Is the Acura Tl reliable?

The Acura Tl has 4,046 NHTSA complaints, or 580.9 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is AIR BAGS. Source: VinItel

What Acura Tl years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2004, 2005, 2003 model years of the Acura Tl — these have significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2004 model year alone has 766 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Acura Tl?

Among Acura Tl model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 1995 (3 complaints), 2014 (17 complaints), 1998 (22 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Acura Tl problems?

The most common Acura Tl problems reported to NHTSA are: AIR BAGS (728 complaints, 5.9% crash rate); POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (586 complaints, 2.6% crash rate); STRUCTURE (367 complaints, 0.5% crash rate); POWER TRAIN (280 complaints, 4.3% crash rate); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (244 complaints, 2.9% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Acura Tl?

Used Acura Tl buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 1995, 2014, 1998. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Acura Tl Reliability

4,046 NHTSA complaints (1995–2014). Complaint rate: 580.9 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

1025.1

Complaints

4,046

Crash Rate

5.5%

Fire Rate

1.5%

Injuries

173

Fatalities

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2002–2006 Acura Tl (114 crash-related complaints). The 2013–2014 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: AIR BAGS.

Avoid These Years

2002–2006

~505/yr complaints · 114 crashes

2000

~323/yr complaints · 30 crashes

Average

1999

~197/yr complaints

2001

~163/yr complaints

2007–2008

~174/yr complaints

2012

~162/yr complaints

Better Years

2013–2014

~45/yr complaints

2009–2011

~50/yr complaints

1995–1998

~22/yr complaints

Looking at a specific Acura Tl?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check Any VIN Free See sample report →

Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Acura Tl — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2004 (766)

Common Acura Tl Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
AIR BAGS	728	5.9%
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	586	2.6%
STRUCTURE	367	0.5%
POWER TRAIN	280	4.3%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	244	2.9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	198	5.6%
STEERING	191	4.7%
STRUCTURE:BODY	156	4.5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	101	29.7%
ENGINE	89	4.5%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
1995GOOD	—	3	0	—	View →
1996GOOD	—	33	8	—	View →
1997GOOD	—	29	3	2	View →
1998GOOD	—	22	4	—	View →
1999	—	197	27	5	View →
2000AVOID	—	323	30	6	View →
2001	—	163	8	2	View →
2002AVOID	—	403	38	2	View →
2003AVOID	—	466	36	5	View →
2004AVOID	—	766	17	8	View →
2005AVOID	—	550	10	6	View →
2006AVOID	—	342	13	1	View →
2007	—	167	5	7	View →
2008	—	181	6	12	View →
2009GOOD	—	51	5	—	View →
2010GOOD	—	75	7	1	View →
2011GOOD	—	23	1	2	View →
2012	—	162	4	—	View →
2013GOOD	—	73	1	—	View →
2014GOOD	—	17	0	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Acura Tl Reliability

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Avoid These Years

Average

Better Years

A model's reputation is just the start.

Complaints by Model Year

Common Acura Tl Problems

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Buying a Acura Tl?