2010 Acura TL Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2010 Acura TL, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags3446.6%
- Powertrain (other)811.0%
- Other / unspecified56.8%
- Driver assistance56.8%
- Engine45.5%
- Body & structure34.1%
- Seat belts34.1%
- Brakes34.1%
- Electrical22.7%
- Transmission22.7%
- Steering11.4%
- Tires & wheels11.4%
- Visibility11.4%
- Fuel system11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM
PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND OFF. CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN PARKING MY VEHICLE ON AN INCLINE AND PLACING MY MANUAL TRANSMISSION INTO FIRST AND TURNING OFF THE CAR, WITHOUT APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKE, THE CAR WOULD SLOWLY JERK BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND JERK. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO ACCELERATE. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAGS DEPLOYED DURING WRECK GOING 35 MPH IN RAIN.. HIT BREAKS AND CAR SLID. DAMAGE WAS TO LEFT FRONT BUMPER ON DRIVERS SIDE.... INSURANCE COMPANY DIDN'T TOTAL CAR IN FIRST CLAIM AND CAME BACK ADDING ANOTHER 1000 TO CLAIM WHICH WOULD HAVE TOTALED CAR ALL TOGETHER.. NOW I CAN'T TRADE AND VEHICLE ISN'T WORTH BUT HALF OF WHAT WAS PAID BC OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
IN JANUARY 2014 I PURCHASED AN ACURA CERTIFIED 2010 TL BASE WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA TIRES ON IT. THE QUALITY OF BRIDGESTONE TIRES WERE UNACCEPTABLE. THESE TIRES HAD NO GRIP ON WET ROAD AND ROAD COVERED WITH LIGHT SNOW. ONE DAY, ALL OF A SUDDEN, ONE OF THE TIRES LOST PRESSURE TO 0 PSI. WHEN I TOOK IT TO NEAREST FIRESTONE, I WAS TOLD THE TIRE WAS REPAIRED TOO MANY TIMES BY PREVIOUS OWNER AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. IN FACT THERE WERE THREE REPAIRS WITHIN ONE INCH - WHICH IS ILLEGAL IN ILLINOIS PER FIRESTONE. ACURA PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM PREVIOUS OWNER BUT FAILED TO INSPECT THE TIRES PROPERLY DURING CERTIFICATION PROCESS. WHEN I CONTACTED ACURA, SOMEONE LEFT A VOICE MAIL, BUT WHEN I CALLED BACK AND LEFT A VOICE MAIL TO CALL ME BACK, NO ONE GOT BACK TO ME. DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS, I HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. ACURA SHOULD NOT USE BRIDGESTONE TIRES IN ITS VEHICLES. ALSO, FIRESTONE/BRIDGESTONE SHOULD RECALL THESE TIRES AND REFUND MONEY FOR THE REPLACEMENT COST OF MY TIRES. WILL APPRECIATE IF YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE OWN TWO ACURA VEHICLES - A 2009 MDX AND A 2010 TL AND BOTH CAME WITH BRIDGESTONE TIRES AND BOTH HAD TIRE RELATED PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, ACURA OR BRIDGESTONE WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITIES. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Acura TL. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a blank image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the camera and the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE LUNGED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE FRONT END BODY DAMAGES AND WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I CHANGED MY OIL AND DROVE MY VEHICLE ROUGHLY 1500 MILES IN OVER A MONTH TIMEFRAME AND I PROPERLY CHECKED MY OIL WHILE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY ON LEVEL GROUND TO FIND THAT MY OIL LEVEL WAS VERY LOW. I THOROUGHLY CHECKED MY ENGINE FOR ANY OIL LEAKS AND THERE WAS NO LEAKS TO BE FOUND. THERE IS NEVER AN OIL LEAK IN MY GARAGE WHERE I PARK MY VEHICLE EVERYDAY. AT THIS POINT IT IS REASONABLE TO ASSUME THAT THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL IN SOME WAY.
