Acura TL problems
130 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
- 1 fatality report on the steering
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Got electric power steering (eps) warning light and lost the power assist. Could not reset and had to drive car to dealer with no power assist. Very difficult to steer at low speed. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Acura tl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the steering wheel lock warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and functioned as normal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic…
2012 Acura tl. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle acceleration issues. *smd the consumer experienced a hesitation or lag when trying to accelerate at low speeds and then the vehicle would surged forward in a violent manner. The consumer stated it occurred more often at…
Hi I'm wanting to complain about this year Acura making models breaks because in the winter time when you go to press the brakes and start the car the brakes are completely frozen. Also wanted to complain about the headlights the headlights get dull and dingy with wear in tear…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Acura TL reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Acura TL is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Acura TL?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Acura TL is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report on the steering; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Acura TL?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 39 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 47,960 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 76,138 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Acura TL has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Acura TL?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 130 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.