Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 130 of 130 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 72 of 130 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
43 complaint records2 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING BECAME TIGHT AND COULDN'T MOVE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Power train
27 complaint records
"TAKATA RECALL, RPM MOVING UP AND DOWN AT 45 TO 50MPH, WEIRD SHAKING WHILE ACCELERATING. ACURA SHOULD SOLVE THIS PROBLEM ASAP..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Steering
25 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING BECAME TIGHT AND COULDN'T MOVE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA19001 opened Apr 2019 | closed Sep 2024 | Air Bags | Electrical overstress - led to recall 20V024 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19V500000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 19V182000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
| 16V061000 | Air Bags | 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... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019323 2019-06-28 | Airbag | 222,662 | Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the airbag. |
| 2016046 2016-02-01 | Airbag | 269,201 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B18-020 Feb 2026 | Air Bags | Service Bulletin - Warranty Extension: Customer Support Program For Driver's Airbag Inflator for 2013-14 ILX Hybrid and Other Listed Years and Models. | |
| B18-020 Apr 2022 | Air Bags | Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| B18-020 Mar 2022 | Equipment | Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| BPaS02262021905 Feb 2021 | Service Brakes | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor. | |
| BPaS02102021903 Feb 2021 | Service Brakes | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B15090E Jan 2021 | Wheels | ServiceNews Article - Do you have a slow tire leak, but there are no signs of sidewall damage or anything stuck in the tread? While you're checking for leaks, check the valve stem; it could have oxidation buildup from road salt. | |
| BPaS01222021905 Jan 2021 | Equipment | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor. | |
| BPaS01062021905 Jan 2021 | Service Brakes | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor. | |
| BPaS12102020 Dec 2020 | Service Brakes | Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2009-2014 TLs, TSXs & TSX Wagons with a client complaint of the brake pedal feeling soft or spongy when depressed, almost reaching the floor. | |
| B20-006 Mar 2020 | Air Bags | Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| B18-020 Dec 2019 | Air Bags | Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| B19-052 Oct 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - Due to high demand for repairs under this warranty extension, pistons and rings required to complete this repair are currently backordered. | |
| BBOM08312019 Aug 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Dealer Message - On January 16, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with a 3.7L V6 engine to address client concerns related to excessive oil consumption. | |
| ONL6E108202019 Aug 2019 | Steering | Owner Notification Letter - The vehicle's steering may feel heavier than normal - or is hard to turn - particularly when the vehicle is not moving because of an electric power steering (EPS) control unit failure. | |
| B19-006 Aug 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| ONL6E107192019 Jul 2019 | Steering | Owner Notification Letter - The vehicle's steering may feel heavier than normal - or is hard to turn - particularly when the vehicle is not moving because of an electric power steering (EPS) control unit failure. | |
| B19-021 Jul 2019 | Steering | Service Bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty on the EPS (electric power steering) control unit to 15 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles. | |
| BBOM07112019 Jul 2019 | Steering | "Dealer Message - On April 19, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2012-14 Acura TL vehicles to address a concern with the electric power steering (EPS) system. | |
| DORE5C4S09 Jul 2019 | Suspension | This SKU is a Front Upper Ball Joint. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for the outer diameter of the ball joint housing being too small. | |
| BBOM06012019901 Jun 2019 | Steering | "Dealer Message - On April 19, 2019, Acura announced a warranty extension for certain 2012-14 Acura TL vehicles to address a concern with the electric power steering (EPS) system. | |
| B19-021 May 2019 | Steering | Service Bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty on the EPS (electric power steering) control unit to 15 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles. | |
| B19-006 May 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| B18-009 Apr 2019 | Engine | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client... | |
| B19-021 Apr 2019 | Steering | Service Bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty on the EPS (electric power steering) control unit to 15 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles. | |
| BBOM04192019 Apr 2019 | Steering | Dealer Message - Today, April 19, 2019, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2012-14 Acura TL vehicles to address a concern with the electric power steering (EPS) system. | |
| B19-006 Feb 2019 | Engine | Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client... | |
| ONL6C502142019 Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Owner Notification Letter - On certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine, the oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits during normal engine operation. | |
| B19-006 Jan 2019 | Engine | Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to the crankcase, which can result in excessive engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| BBOM01162019901 Jan 2019 | Engine | Dealer message - Today, January 16, 2019, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine to address client concerns related to excessive oil consumption. | |
| B16-046 Sep 2018 | Power Train | Service bulletin - This bulletin is replaced by 18-047, 2012-14 TL: Judder from the Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch (Snapshot Required) | |
| B18-047 Sep 2018 | Power Train | Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. | |
