ENGINE
As I was driving, the vehicle suddenly began smoking through the steering wheel and the hood, then it caught flames and the vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11749644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Acura TL engine problems
174 of the 4,055 complaints filed about the Acura TL are about the engine — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2003.
174
Complaints
4%
Share of all complaints
4
Crashes
14
Fires
Engine & Cooling complaints by model year
What owners said
2008 Acura TL
Coral Springs, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the vehicle lost automotive power and shifted into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and drove as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message “System too Lean” was displayed on the instrument panel associated with Bank 1 and Bank 2. While starting the vehicle and while the vehicle idling, the RPM was raised above 1,000 RPM, and the message "Idle Position Needs to be Relearned " was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated properly. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the throttle pedal position sensor had an incorrect voltage. The contact was unsure of the repairs performed and the DTC were cleared. After the codes were cleared, the failures continued intermittently. The contact became aware of TSBs that permitted a repair under warranty to clear the system; however, the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11724562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2014 Acura TL
Pennsauken, NJ
ENGINE
I have a 2014 Acura TL. I have kept up with all the maintenance on my car since day one including getting my oil changes every 3,000 miles or a little under 3,000 miles or even when my dash would say 30-40% oil life.And when it gets to 30-40% oil life the dash board dings check oil. This time my dash board dinged at 60% which I found very odd- My husband checked my oil dipstick & I had no oil- I’ve been parking my car in the same spot in my drive way for the last 10 years so no oil drain marks & the car is not showing any signs of burn oil such as any type of smoke. I go to the dealer to buy a quart of oil- parts guys asked me for model and year of my car- I said 2014 TL he comes back with the quart that says 0W- we put it in it. A week later we get another quart- same part guy brings out 0W- I said why are you giving me 0W when my car manual and engine cap clearly says 5W- he is puzzled and says ok if you want 5W I’ll give you that, I said I’m only going by my car manual and engine cap. My husband puts it in and still low, at this point my husband goes to auto store and buys 2 more quarts of 5W. Car still low on oil- I take in the next day to the Acura dealer for an oil change and explain everything to the advisor and service manager. The manager digs deeper into my maintenance and see’s that I have been keeping up with the maintenance for 11 years. Now he digs deeper and looks up my VIN # for any recalls- apparently there was a recall on my engine piston and piston rings which causes an issue with burning oil and/or oil consumption &make it seem like there is no oil in car. I said I never received a recall. He states unfortunately I am out of the recall window and nothing can be done. I am original owner and having been living at same address 32 years-never got a recall notice. Per NHTSA there's 86 manuf. comm. on the engine pistons from 2016-2019. They say I have Rear main seal leak-they want me to fix first before they can advocate for recall- 2 separate issues
NHTSA complaint #11721653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2012 Acura TL
Baltimore, MD
ENGINE
They changed the originality milleage of the car and sold it too expensive
NHTSA complaint #11666017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2004 Acura TL
Crestview, FL
ENGINE
Car stopped working three days after I purchased it.
NHTSA complaint #11586326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2003 Acura TL
Ballston Spa, NY
ENGINE
This car is not safe. First, the Takata airbags are in it. I drove my daughter, my mother and my little dog in this car! I can’t believe the used car dealership did not let me know that. Then the car starts shifting funny. Also dangerous. There should be a recall for transmission. There are over 500 people affected by this. I’m trying to enter a highway and I need to pick up speed, because there is a tractor trailer in the right lane and heavy traffic. I try to accelerate and it goes nowhere. 30mph. And that was after I merged in and have traffic going 70 behind me. Scariest thing ever. They should not be allowed to sell these cars. It is not safe for the driver and their family and it is not safe for others on the road. I can’t believe the negligence. I will not be driving this death trap ever again.
NHTSA complaint #11551189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FIRERELATED
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that after his wife had dropped him off at work, she was driving at an undisclosed speed when the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. No warning lights was illuminated. The contact then stated that his wife had parked the vehicle in the garage when she heard an exploding sound where the vehicle was parked. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact's wife noticed that the vehicle was inflamed. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A police nor fire report was filed. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The contact then stated that upon research, he noticed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V222000 (Steering). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was previously included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V222000 (Steering) However, the recall had been completed and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 176,930
NHTSA complaint #11543122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2013 Acura TL
Long Branch, NJ
ENGINE
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 or replace the pistons in the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11523751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2006 Acura TL
Port Charlotte, FL
ENGINE
Car has been in family and well taken care of, smell of fire along with multiple alternators and battery changes. Mechanics cannot figure out why car goes through alternator and batteries. Paid for 6 to 8 alternator and battery. Transmission is now going on car. Like I said car has been taken care of but not worth transmission job, my complaint is I see almost every person who has Acura TL all have transmission problems. I need Acura to answer for all transmission problems through the whole country and why so many alternators and batteries?
