EZ Swap LLC services the Acura TL in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2014. If your TL has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help TL owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,218 owner complaints on file for the TL and 12 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (440), structure (277), steering (153).
Most-Reported Acura TL Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the TL (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 440 | 36% | |
| Structure | 277 | 22% | |
| Steering | 153 | 12% | |
| Electrical System | 121 | 9% | |
| Power Train | 118 | 9% | |
| Engine | 57 | 4% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 40 | 3% | |
| Suspension | 33 | 2% |
Air Bags
440 of the 1,218 complaints (36%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Structure
277 of the 1,218 complaints (22%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Steering
153 of the 1,218 complaints (12%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Acura TL Complaints by Model Year
The TL model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2012. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 388 | |
| 2006 | 247 | |
| 2007 | 124 | |
| 2008 | 124 | |
| 2009 | 42 | |
| 2010 | 64 | |
| 2011 | 20 | |
| 2012 | 130 | |
| 2013 | 62 | |
| 2014 | 17 |
Most Common Acura TL Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the TL. The most-cited is P0171 (system too lean (bank 1)), mentioned in 2 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Acura TL Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the TL in these model years, most often involving air bags, steering, vehicle speed control. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (campaign 19V182000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord,...
- 2019 recall, Vehicle Speed Control (campaign 19E068000): Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda...
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (campaign 19V500000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and...
- 2016 recall, Air Bags (campaign 16V061000): Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid,...
- 2012 recall, Steering (campaign 12V222000): Honda is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL and model year 2003-2007 Accord V6 vehicles. In May 2012, Honda filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2007 and 2008 Acura TL vehicles.
- 2011 recall, Suspension (campaign 11E022000): AFFINIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS, NAPA PART NO. 2601662, THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MISTAKENLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 - 2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES DUE TO A MISTAKE IN A NAPA AND NAPA DEALERS'...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the TL, 35 involved a crash, 20 involved a fire, 32 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Acura TL Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Acura will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a TL that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for TL owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Acura TL, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Acura TL Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Acura TL repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Pre-Purchase Inspection
Know the car before you buy it.
Details →Acura TL FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Acura TL?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Acura TL are air bags (440), structure (277), steering (153). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which TL model years have the most complaints?
The TL model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2012. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Acura TL?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Acura TL, the codes cited most often are P0171 (system too lean (bank 1)). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Acura TL have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the Acura TL across model years 2005 to 2014. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Acura TL in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Acura vehicles including the TL, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Acura TL?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Acura TL in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Acura Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.