2013 Acura Tl Problems
Shopping for a used 2013 Acura Tl? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 61 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2013 Acura Tl has 61 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
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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2013 Acura Tl Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2013 Acura Tl trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2013 Acura Tl Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Acura TL 4 DR 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Acura Tl has 61 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Acura
- Model
- Tl
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 61
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 26
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2013 Acura Tl problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. 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 2013 Acura Tl?
The 2013 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 2013 Acura Tl
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components for any signs of defect or unusual wear.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for steering and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering components for any signs of defect or unusual wear.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for steering and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 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 61 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Acura TL, complaints are concentrated in steering defects and airbag malfunctions. There is one crash-related complaint. The data suggests potential issues with steering and airbag systems, but the confidence level is low.
- Steering defects account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Airbag malfunctions are the second most reported issue.
- Electrical faults, transmission/drivetrain, and engine problems have fewer complaints.
- Steering Defects (27 complaints)
- Airbag Malfunctions (19 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (6 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2013 Acura Tl complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Acura Tl. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
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 2013 Acura Tl. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am writing to formally report a significant paint defect on my 2013 Acura TL. Large sections of the clear coat are peeling off the vehicle and the issue continues to spread. The vehicle has been well maintained and regularly washed. This issue is not only unsightly and damagi…
The 2013 Acura TL has a problem with the pistons in the engine causing excessive oil consumption. This was the subject matter of a class action described in the website Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This part should be recalled and American Honda should be required to repair …
The airbag warning indicator keeps appearing. When message is pressed it says that airbag may not deploy when needed. States to turn car off and restart to see if indicator disappears- if reappear take to dealership to inspect
The contact owns a 2013 Acura TL. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, he heard abnormal rattling sounds coming from the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle; however, the failu…
I was driving my 2013 Acura Tl on my way to work and suddenly I got an electronic power steering error that resulted in my steering wheel stiff and I had to use all my strength to pull over to the emergency lane. The vehicle's steering became very heavy and was very hard to turn…
The airbag warning indicator keeps appearing. When message is pressed it says that airbag may not deploy when needed. States to turn car off and restart to see if indicator disappears- if reappear take to dealership to inspect.
WHILE CROSSING MEDIAN AHEAD OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LOST POWER, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO STEER TO AVOID COLLISION. STEERING WARNING BEGAN TO FLASH BUT GAVE NO ADVANCE WARNING. I WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO STEER THE CAR. ENGINE WAS RUNNING. CAR IS AVAILABLE FOR INS…
2013 ACURA TL - 64,500 MILES - DRIVING ON FREEWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC - CHECK STEERING LIGHT COMES ON - WAS GOING TO MOVE OVER TO FAR RIGHT LANE AND STOP AT NEXT EXIT TO CHECK ISSUE - STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO LOCK AND WOULD NOT LET ME GO TO RIGHT - INSTANTLY TURNED ON FLASHERS HOPIN…
I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN MY AIR BAG ON DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED
I HAVE EXPERIENCED TACH HUNTING WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTS INTO THE HIGHEST GEAR AND THE RPMS SHOULD BE STEADY, YOU'RE GOING AT A STEADY SPEED DOWN A CITY STREET AND THE TACHOMETER STARTS JUMPING AROUND IT WILL NOT STAY STEADY. IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING WHEN THE …
2013 ACURA TL STEERING GOT LOCKED AFTER CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM, THIS IS VERY RISKY IF I WAS ON HIGHWAY AND WOULD HAVE HAPPEN DURING DRIVING. SUCH PROBLEMS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY CO ASAP AS THIS IS LIFE THREATENING TO DRIVER INCLUDING PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE DURING PROBLEM. S…
IN JULY 2020, WITH 82143 MILES, MY POWER STEERING COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING.
I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY KIDS AND THE STEERING PRACTICALLY LOCKED UP, BUT I WAS STILL GOING ABOUT 50 MPH. THANKFULLY, WE DIDN'T GET HIT WHILE I GUIDED THE CAR OVER TO STOP SAFELY. THE PANEL JUST TOLD ME TO CHECK THE STEERING SYSTEM... WHILE I WAS TRYING NOT TO GET HIT AFTER LOS…
COULD HAD AN ACCIDENT I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LIGHT ON MY CAR CAME ON SAYING THAT THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT AT THAT TIME I REALIZE THAT I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR IT WAS HARD I HAD TO GET A FEEL FOR IT TO TURN IT SO I COULD PULL OFF TO THE SIDE AND THE…
I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 ACURA TL ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN I GOT AN 'ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ' ERROR THAT RESULTED IN MY STEERING WHEEL REQUIRED ME TO USE ALL MY STRENGTH TO PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE'S STEERING BECAME VERY HEAVY AND WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. I AM FOR…
WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE THE CHECK "ELECTRONIC POWER SYSTEM" INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS BACKING INTO THE STREET OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. AS I ENTERED THE STREET THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT LET ME TURN THE WHEEL TO COMPLETE TURNING TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS TO DR…
RECEIVED DIAGNOSTIC MESSAGE TO CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM. LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL ON THE VEHICLE WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMPUTER ISSUE AND RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE IT TO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP…
EPS LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AND POWER STEERING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. COMPLETELY RANDOM WHEN IT DECIDES TO WORK AND CAR IS UNDER 69000 MILES. AS AN EXAMPLE I WAS TAKING A TURN AND IT FAILED HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A CAR ACCIDENT.
I WAS ABOUT TO DRIVE IN TO MY GARAGE WHEN I FELT MY STEERING WHEEL HAD SOME RESISTANCE AND HARD TO MANEUVER. THE DRIVER PANEL SAYS "CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM!" AS I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND TURNED IT BACK ON, WARNING MESSAGE DISAPPEARED. POWER STE…
I HAD DRIVEN ABOUT 10-15MINS FROM MY HOME, MY 4YR OLD SON IN THE BACKSEAT. WE WERE GOING TO WALMART TO RETRIEVE A FEW ITEMS. AS I'M APPROACHING THE STORE I TURN FROM A MAIN STREET INTO THE STORES PARKING LOT. AS I SEE A PARKING SPOT AND GO TO MAKE A LEFT TURN LIGHTS FLASH ON MY D…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Acura Tl.
Safety recalls
2013 Acura Tl recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2013 Acura Tl buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Acura Tl reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 61 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 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 2013 Acura Tl?▾
#1: Steering Defects (27 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (19 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (6 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Acura Tl?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Acura Tl?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Acura Tl, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 61 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Acura Tl have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 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 2013 Acura Tl?▾
The 2013 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 Steering Defects 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
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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.