Acura's Response to Excessive Oil Consumption
#41
erikprimebeef Hey SirCarroll not all 3.7 will have the high oil burning problem. The ones that does, Acura Dealerships should have had a solution for the problem, at least a recommend option for who having issue not saying its normal. You SirCarroll I hope your spreading sharing your insight with other TL 3.7 AWD Owners, who could be having this issues with there car. If it doesn't work for them Acura should have a viable alternative and not leaving a customer with holding a wet heavy paperbag at the Service counter. TL are great car
#42
Instructor
The question here is, what is normal oil usage? I had an oil change earlier this week. I brought my log of when I check the oil and if I added oil. I presented this to the service guy who proceeded to tell me that all engine manufacturers suggest your vehicle should use about 1 quart of oil per 1000-1500 miles driven. He also suggested that everyone should check the oil every time the get gas. So, with that said, I really don't have much of an argument except that I told him of all the cars I have ever owned I have never had a car use oil other than years ago when I used to own cars with over 100K miles.
His basic excuse for why some engines use oil and others don't is simply that not everyone checks. Most people don't know how much oil is on the dipstick when they bring it in, they just bring it in. I also explained to him that the service techs at this dealership used to tell me to bring my car in when the MID says to bring it in, now they say every 3500 miles for oil change. He didn't have an answer for that, just that that sounds like a good idea. If I were to wait for the MID to tell me to bring it in, my oil would most likely be dry...
So, what to do? I will keep checking the oil, adding when necessary, then sell the car when I am ready and NEVER buy an Acura or Honda again. Seems simple to me. I like the car a lot, but that is a deal breaker.
His basic excuse for why some engines use oil and others don't is simply that not everyone checks. Most people don't know how much oil is on the dipstick when they bring it in, they just bring it in. I also explained to him that the service techs at this dealership used to tell me to bring my car in when the MID says to bring it in, now they say every 3500 miles for oil change. He didn't have an answer for that, just that that sounds like a good idea. If I were to wait for the MID to tell me to bring it in, my oil would most likely be dry...
So, what to do? I will keep checking the oil, adding when necessary, then sell the car when I am ready and NEVER buy an Acura or Honda again. Seems simple to me. I like the car a lot, but that is a deal breaker.
#43
The question here is, what is normal oil usage? I had an oil change earlier this week. I brought my log of when I check the oil and if I added oil. I presented this to the service guy who proceeded to tell me that all engine manufacturers suggest your vehicle should use about 1 quart of oil per 1000-1500 miles driven. He also suggested that everyone should check the oil every time the get gas. So, with that said, I really don't have much of an argument except that I told him of all the cars I have ever owned I have never had a car use oil other than years ago when I used to own cars with over 100K miles.
His basic excuse for why some engines use oil and others don't is simply that not everyone checks. Most people don't know how much oil is on the dipstick when they bring it in, they just bring it in. I also explained to him that the service techs at this dealership used to tell me to bring my car in when the MID says to bring it in, now they say every 3500 miles for oil change. He didn't have an answer for that, just that that sounds like a good idea. If I were to wait for the MID to tell me to bring it in, my oil would most likely be dry...
.
His basic excuse for why some engines use oil and others don't is simply that not everyone checks. Most people don't know how much oil is on the dipstick when they bring it in, they just bring it in. I also explained to him that the service techs at this dealership used to tell me to bring my car in when the MID says to bring it in, now they say every 3500 miles for oil change. He didn't have an answer for that, just that that sounds like a good idea. If I were to wait for the MID to tell me to bring it in, my oil would most likely be dry...
.
#44
Burning Brakes
... I presented this to the service guy who proceeded to tell me that all engine manufacturers suggest your vehicle should use about 1 quart of oil per 1000-1500 miles driven...
His basic excuse for why some engines use oil and others don't is simply that not everyone checks. Most people don't know how much oil is on the dipstick when they bring it in, they just bring it in...
