PROBLEM GUIDE

2009–2014 Acura TL Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated April 2026

42

complaints filed for the 2009 model year

2009–2014

Model years affected

$516 – $4,800

Typical repair cost, by problem

Electrical and A/C problems are this vehicle's largest repair category (31%), but they are not itemized individually below. Separately, an owner comment that the "trans will fail around 75k miles" and a single serious NHTSA brake-failure report are not listed as problems below, because there is no supporting cost or frequency data.

Quick Scan: 14 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Oil consumption issues

Low oil warning light, excessive oil consumption (0.9-1 quart per 1,000 mi)

Check engine light: On

Excessive oil consumption tied to piston rings, gaskets, and the oil level sensor. One documented sensor replacement cost $150, but that doesn't cover the underlying consumption fix itself. A low oil warning light like this triggers a check-engine light.

46,000 – 101,000+ mi

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Clutch failure (manual-transmission cars)

Clutch slipping

Check engine light: Off

Clutch slipping requiring replacement on manual-transmission cars. A clutch is a mechanical wear item and doesn't trigger a check-engine light.

$1,500 – $4,800~102,000 mi

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Valve/timing noise

Ticking engine noise, rapid ticking on acceleration

Check engine light: On

Ticking engine noise associated with valve adjustments, the timing belt, and the catalytic converter. A documented valve adjustment cost $645, which we've widened; more severe cases can extend into engine-replacement territory, not priced in the available data. Engine noise/timing faults like this typically trigger a check-engine light.

$516 – $710 for a valve adjustment; can extend into engine-replacement territory for severe cases42,000 – 59,200 mi

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Worn camshafts

Not detailed beyond the camshaft wear itself

Check engine light: On

One documented camshaft wear repair at $3,000 at roughly 172,000 miles — high mileage, reading as expected wear. Camshaft wear typically triggers a check-engine light.

$2,400 – $3,300~172,000 mi

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Rear main seal leak

Oil leak from the rear main seal

Check engine light: Off

One documented rear main seal leak, replaced under warranty at 46,800 miles — no out-of-pocket cost given. An oil seal leak doesn't trigger a check-engine light.

46,800 mi

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Suspension and steering wear (qualitative)

Leaking steering rack, worn control arm bushings, broken engine mounts

Check engine light: Off

Owner-reported issues include a leaking steering rack, worn control arm bushings, and broken engine mounts. NHTSA separately corroborates electronic power steering failures. A mechanical suspension fault doesn't trigger a check-engine light.

Reported by owners only — no cost or mileage data available.

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Transmission hesitation and shuddering

"Trans will fail around 75k miles" per owner reports

Check engine light: On

NHTSA complaints for this generation describe hesitation, shuddering, torque converter failures, and stalling (roughly 8 of 42 complaints). A transmission fault like this typically triggers a check-engine or transmission warning light.

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Engine mounts cracking/failing frequently, multiple replacements ~100k mi

Cracked or failed engine mounts, often requiring more than one replacement by roughly 100,000 miles

Check engine light: Off

Cracked or failed engine mounts, often requiring more than one replacement by roughly 100,000 miles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 84 owner reports on file.

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Engine Idle Speed Erratic or Engine Stalls

Erratic idle speed or the engine stalling

Check engine light: On

Erratic idle speed or the engine stalling. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 27 owner reports on file.

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Squeak Noise From Front Door Glass

Squeaking noise from the front door glass, often window-regulator related

Check engine light: Off

Squeaking noise from the front door glass, often window-regulator related. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.

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Intermittent hard-start, stalling, and no-crank complaints (multiple related reports)

Rough running or difficulty starting, engine taking too long to start, stalling while driving and failing to restart, or clicking with no start

Check engine light: On

Rough running or difficulty starting, engine taking too long to start, stalling while driving and failing to restart, or clicking with no start. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 22 owner reports on file.

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ABS Light w/ Brake Vibration and Grinding

ABS warning light accompanied by brake vibration and grinding

Check engine light: Off

ABS warning light accompanied by brake vibration and grinding. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 16 owner reports on file.

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Exhaust Leak From Manifold When Engine Cold

Exhaust leak from the manifold, most noticeable when the engine is cold

Check engine light: Off

Exhaust leak from the manifold, most noticeable when the engine is cold. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 14 owner reports on file.

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Operate Windows When Engine Is On to Help Weak Motor

Window motors weakening over time, requiring the engine to be running for reliable operation

Check engine light: Off

Window motors weakening over time, requiring the engine to be running for reliable operation. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.

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This generation has a confirmed Takata airbag recall (Campaigns 16V061000, 19V182000), including one documented serious-injury case from an inflator rupture during a low-speed (27 mph) collision. Separately, NHTSA data includes reports of spongy/soft brakes, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) modular failures, and one report of brake failure contributing to a crash — these reports are not independently confirmed and are not listed as routine repairs below. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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