What's Wrong with the 4th Generation TL?

Front 3/4 view of a Acura TL

The 4th generation TL started in 2009 and runs to 2014.

Its PainRank™ score of 4.9 ranks 23rd out of 30 eligible generations in reliability. The score is based on relative complaint analysis of the 68 owners complaints on CarComplaints.com. A majority of the complaints are about engine problems..

Compare With Other TL Generations

The Worst 2009-2014 TL Problems

Takata Airbag Inflator Recall

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A large number of Acura vehicles have been recalled because they contain dangerous airbag inflators made by Takata. The shrapnel-hurling inflators have been recalled in over 37 million vehicles (and counting).

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Excessive Oil Consumption

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Changed your oil recently? I'm guessing you think you’re good to go for another 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on the oil you’re using. Acura owners with V6 J-Series engines better think again.

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What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

Worst Topics

Worst Years

What TL Owners Say About This Generation

Excessive Oil Consumption

I have a 2010 Acura TL and it consumes oil like a thirsty camel. In between oil changes, I'm constantly filling the oil back up with 2-3 quarts of oil. To add to the oil consumption issue, when I accelerate, my car makes a rattling noise. Took to dealership, got a valve adjustment, got the car back, same issue.

By the Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 68 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 23rd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 30 eligible generations.