His basic excuse for why some engines use oil and others don't is simply that not everyone checks. Most people don't know how much oil is on the dipstick when they bring it in, they just bring it in...
#45
Burning Brakes
1. Please look up the correct use of "there" vs. "their".
2. Service advisors know nothing at all about cars; they are just service salespeople, so why do we quote them?
2. Service advisors know nothing at all about cars; they are just service salespeople, so why do we quote them?
#46
Drifting
The question here is, what is normal oil usage? I had an oil change earlier this week. I brought my log of when I check the oil and if I added oil. I presented this to the service guy who proceeded to tell me that all engine manufacturers suggest your vehicle should use about 1 quart of oil per 1000-1500 miles driven. He also suggested that everyone should check the oil every time the get gas. So, with that said, I really don't have much of an argument except that I told him of all the cars I have ever owned I have never had a car use oil other than years ago when I used to own cars with over 100K miles.
His basic excuse for why some engines use oil and others don't is simply that not everyone checks. Most people don't know how much oil is on the dipstick when they bring it in, they just bring it in. I also explained to him that the service techs at this dealership used to tell me to bring my car in when the MID says to bring it in, now they say every 3500 miles for oil change. He didn't have an answer for that, just that that sounds like a good idea. If I were to wait for the MID to tell me to bring it in, my oil would most likely be dry...
So, what to do? I will keep checking the oil, adding when necessary, then sell the car when I am ready and NEVER buy an Acura or Honda again. Seems simple to me. I like the car a lot, but that is a deal breaker.
His basic excuse for why some engines use oil and others don't is simply that not everyone checks. Most people don't know how much oil is on the dipstick when they bring it in, they just bring it in. I also explained to him that the service techs at this dealership used to tell me to bring my car in when the MID says to bring it in, now they say every 3500 miles for oil change. He didn't have an answer for that, just that that sounds like a good idea. If I were to wait for the MID to tell me to bring it in, my oil would most likely be dry...
So, what to do? I will keep checking the oil, adding when necessary, then sell the car when I am ready and NEVER buy an Acura or Honda again. Seems simple to me. I like the car a lot, but that is a deal breaker.
A lot cars use oil these days. Consumer Reports did an article on this a few months ago (not mentioning the TL). The service advisor had it about half right - Acura and most other mfrs say that some oil usage is "normal" unless/until it exceeds 1 quart/1000 miles. I would not be happy if my car used a quart every 1100 miles, but this is not an issue confined to Acura. How much does yours use?
#47
Instructor
Yes this is ridiculous. Mine is not bad, in a little over 5K miles, I checked my oil many times, but only put 1 quart in. It was in need of another quart when I took it in for service. So, based on the info, yes, my car would have been in desperate need of oil and my oil warning light should have gone on had I not been checking and adding oil when necessary.
I just started reading these threads and checking my oil last spring when I had about 64K miles. Now I have almost 80K miles and using about 1 quart every 2500 miles isn't horrible, but as I have said, I have never experienced any oil use with any car I have ever owned. Mostly Toyota's and GMC's.
I will continue to check my oil when I fill up for gas and I will continue to give Acura a hard time as I feel this is not right. Specifically, if you are reading this thread and you are not checking your oil on a regular basis, you should be. At the end of the day, it is your car and Acura is going to say some oil usage is normal and you need to maintain your car.
I just started reading these threads and checking my oil last spring when I had about 64K miles. Now I have almost 80K miles and using about 1 quart every 2500 miles isn't horrible, but as I have said, I have never experienced any oil use with any car I have ever owned. Mostly Toyota's and GMC's.
I will continue to check my oil when I fill up for gas and I will continue to give Acura a hard time as I feel this is not right. Specifically, if you are reading this thread and you are not checking your oil on a regular basis, you should be. At the end of the day, it is your car and Acura is going to say some oil usage is normal and you need to maintain your car.
#48
Senior Moderator
Oil consumption hasn't been an issue in the past for many automakers, but with tighter EPA regulations thinner oils are used to boost MPG. Thinner oil breaks down faster and naturally doesn't protect as well.
