What year Acura TL should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010 and 2012 Acura TL. The 2012 has the highest complaint index at 100 with 130 complaints, and the 2010 has a complaint index of 75 with 64 complaints.

What is the best year for the Acura TL?

The 2014 Acura TL is the best year in this range, with only 17 complaints and a complaint index of 0, plus no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.

Does the Acura TL have airbag recalls?

Yes. All five model years from 2010 to 2014 carry 3 recall campaigns each, tied to Takata airbag inflator replacement. Airbags are also the top complaint category overall, accounting for 40% of the 293 total complaints.

Is the 2013 Acura TL reliable?

The 2013 Acura TL is rated Caution, with 62 complaints and a complaint index of 50. Steering is its top problem area, unlike the airbag-dominated issues seen in other years.

How many total complaints does the Acura TL have on file?

NHTSA lists 293 total complaints across the 2010-2014 Acura TL model years, with airbags accounting for 40% share, steering 19%, and transmission and powertrain 15%.

Acura TL Best and Worst Years (2010–2014)

Among 2010-2014 Acura TL model years, 2010 and 2012 are the ones to avoid, with complaint indexes of 75 and 100 and airbag issues dominating both. 2014 is the best year with a complaint index of 0, while 2013 warrants caution due to steering complaints.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2012 Best 2014

Model years: 5; 2010–2014
NHTSA complaints: 293
Recall campaigns: 3
Crashes reported: 9
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Airbags

TL Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Acura TL problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	75	64	4	1	3	Airbags	20	—
2011	Good	25	20	1	2	3	Airbags	20	—
2012	Avoid	100	130	3	0	3	Airbags	21	4★
2013	Caution	50	62	1	0	3	Steering	21	4★
2014	Best	0	17	0	0	3	Airbags	21	4★

TL years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 Acura TL Index 100 · 130 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2012 Acura TL is the worst-ranked year in this range, with 130 complaints and a complaint index of 100. Airbags led the problem list at 33% share with a median failure mileage of 52,500. Transmission and powertrain issues followed at 21% share, failing at a median of 39,500 miles, while steering complaints made up 19% at a median mileage of 70,500. NHTSA records 3 crashes, 5 injuries, and 1 death tied to this year. Like 2010, it carries 3 recall campaigns, all related to airbag inflator replacement.

2012 airbags problems →2012 transmission & powertrain problems →2012 steering problems →

2010 Acura TL Index 75 · 64 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2010 Acura TL logged 64 complaints, giving it a complaint index of 75. Airbags were the top problem area, making up 53% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles. Owners also reported transmission and powertrain issues at 16% share, also with a median mileage of 80,000. Engine problems accounted for 11% of complaints, surfacing at a lower median mileage of 36,500. The year carries 3 recall campaigns, all tied to airbag inflators. NHTSA data shows 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury reported for this model year.

2010 airbags problems →

Most common Acura TL problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags117 (40%)
Steering57 (19%)
Transmission & Powertrain43 (15%)
Engine39 (13%)
Electrical System21 (7%)
Structure & Body15 (5%)
Brakes13 (4%)
Other13 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (4%)
Fuel System5 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Acura TL should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010 and 2012 Acura TL. The 2012 has the highest complaint index at 100 with 130 complaints, and the 2010 has a complaint index of 75 with 64 complaints.
What is the best year for the Acura TL?: The 2014 Acura TL is the best year in this range, with only 17 complaints and a complaint index of 0, plus no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
Does the Acura TL have airbag recalls?: Yes. All five model years from 2010 to 2014 carry 3 recall campaigns each, tied to Takata airbag inflator replacement. Airbags are also the top complaint category overall, accounting for 40% of the 293 total complaints.
Is the 2013 Acura TL reliable?: The 2013 Acura TL is rated Caution, with 62 complaints and a complaint index of 50. Steering is its top problem area, unlike the airbag-dominated issues seen in other years.
How many total complaints does the Acura TL have on file?: NHTSA lists 293 total complaints across the 2010-2014 Acura TL model years, with airbags accounting for 40% share, steering 19%, and transmission and powertrain 15%.