INJURY , THIS COULD OF ENDED OUT BAD. CAN YOU PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP REGARDING THIS ISSUE. AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM BECAUSE ANY ACURA OWNERS WITH HIGH MILES ON THE VEHICLES COULD END UP HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE AND COULD END UP BEING A LAW SUIT.

AIR BAGSJan 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS CLAIMED TO HAVE REMEDIED THE RECALLED AIR BAGS; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BRAND NEW (UNOPENED) BOX OF AIR BAGS WAS LEFT IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT PROVIDE THE RECALL INFORMATION. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH TWO DAYS AGO, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED OFF AND ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ONE OF THE DEALERS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SIDE AIR BAG WAS IN THE TRUNK AND NOT THE ONES THAT WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

AIR BAGSDec 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

FireENGINEDec 2016

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING,I WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND WE SMELLED RUBBER BURNING NEXT WE NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE HOOD AREA. WE PULLED OVER TURNED ON THE FLASHERS AND OPENED THE HOOD AND SMOKE CAME OUT HEAVY AND I SAW A FIRE AT THE BOTTOM OF ENGINE AREA.WE CALLED 911 AND A FIRE TRUCK PUT OUT THE FLAMES. THE ENGINE WAS DESTROYED. THEY TOWED IT TO A AUTO SHOP AND WE ARE WAITING FOR AN INSURANCE AGENT TO CONTACT US. FYI WE WERE DRIVING ON A THREE LANE STREET CALLED PORTOLA DRIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO CA. *TR

AIR BAGSSep 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

AIR BAGSAug 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

AIR BAGSAug 2016

TAKATA RECALL - AIRBAGS. RECEIVED A NOTICE IN APRIL 2016 FROM ACURA THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON AIRBAGS FOR MY AUTO DUE TO POSSIBLE INJURIES INCLUDING FATALITY SHOULD THEY IMPLODE. THE NOTICE ADVISED I WOULD BE NOTIFIED THIS SUMMER WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. I HAVE YET TO BE NOTIFIED AND THE SAFERCAR.GOV WEBSITE INDICATES A REMEDY IS STILL NOT YET AVAILABLE AS OF 8.9.16 FOR MY VEHICLE. SO BASICALLY I HAVE HAD TO KNOWINGLY DRIVE AROUND IN DEATH TRAP FOR THE LAST 4 MONTHS WITH MY FAMILY PRAYING WHAT IS SUPPOSE TO HELP SAVE OUR LIVES DOESN'T END UP KILLING US SHOULD WE BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THE AIRBAG AND AUTO MANUFACTURERS GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER AND CORRECT THIS.

AIR BAGSJul 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

AIR BAGSMay 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REMEDY WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN APRIL. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT YET AVAILABLE.

AIR BAGSApr 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Crash 1 InjuryAIR BAGSMar 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 27 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE INFLATOR RUPTURED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE, NECK, NOSE, CHEST, HANDS, AND SPINE. THE CONTACT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,000. UPDATED 05/18/16*LJ *TR

AIR BAGSMar 2016

TAKATA RECALL- TOOK CAR IN FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT. INFORMED OF RECALL. TOLD REPLACEMENT COULDN'T TAKE PLACE UNTIL SOMETIME IN SUMMER. OFFERED A CAR AS TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT. IT WAS INDICATED CAR WOULDN'T BE OF QUALITY OF MINE, WOULD BE OF ENTERPRISE RENTAL QUALITY. I THOUGHT THIS WAS UNREASONABLE CONSIDERING THE PERIOD OF TIME. I DECLINED THE OFFER. WAS TOLD TO SIGN A LETTER OF REFUSAL. WASN'T TOLD DECLINE WAS AN OPTION (DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS). REQUIRED MY SIGNATURE ON THE DECLINATION. LATER I REALIZED THAT WAS MOST LIKELY A PLOY TO ESCAPE LITIGATION AGAINST ACURA AND/OR TAKATA IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT: OFFERING AN UNDESIRABLE OPTION AND LEAVING AN OWNER WITH REDUCED GROUNDS TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION IF HE SHOULD DECLINE. SHOULD THIS BE ALLOWED?

Showing 20 of 1,216 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Acura TL

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Acura TL, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Acura TL has 1,216 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Acura TL has 39 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 35 of the Acura TL's 1,216 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Acura TL vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Acura TL vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Acura TL has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Acura TL by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Acura TL.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Acura TL reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Acura TL reliable?

Poor. The Acura TL has 1,216 NHTSA owner complaints and 39 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is AIR BAGS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Acura TL years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2005 (387 complaints), 2006 (247 complaints), 2012 (130 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Acura TL problems?

Top reported issues: AIR BAGS (440 complaints); STRUCTURE (277 complaints); STEERING (151 complaints).

Does the Acura TL have recalls?

Yes — 39 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Acura TL. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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