ALL ENGINE MOUNTS FAILED AFTER 100K MILES *LN VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAGS DEPLOYED DURING WRECK GOING 35 MPH IN RAIN.. HIT BREAKS AND CAR SLID. DAMAGE WAS TO LEFT FRONT BUMPER ON DRIVERS SIDE.... INSURANCE COMPANY DIDN'T TOTAL CAR IN FIRST CLAIM AND CAME BACK ADDING ANOTHER 1000 TO CLAIM WHICH WOULD HAVE TOTALED CAR ALL TOGETHER.. NOW I CAN'T TRADE AND VEHICLE ISN'T WORTH BUT HALF OF WHAT WAS PAID BC OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
2010 ACURA TL HAS EXCESSIVE CHECKING, CRAZING AND LOOKS LIKE THE BEGINNING OF PEELING PAINT. THE PAINT IS LIFTING OFF THE METAL OF THE VEHICLE BUT THE CLEAR COAT IS FINE. HONDA/ACURA DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT IN THE PAINT. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, WITH LOW MILES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The passenger side seatbelt does not latch
THE VSA SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON THE DASHBOARD I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND THE COMPUTER IS SIGNALING IS LETTING US KNOW THAT IN A CASE OF A ACCIDENT I WOULDN'T BE SAFE ALSO THE AIRBAGS ARE SHOWING AN MALFUNCTION IT WOULD NOT PROTECT ME BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT DEPLOY ALSO DUE TO AN ACCIDENT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON EVERY COLD MORNING ABOUT 40 DEGREES OR COLDER. WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE BRAKE PEDAL IS ROCK SOLID THEN TURNS TO NORMAL. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP IN SPRING AND THEY CHANGED OUT THE BRAKE FLUID. NO PROBLEM UNTIL THE NEXT FALL WHEN TEMPS HIT 40S AT NIGHT. A FEW TIMES THERE HAVE BEEN A VERY BRIEF GRINDING SOUND WHILE THE PEDAL SOFTENED. *TR
I'VE NOW EXPERIENCED THREE INCIDENTS WITH MY VEHICLE'S BRAKING PERFORMANCE IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES (-10-0 DEGREES F). WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS EXTREMELY HARD AND THE STOPPING PERFORMANCE IS GREATLY REDUCED. UPON PUMPING THE BRAKES FOR A WHILE THE PEDAL WILL SUDDENLY SOFTEN AND BRAKING PERFORMANCE IS COMPLETELY RESTORED. I'VE NOW EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE ON THE HIGHWAY AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR 10-15 MINUTES AND EXITING ONTO AN OFF-RAMP. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW ON THE RAMP AGAIN THE PEDAL IS EXTREMELY HARD AND STOPPING POWER IS GREATLY REDUCED CAUSING ME TO PUMP THE BRAKES UNTIL THE PEDAL SUDDENLY SOFTENS AND BRAKING IS AGAIN RESTORED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While highyway driving for 6 hours the “Check system charging” light came on for a few minutes, then went off for 10 or so minutes, then came back on. I was 10 miles from exit. I exited and left the car running while I checked in to motel. Drove to a parking place, turned off car engine, took a bag to room. When I came back out, flames were flaring from under the hood from battery area near fight front. The car had about 33,500 miles on it. A few weeks before, a “check battery” light had come on briefly. I took the car to dealership and told them about the battery light. I was going on a long trip so I told them to check everything. They replaced the battery and claimed to have checked the alternator, which they said was good. Even though the car only had less than 33,000 miles at that point, this was the fourth battery the car had had put in. 1) the original, 2) second put in by the same dealer, 3) a third when my battery went dead at a casino le one night. The valet charged it and I drove to an all night Autoxone where I bought a new batttery, and 4) the last one a few weeks ago. The Acura had a hard cardboard engine cover that you have to unscrew and remove to access the battery or the rest of the engine. This cover was completely burned up. The car was totaled. I believe the cardboard engine cover played a big part of the fire. Note: the fire occurred at Prescott, Arkansas. I had driven about 7 hours from Austin, Texas that day. The car was serviced in Las Vegas. I have pictures in my phone of the burned out car which I can send to you.