BMW has spec'ed that a quart every 600-1000 Miles is normal. Most automakers stick by this rule even though most of their fleets never burn more than a 1/4 quart of oil over oil change durations.
BMW has spec'ed that a quart every 600-1000 Miles is normal. Most automakers stick by this rule even though most of their fleets never burn more than a 1/4 quart of oil over oil change durations.
#49
Instructor
I'm about to start my own dealings with Acura to get my oil consumption fixed with 87k on my motor. I've been spending the past couple of months monitoring my oil levels and documenting it with pictures of the dipstick and mileage every couple hundred miles, and I've just gone from fully topped off to the low dipstick line in 1,723 miles as of today. Before the last top off, I forgot to check for a couple weeks and the dipstick was bone dry after about 1,900 miles.
I have a 5 qt jug of Mobil 1 5-20 that I keep in my trunk and since my last oil change 3,647 miles ago, I've used at least 4 qt of it...
I've called Acura Corporate Relations today to have them document my issues, and I have an appointment with my dealership on the 23rd to start an official oil consumption test. My dealership seemed very understanding and even told me that it's a common issue that they've seen many times before, so I'll see how that goes... At least it'll still be a warranty fix as I got mine CPO with the 100k powertrain warranty.
I have a 5 qt jug of Mobil 1 5-20 that I keep in my trunk and since my last oil change 3,647 miles ago, I've used at least 4 qt of it...
I've called Acura Corporate Relations today to have them document my issues, and I have an appointment with my dealership on the 23rd to start an official oil consumption test. My dealership seemed very understanding and even told me that it's a common issue that they've seen many times before, so I'll see how that goes... At least it'll still be a warranty fix as I got mine CPO with the 100k powertrain warranty.
#50
I have around 45K miles on my 2011 shawd. Im at 50% oil life and the dipstick reads completely full. Has it been established that all 3.7 engines are affected by this issue? Also, does the condition manifest itself at a certain mileage?
#51
Drifting
Not everyone experiences it. Keep an eye on your oil level.
#52
I'm about to start my own dealings with Acura to get my oil consumption fixed with 87k on my motor. I've been spending the past couple of months monitoring my oil levels and documenting it with pictures of the dipstick and mileage every couple hundred miles, and I've just gone from fully topped off to the low dipstick line in 1,723 miles as of today. Before the last top off, I forgot to check for a couple weeks and the dipstick was bone dry after about 1,900 miles.
I have a 5 qt jug of Mobil 1 5-20 that I keep in my trunk and since my last oil change 3,647 miles ago, I've used at least 4 qt of it...
I've called Acura Corporate Relations today to have them document my issues, and I have an appointment with my dealership on the 23rd to start an official oil consumption test. My dealership seemed very understanding and even told me that it's a common issue that they've seen many times before, so I'll see how that goes... At least it'll still be a warranty fix as I got mine CPO with the 100k powertrain warranty.
I have a 5 qt jug of Mobil 1 5-20 that I keep in my trunk and since my last oil change 3,647 miles ago, I've used at least 4 qt of it...
I've called Acura Corporate Relations today to have them document my issues, and I have an appointment with my dealership on the 23rd to start an official oil consumption test. My dealership seemed very understanding and even told me that it's a common issue that they've seen many times before, so I'll see how that goes... At least it'll still be a warranty fix as I got mine CPO with the 100k powertrain warranty.
I hope you get a new short block out of it and hope it is one that does not consume oil. There's no other solution here.
#54
Advanced
My J37 is around 27,500 miles on the odometer. Over the last 5,000 miles since the last oil change, I've added 3/4 of a quart to keep it near the high mark on the stick. Engine is a little thirsty I'd admit but manageable thus far. Hope it won't go downhill from here.
#55
Would you say you regret going after acura for a new block? My 10 6mt burns a ton of oil as well. Brought it in and they basically blew me off the first time, and replaced the oil pressure switch. Told me to come back if anymore issues. Still burning oil so I was gonna ask for a consumption test.
If yours is still consuming oil though and the trade value is diminished, seems like I should live with it and keep adding oil?
I am a service advisor for Mercedes-Benz, and I know it makes me a hell of a lot more money to replace an engine than it does to blow someone off, especially if theres a risk of them coming back for the same issue.
If yours is still consuming oil though and the trade value is diminished, seems like I should live with it and keep adding oil?
I am a service advisor for Mercedes-Benz, and I know it makes me a hell of a lot more money to replace an engine than it does to blow someone off, especially if theres a risk of them coming back for the same issue.
#56
Well I did it. Multiple reasons, but I traded my 2010 6MT. 66,499 miles when I traded it. Got $19,000 for her on the trade. Wanted $20,500. They started at $16,000. One side of me really blisters at the profit margin dealers want to make. The other side of me blames only me for walking into a dealer to do a car deal.
My beloved 6MT is no longer mine. It is going to take a good amount of time to get over that fact. If I was going to get anything of substance monetarily out of the car, now was the time given the new short block and clutch.
Anyone interested in a great, meticulously maintained, 6MT, it will be for sale in the KC area next week I'd guess.
My beloved 6MT is no longer mine. It is going to take a good amount of time to get over that fact. If I was going to get anything of substance monetarily out of the car, now was the time given the new short block and clutch.
Anyone interested in a great, meticulously maintained, 6MT, it will be for sale in the KC area next week I'd guess.
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lji (01-02-2016)
#57
Well I did it. Multiple reasons, but I traded my 2010 6MT. 66,499 miles when I traded it. Got $19,000 for her on the trade. Wanted $20,500. They started at $16,000. One side of me really blisters at the profit margin dealers want to make. The other side of me blames only me for walking into a dealer to do a car deal.
My beloved 6MT is no longer mine. It is going to take a good amount of time to get over that fact. If I was going to get anything of substance monetarily out of the car, now was the time given the new short block and clutch.
Anyone interested in a great, meticulously maintained, 6MT, it will be for sale in the KC area next week I'd guess.
My beloved 6MT is no longer mine. It is going to take a good amount of time to get over that fact. If I was going to get anything of substance monetarily out of the car, now was the time given the new short block and clutch.
Anyone interested in a great, meticulously maintained, 6MT, it will be for sale in the KC area next week I'd guess.
#58
Good points and thanks for sharing.........No freaking clue what I was thinking when I posted the above. Thanks for calling out my extreme stupidity. Kudos to you for standing up for the poor, poor little dealership. I myself am a massive corporation and should be ashamed of myself. At least you had the good sense to call me out. Again, thanks much.
#59
Burning Brakes
Hey I am selling you my 2013 TL for a great price, $40,000. But since you are such a great customer, I am going to knock off $3,000. So your drive out price will be $45,283.11 with everything included (tax, title, fees, insurance, warranty, etc). It's only good for today.
#60
I only have 14000 miles on my car (not my daily driver). I've checked my oil initially every month but haven't in a few months( I am going to check today).
Is there a specific pattern that shows up for cars that may have the oil burning issue ? I have a AWD-Manual shift 2012 TL.
Another question I have to all who have the oil issue, lets say you have to replace a quart of oil every 2000 miles or so. Is that really a big deal to do if that is all you ever have to do ? Or is the concern that i will suddenly start burning a lot more oil than that ?
Is there a specific pattern that shows up for cars that may have the oil burning issue ? I have a AWD-Manual shift 2012 TL.
Another question I have to all who have the oil issue, lets say you have to replace a quart of oil every 2000 miles or so. Is that really a big deal to do if that is all you ever have to do ? Or is the concern that i will suddenly start burning a lot more oil than that ?
#61
Drifting
^^ The only pattern I know of is that some report (and I've experienced) that consumption is negligible for the first thousand or two miles after an oil change, but seems to pick up the more miles you put on that particular load of oil. When you change the oil, the pattern refreshes.
Understand that not everyone with the 3.7 motor reports oil usage. A few have had extreme cases where consumption was a quart or greater per 1000 miles. More often, for those who have observed it, the rate seems to be a quart or two every 3000-4000 miles.
As to whether these rates will increase with mileage, I don't know that anyone can say. A few seem to have experienced that, but there aren't any real data on the issue.
For those that have experienced extreme consumption, Acura seems in some cases to be willing to replace the short block and perhaps cylinder heads.
Just keep an eye on the oil levels. For some, it's not a fill and forget it item like it is on some cars. More cars seem to be experiencing oil usage today, perhaps because of the ultra lightweight oils now being used to increase fuel mileage.
Understand that not everyone with the 3.7 motor reports oil usage. A few have had extreme cases where consumption was a quart or greater per 1000 miles. More often, for those who have observed it, the rate seems to be a quart or two every 3000-4000 miles.
As to whether these rates will increase with mileage, I don't know that anyone can say. A few seem to have experienced that, but there aren't any real data on the issue.
For those that have experienced extreme consumption, Acura seems in some cases to be willing to replace the short block and perhaps cylinder heads.
Just keep an eye on the oil levels. For some, it's not a fill and forget it item like it is on some cars. More cars seem to be experiencing oil usage today, perhaps because of the ultra lightweight oils now being used to increase fuel mileage.
#62
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2014
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I have 2010 TL SH-AWD AT with 75,000 KM on it. I didn't experience ant oil issue yet.
Should I manually check the oil level? or I can relay on the monitor that shows the % of old used?
thanks guys!
Should I manually check the oil level? or I can relay on the monitor that shows the % of old used?
thanks guys!
#63
Instructor
You'd have to manually check the oil level every now and then. The oil life gauge calculates the oil life based on how far you've driven, and shows nothing about how much oil is in the engine.
Last edited by Riboflavin; 12-31-2015 at 08:20 PM.
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Tony Pac (01-01-2016)
#65
Instructor
^^ That means you are down about 1/2 quart or so from your last oil change.
As was mentioned in a different post - make sure your engine is warm when you check - the oil will show lower when the engine is cold.
The MID is not a gauge that shows actual oil levels, it is only a calculation based on driving habits. It also gives the service department a guide as to what service you need when you come in. (If your breaks need checked or if you need to change your air filters, etc.) You should not use this as a guide for oil changes. Ask your service department as well as many on this forum, your oil should be changed every 3500 to 5000 miles depending on how you drive. I followed the MID for the first 60K+ miles and recently learned that this was not the correct method, even though my service department originally told me to follow it. It's really only correct for the first couple services.
As was mentioned in a different post - make sure your engine is warm when you check - the oil will show lower when the engine is cold.
The MID is not a gauge that shows actual oil levels, it is only a calculation based on driving habits. It also gives the service department a guide as to what service you need when you come in. (If your breaks need checked or if you need to change your air filters, etc.) You should not use this as a guide for oil changes. Ask your service department as well as many on this forum, your oil should be changed every 3500 to 5000 miles depending on how you drive. I followed the MID for the first 60K+ miles and recently learned that this was not the correct method, even though my service department originally told me to follow it. It's really only correct for the first couple services.
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Tony Pac (01-01-2016)
#67
AZ Community Team
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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^^ That means you are down about 1/2 quart or so from your last oil change.
As was mentioned in a different post - make sure your engine is warm when you check - the oil will show lower when the engine is cold.
The MID is not a gauge that shows actual oil levels, it is only a calculation based on driving habits. It also gives the service department a guide as to what service you need when you come in. (If your breaks need checked or if you need to change your air filters, etc.) You should not use this as a guide for oil changes. Ask your service department as well as many on this forum, your oil should be changed every 3500 to 5000 miles depending on how you drive. I followed the MID for the first 60K+ miles and recently learned that this was not the correct method, even though my service department originally told me to follow it. It's really only correct for the first couple services.
As was mentioned in a different post - make sure your engine is warm when you check - the oil will show lower when the engine is cold.