| B18-048 Sep 2018 | Power Train | Service bulletin - After the software update, some vehicles, based on how they are driven (extreme conditions), may still experience ATF deterioration after updating the PGM-FI or A/T system and the shudder may return. | |
| B18-020 May 2018 | Air Bags | Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only. | |
| BBOM05242018901 May 2018 | Air Bags | Dealer message - Today, May 24, 2018, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for 2002-17 Acura vehicles. This warranty extension applies in cases where any of the replacement driver?s and/or front passenger?s airbag inflators have failed internally. | |
| B18-009 May 2018 | Equipment | Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| B18-009 Apr 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| B18-009 Mar 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the crankcase, which can result in engine oil consumption that may exceed client expectations. | |
| B18010F Jan 2018 | Engine | Servicenews article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owner?s manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their expectations. | |
| Customer Letter Oct 2017 | Power Train | Customer letter - Our records indicate that a PRODUCT UPDATE has not been completed on this vehicle; refer to the address card for the affected VIN. There may be a judder from the torque converter lock up clutch felt while driving between 20-45 mph. | |
| BTS160705 Aug 2017 | Engine | Techline summary article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as recommended in their owner?s manual may find that oil consumption has exceeded their... | |
| BTS160705 Mar 2017 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - SOME CLIENTS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR COMES ON, REQUIRING ENGINE OIL TO BE ADDED, WHILE OTHERS WHO ROUTINELY CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AS RECOMMENDED IN THEIR OWNERS MANUAL MAY FIND THAT OIL CONSUMPTION HAS EXCEEDED THEIR... | |
| BPAS12142016901 Dec 2016 | Electrical System | DEALER MESSAGE - SINCE THE POSTING OF SERVICE BULLETIN 16-033 FOR 09-11 TL SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR LOCK-UP FUNCTION THERE HAS BEEN A SHARP RISE IN CLAIMS FOR TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR COMPARED TO THE FIRST 6 MONTHS OF THE YEAR BEFORE THE SB WAS POSTED. | |
| BPAS12142016902 Dec 2016 | Power Train | DEALER MESSAGE - SINCE THE POSTING OF SERVICE BULLETIN 16-033 FOR 09-11 TL SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR LOCK-UP FUNCTION THERE HAS BEEN A SHARP RISE IN CLAIMS FOR TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR COMPARED TO THE FIRST 6 MONTHS OF THE YEAR BEFORE THE SB WAS POSTED. | |
| B05-018 Nov 2016 | Equipment | SERVICE BULLETIN - NAVIGATION SYSTEM INFORMATION. | |
| BPAS11022016902 Nov 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DEALER MESSAGES - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| BTS160705 Nov 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | "TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - SOME CLIENTS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR COMES ON, REQUIRING ENGINE OIL TO BE ADDED, WHILE OTHERS WHO ROUTINELY CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AS RECOMMENDED IN THEIR OWNERS MANUAL MAY FIND THAT OIL CONSUMPTION HAS EXCEEDED THEIR... | |
| BTS160705 Oct 2016 | Engine | "TECHLINE SUMMARY ARTICLE - ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION MAY BE EXCEEDING CLIENT EXPECTATIONS. IF YOU GET A VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CONSUMPTION CONCERN, BE SURE TO RUN AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST USING THE ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST JOB AID IN SIS. | |
| BPAS10062016902 Oct 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| BPAS10032016904 Oct 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| B16040 Sep 2016 | Electrical System | "SERVICE BULLETIN - THERE IS A JUDDER FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH FELT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 2045 MPH. TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE JUDDER TO OCCUR, A SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE TRANSMISSION IS AVAILABLE. | |
| BPAS09152016902 Sep 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| BPAS09092016901 Sep 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| TAKATA_HAWAII FL Sep 2016 | Equipment | FLYER CIRCULATED TO THE RESIDENTS OF HAWAII TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| TAKATA_HAWAII PO Sep 2016 | Equipment | POSTERS SENT TO HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITIES, AUTOMOTIVE PART STORES, CAR WASHES, AND GAS STATIONS TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| BPAS08312016902 Aug 2016 | Engine | DEALER MESSAGE - AMERICAN HONDA (AHM) IS INVESTIGATING CERTAIN 2010-2013 MDXS, 2011-2012 RLS, 2009-2014 SHAWD TLS & 2010-2013 ZDXS WITH A CLIENT COMPLAINT OF HIGHER THAN EXPECTED ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. | |
| TAKATA_FLORIDA D Aug 2016 | Air Bags | LETTER SENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES DEPARTMENT TO REMIND FLORIDA OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| KB2+KB4 CUSTOMER Aug 2016 | Power Train | CUSTOMER LETTER NOTIFYING OWNERS THAT THERE IS A JUDDER FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH FELT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 2045 MPH. TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE JUDDER TO OCCUR, A SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE TRANSMISSION IS AVAILABLE. | |
| TAKATA_TEXT MESS Aug 2016 | Equipment | TEXT MESSAGES SENT TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| TAKATA_HAWAII NE Aug 2016 | Equipment | ADVERTISEMENT IN HAWAIIAN NEWSPAPERS TO REMIND OWNERS OF THE TAKATA RECALL AND TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. | |
| B16-030 Aug 2016 | Power Train | SERVICE BULLETIN - THERE IS A JUDDER FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK-UP CLUTCH FELT WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 2045 MPH. TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY FOR THE JUDDER TO OCCUR, A SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE TRANSMISSION IS AVAILABLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL BE REPLACED. |
Showing 60 of 103 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Acura TL →