BLUETOOTH HANDS FREE MODULE HAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT CAUSING BATTERY TO RUNDOWN PREMATURELY. ALSO KEYLESS FOB SLOT GETS WORN DOWN AND REMAINS IN STUCK OPEN POSITION NOT ALLOWING DOORS TO LOCK AS IT THINKS THE KEY IS STILL INSIDE THE SLOT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE 2010 TL AH-AWT WITH 6 SPEED MANUAL. THE THIRD GEAR ON THIS CAR HAS BEING ACTING UP. DURING A COLD START, WHEN THE CAR HAS BEING SITTING OVER NIGHT, IN THE MORNING, THEN I'M SHIFTING FROM SECOND GEAR TO THIRD, ONE OF ALL OF THE FOLLOWING HAPPENS: CAR DOESN'T WANT TO SHIFT TO 3RD GEAR. IT TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT TO PUSH IT INTO THE 3RD GEAR. 2. THE CAR SHIFTS INTO THE THIRD GEAR, BY THE SHIFT LEVER, IT LOOKS LIKE IT HAS SHIFTED INTO THE THIRD. ONCE THE CLUTCH IS LET OUT SLOWLY, THE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO GRIND. SOMETIMES, IT EVEN PUSHED THE SHIFT LEVER TO NEUTRAL. I HAVE ABOUT 11,000 MILES ON MY CAR. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AT THE END OF DECEMBER 2009. I TOOK THIS CAR TO DEALER IN MCGRATH ACURA, WESTMONT, IL TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE IS THAT IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY. I TRIED TO SEE WHEN IT HAPPENS AND IT HAS NO REGULAR OCCURRENCE. I HAVE SEARCHED BLOGS ONLINE TO SEE IF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE ARE FEW OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE SEEING THE SAME ISSUE. I HOPE YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP ME. THANK YOU, HERE IS THE LINK TO ONLINE BLOG: HTTP://TL.ACURAZINE.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=758607&HIGHLIGHT=2010+TL+MANUAL+TRANSMISSION&PAGE=2. *TR UPDATED IVOQ 09/15/11
TRANSMISSION SLIPPING IN TRAFFIC WITH MULTIPLE CLOSE CALLS TO ACCIDENTS FROM BEHIND. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE KEPT PERFECT MAINTENANCE OF AUTO. TRANSMISSION IS FAILING ON EVERY SHIFT BETWEEN 1ST 2ND 3RD GEARS WHEN WARM. SAFETY ISSUE IS WHEN PEOPLE FROM BEHIND THINK I AM ACCELERATING YET I AM STALLED. THE FIX IS $4,000+. THIS IS A PATTERNED PROBLEM WITH ALL 2002 2003 ACURA TLS. OLD PART CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE IF NECESSARY FOR NHTSA. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
RIDE ROUGH, SWITCH GEARS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
DEFECTIVE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. A BUBBLE HAS EMERGED WITH THE SIDEWALL COMING APART FROM THE TREADS. TIRES HAVE ONLY BEEN ON VEHICLE FOR 8 MONTHS. LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ON THEM. THE TIRES ARE NEXEN N7000. NEXEN IS CLAIMING A ROAD HAZARD AS A FAULT. WILL NOT REPLACE THE TIRE. I HAVE PICS OF THIS TIRE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE FROM THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE SUNROOF COVER AND NOTICED THAT THE SUNROOF GLASS WAS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THE SUNROOF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
UPON KEYLESS IGNITION, ENGINE CONTINUES TO RACE EVEN THOUGH GAS PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, ENGINE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE, AND GAS PEDAL SEEMS TO STICK EVEN AFTER FOOT IS REMOVED FROM GAS PEDAL AND PLACED ON BRAKE PEDAL. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING, AND SPEED DOESN'T SEEM TO COME INTO PLAY. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR WITH THIS CONDITION. IT HAS HAPPENED WHEN I HAVE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR, AND NOW THEY REFUSE TO DRIVE WITH ME FOR FEAR THAT I AM NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO STOP. IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES LAST THURSDAY EVENING 9/1/11 ON THE NJ TURNPIKE GOING NORTH AFTER THE TOLL AT 16W GOING WEST TO ROUTE 3, PAST THE MEADOWLANDS. TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY BECAUSE OF AN NFL GAME, AND WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY (NO MORE THAN 20 MILES AN HOUR). WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS RELEASED TO REDUCE SPEED, THE ENGINE WAS STILL ACCELERATING, EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. I DROVE DEFENSIVELY MAKING SURE THAT I STOOD WELL BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME TO ALLOW ENOUGH OF DISTANCE BETWEEN IT AND ME TO STOP. I HAVE OWNED OTHER ACURA VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. IT IS HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE THIS CAR - BOTH TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WILL SOON BE CHECKED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAD RECORDED THIS SITUATION WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE ON 6/20/11, AND THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. IN RETROSPECT, IT SEEMS THAT SOMETIME WHEN I WAS GOING FROM ONE SPEED TO ANOTHER, THE TRANSITION TO THE HIGHER SPEED WAS NOT SMOOTH. NOTE, I NEVER USE CRUISE CONTROL, NOR THE MANUAL SHIFTING. UPDATED 11/17/11 *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .