Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Acura TL powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Acura TL have filed 27 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 49,416 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 TL | 5 |
| 2009 TL | 5 |
| 2010 TL | 9 |
| 2012 TL (this page) | 27 |
| 2013 TL | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 27 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 Acura TL, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 8 model years of Acura TL in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Acura TL powertrain exhibits multiple distinct failure patterns that owners describe as pervasive and poorly resolved.
Torque converter problems generate the most complaints: tachometer hunting 300-500 RPM under light throttle, shuddering between gears, and jerking from 35-50 MPH, especially 1st-to-2nd transitions. Acura issued a TSB acknowledging this issue, yet owners report software updates provide only temporary relief and one dealer performed a $499 valve adjustment without fixing it. Owners have documented this problem extensively on forums and note it sometimes leads to complete transmission failure—a far costlier repair.
Transmission hesitation and power loss occur during acceleration, particularly between gears at 8-45 MPH. The gas pedal becomes unresponsive for 3-5 seconds, the vehicle coasts despite input, or it surges violently after hesitating. One owner experienced near-stall when shifting from first to second gear. Dealers blame poor fuel quality or claim it's normal transmission behavior, but owners using premium octane report the same problem.
High-speed vibration at 65-80 MPH originates from the driver-side floor and accelerator pedal, causing foot numbness after short drives. Tire replacement didn't help. One owner took the car to the dealer six times; a senior technician privately acknowledged "everyone at Acura knows about this problem and there is no fix."
Random downshifts slam the transmission from 65 MPH to 15 MPH in seconds on highways, creating rear-end collision risk. One case required clutch assembly replacement at 30,000 miles. Dealers offer little diagnosis or remedy.
Engine stalls at highway speeds, leaving the vehicle coasting while check-engine lights illuminate. One occurred a day after an oil change; the dealer suggested valve adjustment without explaining causation.
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Shudder and RPM Hunting
Tachometer oscillates 300-500 RPM under light acceleration or cruise, producing a low growl, rhythmic surging, shuddering, and jerking between gear transitions. Owners report this occurs most commonly between 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd gears in the 35-50 MPH range. One complaint documents this as a known problem with a TSB issued by Acura.
When: Light throttle cruise between 35-50 MPH, especially 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd gear transitions; reported from new and up to 5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Tachometer hunting up and down 300-500 RPM; Low growl and rhythmic surging; Vehicle shudders and jerks during gear changes; Vibration felt through gas pedal and dashboard; Engine revs oscillate between 1000-1200 RPM under light load
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer-performed valve adjustment ($499 cited in one case); transmission fluid flush performed but did not resolve issue; software updates attempted but only temporarily improved situation. One owner received recall service (16V-061 referenced) but remained unsatisfied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB letter was sent out for 4th generation TL torque converter issue. Acura service bulletin addressing torque converter problem exists. Software updates issued but ineffective. One dealer described vibration as 'vehicle characteristic.'
Transmission Hesitation and Loss of Power During Acceleration
Engine power drops or transmission hesitates when accelerating, particularly at low speeds (8-45 MPH) during gear shifts. Gas pedal becomes unresponsive for 3-5 seconds or vehicle coasts despite pedal input. Owners report violent surging after hesitation and near-stall conditions.
When: Early ownership noted; occurs between 1st-2nd gear shifts, 8-45 MPH range, light to moderate throttle application
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal unresponsive or feels disconnected for 3-5 seconds; Vehicle coasts despite accelerator input; Hesitation between 30-45 MPH during gear changes; Violent surge after initial hesitation; Almost stalls during acceleration from stop
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate or diagnose; one dealer found and repaired drive shaft leak but issue persisted. One case received software update with temporary improvement. No permanent repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer attributed to poor fuel selection despite confirmed premium octane use. Dealers claimed issue was 'normal Honda/Acura transmission behavior favoring lower gears for fuel economy.' No recalls or TSBs documented for this symptom.
High-Speed Vibration at 65-80 MPH
Persistent high-frequency vibration originating from driver-side floor and accelerator pedal at highway speeds (65-80 MPH). Owners report the vibration causes foot numbness and buzzing after short drives. Dealer investigations ruled out tire balance and wheel defects but could not identify root cause.
When: Noticed within days of new vehicle purchase; occurs consistently at 65-80 MPH cruising speeds
Symptoms owners cite: High-frequency vibration through floor and gas pedal; Driver foot and calf numbness and buzzing sensation; Vibrations described as mechanical and rhythmic; Occurs at posted highway speeds (70 MPH typical)
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement performed ($399, eventually no charge) after initial misdiagnosis; problem persisted after tire work. Multiple dealer visits (six documented in one case) failed to resolve. No parts or repair ultimately fixed the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acura headquarters complaint filed (B012012-04-1601260). Senior dealership staff privately acknowledged 'everyone at Acura knows about this problem and there is no fix.' Honda representative called vibration a 'vehicle characteristic.' No buyback or warranty extension offered.
