RoadVitals

2010 Acura TL Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
64
Latest Jul 22, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

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%
  • 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.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM

NHTSA ID 11389354 · filed Jan 22, 2021

PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND OFF. CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL

NHTSA ID 11387397 · filed Jan 10, 2021
All 34 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

8
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11308387 · filed Feb 10, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID 11111253 · filed Jul 13, 2018
All 8 reports naming powertrain (other)

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11061110 · filed Jan 8, 2018

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

NHTSA ID 10681930 · filed Feb 7, 2015

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.

5
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11675328 · filed Jul 22, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 10598442 · filed Jun 16, 2014

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.

4
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11282813 · filed Nov 29, 2019

ALL ENGINE MOUNTS FAILED AFTER 100K MILES *LN VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED.*JB

NHTSA ID 11192216 · filed Mar 28, 2019

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.

3
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11061110 · filed Jan 8, 2018

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

NHTSA ID 10653549 · filed Nov 8, 2014

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The passenger side seatbelt does not latch

NHTSA ID 11521777 · filed May 12, 2023

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

NHTSA ID 11302874 · filed Jan 29, 2020

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.

3
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10680098 · filed Jan 30, 2015

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

NHTSA ID 10563949 · filed Feb 12, 2014

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.

2
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11473565 · filed Jul 12, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11276921 · filed Oct 29, 2019

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.

2
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10353597 · filed Sep 2, 2010

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

NHTSA ID 10324333 · filed Apr 7, 2010

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

RIDE ROUGH, SWITCH GEARS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10499750 · filed Feb 23, 2013

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10513612 · filed May 26, 2013

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10523891 · filed Jul 9, 2013

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10424196 · filed Sep 7, 2011

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

Data on this page last refreshed .