BECAUSE OF THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE DASH LOWER DASH COMPONENTS ON THE FAR LEFT AND FAR RIGHT SIDE OF THE DASH, THERE IS A BLIND SPOT CREATED BY SUN GLARE INTO THE LEFT AND RIGHT MIRRORS FROM THE REFECTION OFF THE LOWER LEFT AND RIGHT DASHBOARD. THE REFLECTION AND GLARE IS SO STRONG, IT COMPLETELY ELIMINATES AN IMAGE IN THE MIRROR, WHEN THE SUN IS BEHIND YOU, LOW IN T…
2009 Acura TL visibility problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$350
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CONTAINED SEVERAL CRACKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
THE LOWER PART OF THE DASHBOARD, AT MID LEVEL ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES NEXT TO THE VENT OPENINGS, IS FINISHED WITH A REFLECTIVE MATERIAL THAT CAUSES SEVERE SIDE MIRROR GLARE WHEN DRIVING WITH SUNLIGHT COMING FROM THE REAR. THE GLARE IS SO BAD, THAT IT CREATES A BLIND SPOT IN THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE GLARE ALMOST COMPLETELY COVERS THE ENTIRE SURFACE OF THE MIRROR, MAKING IT …
THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT CREATED AN ACCIDENT, BUT IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE ACCIDENTS. THE GUNMETAL TRIM INSERTED INTO THE LEFT AND RIGHT LOWER SIDES OF THE DASH CREATE A BLINDING GLARE IN THE REAR VIEW MIRRORS ON SUNNY DAYS. THE GLARE IS SO BAD, IT COVERS NEARLY ALL OF THE SURFACE OF THE LEFT HAND MIRROR, SO WHEN CHANGING LANES FROM RIGHT TO LEFT, THE DRIVER WILL MISS SEEING A CAR IN THE LEFT …
Common questions
How serious is the visibility problem on the 2009 Acura TL?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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