Hard and Jerky Transmission Shifting
Transmission shifts abruptly and harshly, particularly between 1st-2nd gear. Owners describe jerkiness, jumpiness, and gear slip sensation during manual shift selection. Shifting behavior becomes progressively worse over time.
When: Reported at 5,000-65,000 miles; one case noted transmission needing replacement at 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough or harsh shift from 1st to 2nd gear; Jerky and jumpy gear changes; Sensation of gear slip during transitions; Transmission downshifts inappropriately during driving; Progressive worsening of shift quality
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch assembly replacement needed at 30,000 miles in one case. Transmission fluid flush performed in another. Software updates issued but provided only temporary improvement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update recommended and performed. No other recall or TSB documented for shift quality. Dealer stated 'nothing further can be done' after software update failed to permanently resolve.
Random Downshifts and Transmission Slipping
Transmission randomly downshifts 2-3 gears while cruising at highway speeds, causing sudden deceleration from 65 MPH to 15 MPH in seconds. Occurs on both city streets and highways in 3rd and 4th gears. Creates severe safety risk of rear-end collision.
When: Occurs randomly during normal highway cruising and city driving
Symptoms owners cite: Unpredictable downshifting multiple gears at once; Rapid deceleration from 65 MPH to 15 MPH; Slipping in 3rd and 4th gears; No apparent trigger for downshifts; Unsafe driving conditions and rear-end collision risk
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in complaint narratives.
Engine Stall and Loss of Power While Driving
Engine shuts down completely and unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds. Vehicle coasts to stop with no engine response. Engine either restarts immediately or requires restart attempt. Check engine light illuminates.
When: Reported at 5+ years of ownership; one case at 7/20/2017 during passing maneuver at 70 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power at 70 MPH; Engine shuts down while driving; Check engine light illuminates; Engine does not restart immediately; Occurs multiple times on same trip
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Intake and exhaust valves checked; valve adjustment performed ($499). Dealer inconclusive on cold-start bubbling noise. No permanent resolution documented.
Total Loss of Vehicle Control Post-Impact
After hitting pothole, vehicle lost braking function, transmission became locked in gear, and engine could not be shut off. Vehicle accelerated uncontrollably through two major intersections. Problem resolved mysteriously after parking overnight.
When: Occurred 10 days after purchase, July 2012
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes became non-functional after pothole impact; Transmission locked, gears could not move; Engine could not be turned off; Acceleration increased without input; Problem resolved spontaneously after overnight parking
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; remained unresolved in dealer shop. Dealer stated car was OK but was being analyzed by Acura corporate engineers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acura corporate engineers involved but no resolution documented.
Valve Noise and Lifter Clatter
Intermittent lifter or valve noise during acceleration that sounds like an old engine with worn valves. Noise is sporadic and occurs under throttle. Dealer cannot replicate and attributes to poor fuel quality despite owner using recommended premium octane.
When: Reported after approximately 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent lifter/valve noise under acceleration; Sounds like old engine clatter; Occurs inconsistently; Embarrassing noise from newer vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Dealer could not replicate noise.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer attributed to poor fuel selection; blamed owner despite confirmed premium octane use.
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
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 speeds between 8 to 17 MPH. *jb
2012 Acura tl. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle acceleration and stalling problems. *smd the consumer stated when accelerating between first and second gear, the vehicle hesitated and lost power and it almost seemed to stall out.
This vehicles 6 speed automatic transmission randomly downshifts and slips on 3rd and 4th gears on both city and highways. It makes the car unsafe to drive cause you could get rear ended cause random downshift will cause the car to slow down from 65mph to 15mph in a matter of seconds
There has to be a recall on 4th generation Acura tl's with the 6 speed auto transmission (mine is a 2012 sh-AWD tech package). My car produces the tachometer jumping approximately 300-500 RPM when cruising in 5th gear around 35-45 MPH. The tach jump is so large I actually have looked at it while driving, it's distracting and needs to be fixed, I am willing to bet it's the torque converter. Car…
The tachometer will hunt up and down a few hundred RPM under light acceleration. The automatic transmission seems to shift harshly and also shifts up and down during acceleration at times
There is some jerkiness when car switches gears. Read it could be the torque converter or be fixed with a software update. I had the software update already.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2012 Acura TL?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2012 Acura TL?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 27 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 30,000 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 49,416. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 65,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Acura/TL.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.