2009 Acura Tl Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2009 Acura Tl? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 42 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.

200810 years2010

Before you buy

This 2009 Acura Tl has 42 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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42
Complaints
5
Crashes
β€”
Fires
3
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
3
Recalls

2009 Acura Tl Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2009 Acura Tl trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

18
MPG City
17–18 range
26
MPG Hwy
25–26 range
21
MPG Combined
20–21 range
423
g COβ‚‚/mile
Premium Gasoline
⚠️Costs $7,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2009 Acura Tl Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

9.3% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

5/5

9.3% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Acura Tl has 42 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2009 Acura Tl β€” key reliability facts
Make
Acura
Model
Tl
Model year
2009
NHTSA owner complaints
42
Crash-related complaints
5
Safety recall campaigns
3
Top reported component
Airbag Malfunctions
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
21
EPA MPG city / highway
18 / 26
Fuel type
Premium Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
5/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2009 Acura Tl problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
19
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:2
Injuries:2
#2
6
complaints

Structural Problems

#3
6
complaints

Visibility

Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Structural Problems, Visibility. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2009 Acura Tl?

The 2009 Acura Tl shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2009 Acura Tl

Inspection Focus

  • Check for any open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records to see if airbag or structural issues have been addressed.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and structural integrity before purchase.
  • Verify that all recalls have been completed.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Check for any open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records to see if airbag or structural issues have been addressed.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's airbag system and structural integrity before purchase.
  • Verify that all recalls have been completed.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2009 Acura Tl, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

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

Based on 42 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Acura TL, the most frequently reported issue involves airbag malfunctions, followed by structural problems and visibility concerns. Crash-related complaints account for 5 reports. The data suggests potential areas of concern, but the low confidence level indicates that these patterns may not be representative of all vehicles.

Key Findings
  • Airbag Malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints (19 out of 42).
  • Structural Problems and Visibility each have 6 complaints.
  • Transmission/Drivetrain issues are reported in 5 complaints.
Top Concerns
  • Airbag Malfunctions are the most common complaint, with 19 reports.
  • Structural Problems are the second most frequent issue.
  • Visibility concerns are tied with structural problems at 6 complaints each.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The low confidence level means the data may not be statistically significant. Only one model year (2009) was analyzed, limiting year-over-year comparisons.

Full breakdown

All 2009 Acura Tl complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Acura Tl. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions192β€”β€”
Structural Problems6β€”β€”β€”
Visibility6β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain5β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults3β€”β€”β€”
Brake System21β€”β€”
Engine Problems2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System2β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects22β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention1β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Acura Tl. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 42 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsAug 4, 2025

The Acura key has a hinge on it with a release button and a spring where the keys open when the button is pressed and the key locks in place. The locking mechanism on the hinge failed. This means that when enough items are on a keychain on the key the weight will rotate the key…

Brake SystemFeb 1, 2023

Intermitten problem with brakes becoming soft/spongy. I have taken my vehicle to Hondaa and a few local shops no one could identify the issue but confirmed brakes rotors were good and no leakes. After searching online I found many people experiencing the same issue which seems …

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 27, 2019

I'VE HAD MY VEHICLE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD DUE TO A MECHANICAL RECALL THAT WENT UNDIAGNOSED.( OVER OIL CONSUMPTION RECALL, IN WHICH I WAS COMPLETELY UNAWARE UNTIL FINALLY RECEIVING THE LETTER PRODIVIDED) I WAS DRIVING OFF OF PLEASANT STREET IN HANSON MA, CROSSING ONTO THE…

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 23, 2019

RADUAL ACCELERATION ELICITS THE SYMPTOMS OF SHUDDER AND TACH HUNTING THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES AND SHUDDERS WHEN SHIFTING INTO 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. DRIVING TO WORK 128 MASS HIGHWAY

Brake System CrashApr 17, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE ENGINE REVVED AND DID NOT STOP UNTIL HELP ARRIV…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 19, 2018

VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY HESITATES, VERY HEAVILY, WHEN ACCELERATING UPHILL, LIKE ON FREEWAY ENTRANCE RAMPS. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE ABRUPTLY, OR FROM FIRST OF SECOND GEAR, IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS DOWN SHIFTING, WHICH COULD BE DANGEROUS IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS OR WHEN USING …

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 15, 2017

MY 2009 ACURA TL STALLS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I CAN BE PULLING OUT FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT, PULLING OFF AFTER PAUSING AT A STOP SIGN, CHANGING GEARS FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE, OR JUST SIMPLY DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR A CITY STREET. MY CAR CAN HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS OR LESS THAN HAL…

Electrical FaultsMar 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED MORE THAN TWICE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE ALTERNATOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE BATTERY HAD BEEN REPLACED MORE THAN FIVE TIMES. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. …

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 17, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 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 …

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 20, 2017

TAKATA RECALL- WE RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THE FAYETTEVILLE ACURA DEALERSHIP IN MARCH 2016 INFORMING US OF THE RECALL. WE WERE TOLD THE AIRBAGS IN OUR 2009 ACURA TL SHOULD BE REPLACED IN THE EARLY PORTION OF THE SUMMER 2016. IN JULY 2016 WE HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY UPDATED INFO O…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 23, 2016

GROWLING AND VIBRATION FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHEN GOING 35-40 MPH. WAS TOLD IT'S THE TORQUE CONVERTER AGAIN. HAVE HAD IT REPLACED TWICE NOW, GOT IT BACK FROM THE DEALER LAST NIGHT AND IT'S DOING IT AGAIN. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME I HAVE HAD THIS CAR TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME ISSU…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashNov 7, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A FENCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HAND AND FACE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWE…

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 26, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECAL…

Airbag MalfunctionsOct 20, 2016

2009 ACURA TL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR DRIVER AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 8, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 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 …

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 14, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 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 MA…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 6, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. TH…

Airbag MalfunctionsJun 20, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TI…

Airbag MalfunctionsJun 7, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECAL…

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 18, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 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 R…

Page 1 of 3

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Acura Tl.

Safety recalls

2009 Acura Tl recalls

3 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Acura Tl. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#19V500000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE27/06/2019
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

#16V061000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEMar 2, 2016

Across model years

Compare Acura Tl model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2009 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

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

Questions

2009 Acura Tl buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2009 Acura Tl reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 42 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Acura Tl shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Acura Tl?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (19 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (6 complaints). #3: Visibility (6 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Acura Tl?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2009 Acura Tl?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Acura Tl, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 42 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2009 Acura Tl have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Acura Tl. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2009 Acura Tl?β–Ύ

The 2009 Acura Tl shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Acura Tl reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2009 Acura Tl based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.