NHTSA complaint #11514549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2005 Acura TL. The contact stated that she had parked her vehicle and went inside a store as her children waited inside the vehicle. Her son then texted her from inside the vehicle that the alarm had gone off. Soon after the alarm went off, her daughter noticed that both white and black colored smoke began to emit from the vehicle. Her children exited the vehicle as the front end of the vehicle caught fire. Pedestrians called for the authorities and both the police and fire departments arrived at the scene. The fire was extinguished and an incident report was filed. No injuries were reported; another vehicle was damaged as a result of the fire. The vehicle had yet to be towed or removed from the scene of the incident. Prior to the failure, the contact had noticed that while driving at highway speeds, heat would emit from vents despite the A/C being turned off. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V091000(Steering). The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,300.
NHTSA complaint #11495194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2008 Acura TL
Rochester Hills, MI
ENGINE
While driving car, speed decelerated despite pressing on gas/accelerator pedal. Total ability to control speed on high way ended, as car crawled to a speed of under 5mph, nearly resulting in being hit by vehicles behind me. Immediately called independent mechanic who advised me to cut off ignition and restart the car. Highly dangerous to even attempt on a highway during rush hour traffic, nearly resulting in a multiple car crash. Reproduced several times until mechanic was able to diagnose and correct an issue unknown to me. There was no warning light indicator at all, no messages on car navigation/information panel.
NHTSA complaint #11484998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2006 Acura TL
Fresno, CA
ENGINE
I was told by a mechanic that this 2006 Acura TL I bought from Joe's Garage here In Clovis Ca was a car I do not want to be driving. Now when purchased from Joe's Garage he stated he put engine didn't say new or used, He also said the car was practically brand new because previous owner was a high school kid who assume he cracked his radiator and was not the problem, but the kid bought a new car and left Acura there since. Since the purchased I had nothing, but engine problems told Joe never responded I did my own research come to find out Joe's business licensed was suspended and that where he got my car Acura to pass smog of course was a smog business already being investigated for passing car illegally. So I took my Acura to Acura dealer here In Fresno Ca I was told all motor mounts were cracked so they replaced all motor mounts and installed used motor charging me $7,000 at that time I was in the process of suing Joe's Garage however since I have had no car emotionally distress because I paid $2700 for Acura trusting this business man come to find out its Salvaged vehicle now you can understand how frustrated I am not including the losses in my life back to back not been able to just mourn rest etc because of cruel business companies intentions. I'm not asking for much all I want is for you to give Acura Dealer here in Fresno ca the ok to make sure my car is or passed the safety and drivable test making sure everything on car is safe to drive at no cost to me. I have grandkids who are my world and I need to have a good reliable car for them Nathan here at Acura Dealer called me yesterday asking me if I had money, I said no I will file my taxes and see but I honestly feel and would appreciate your help on closing the two companies for good and release my car to me at no cost.
NHTSA complaint #11461588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2008 Acura TL
Lincoln Citny, OR
ENGINE
I was driving down HWY 101 in Oregon State in the rain. I was accelerating because I had just turned onto the highway, I got up to about 60 mph whe the car started dinging as it does when you open the door with the keys still in the ignition. The VSA light, as well as the engine, oil, abs and battery lights all started flashing on the dash and the car turned off. The steering wheel locked up and I had to throw it in neutral, turning the key back and forth from the off position to the start position to get it to unlock right before I crashed into on coming traffick! There has been nothing wrong with the car other than routine maintenance an absolutely no signs anything is wrong with the car. It has 168436 miles on it and has been religiously maintained. There is a SERIOUS problem with this vehicle for something like this to happen. I've owned hundreds of cars and never experienced anything like this happening, ever!
NHTSA complaint #11448063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
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 failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the serpentine belt had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact stated that he contacted the manufacturer but was unable to reach a representative. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11446949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2008 Acura TL
Newark, NJ
ENGINE
Random slipping/stalling causes not to go in gear.. torque converter could. coolant expansion tank needs replacement hoses and cap causes car not to heat up and operate at regulating temperature. Power steering pump replacement
NHTSA complaint #11433039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11398834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11390723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2004 Acura TL
SAN Diego, CA
ENGINE
MY POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT I THINK HOSE BUSTED HARD TO STEER AND TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING REVERSE IS GOING OUT
NHTSA complaint #11386027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2006 Acura TL
Miami Gardens, FL
ENGINE
POWER STEERING HOSE OIL LEAKING, ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY BIND, DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY EXPLODE, 2001-11 MULTI-MODEL AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALLS , PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS. TRANSMISSION OIL IS LEAKING ALL THE OIL IN 4 DAYS
NHTSA complaint #11374495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
THE TRANSMISSION JUST QUIT ON ME. NO POWER AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #11364037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.