The MID is not a gauge that shows actual oil levels, it is only a calculation based on driving habits. It also gives the service department a guide as to what service you need when you come in. (If your breaks need checked or if you need to change your air filters, etc.) You should not use this as a guide for oil changes. Ask your service department as well as many on this forum, your oil should be changed every 3500 to 5000 miles depending on how you drive. I followed the MID for the first 60K+ miles and recently learned that this was not the correct method, even though my service department originally told me to follow it. It's really only correct for the first couple services.
Thanks for sharing this info. Very helpful.
#68
Thanks for the info. Actually, I have not changed the oil since i got the car. I got it with 11k on the ODO and now it is at about 15. I am not sure if it is down oil or not. Only way to find out would be to change it. Maybe I will do that while it is still under warranty. (for another 3 months)
#69
6G TLX-S
^^^^^
Or to top up the engine oil now, until it hits the dipstick top marking.
Or to top up the engine oil now, until it hits the dipstick top marking.
#70
I have had 2 4G SH-AWD (3.7 motor) both with the 6MT and BOTH burned through oil faster than an RX-7. I had oil consumption tests, lost oil pressure a few times (VTEC shuts off). Nothing was done for me by AHF//Acura. The second TL had the head replaced at the end of its third year because of a worn camshaft. This is the reason why I did not buy my TL when the lease was up. Otherwise I would have bought it in a heartbeat. 4 door sedan that is quick, handles great, AWD that is unstoppable with Sottozeros, AND a 6MT!
#71
Racer
Just need a quick clarification. Comments are made in the oil burning threads that the engine will be no good and it will fall apart and have issues. If I am burning oil but replenishing the oil as I check will the engine still fall apart or only if I miss topping it off.
#72
Drifting
The damage to structural parts like camshafts, pistons, etc. will occur only if you let the oil level fall so low that it doesn't provide sufficient lubrication to these parts. Keep it in the factory-recommended marks on the dipstick and this won't be an issue for you.
#73
Senior Moderator
Just need a quick clarification. Comments are made in the oil burning threads that the engine will be no good and it will fall apart and have issues. If I am burning oil but replenishing the oil as I check will the engine still fall apart or only if I miss topping it off.
#74
6G TLX-S
I have had 2 4G SH-AWD (3.7 motor) both with the 6MT and BOTH burned through oil faster than an RX-7. I had oil consumption tests, lost oil pressure a few times (VTEC shuts off). Nothing was done for me by AHF//Acura. The second TL had the head replaced at the end of its third year because of a worn camshaft. This is the reason why I did not buy my TL when the lease was up. Otherwise I would have bought it in a heartbeat. 4 door sedan that is quick, handles great, AWD that is unstoppable with Sottozeros, AND a 6MT!
Anything else that burns oil faster than a RX-7 has to be really, really bad.
#75
#77
I recall when I was searching for 10-11 SH-AWD 6MTs before I bought my car, there were two in the northeast that were listed on Autotrader for, on average, about $2-4k less than comparable cars. The only difference being they had small block replacement notations on their Carfax records.
It's sad because it doesn't say anything about the balance of the car, but it's record is effectively tainted.
I wonder if the VSC offered by AHM helps the case for the car's value or not.
It's sad because it doesn't say anything about the balance of the car, but it's record is effectively tainted.
I wonder if the VSC offered by AHM helps the case for the car's value or not.
Does it burn anyone else that the dealers are selling your repair and other data to Carfax without your permission?
I explicitly write on my service order that the information cannot be transmitted to Carfax. I had a nightmare once when a dealer's service dept transposed numbers on the odometer reading, and when it came time to sell the car, Carfax reported my vehicle has having a suspect odometer...
#78
Acura TL - Excessive Oil Consuption issue
New to this forum...just wanted to know if there were any updates on this ongoing saga?? Have had our 4th eval on our 2012 TL oil consumption and they tell us we are now in line for a new engine.
thx
thx
#80
"...and now on my 3rd "new" engine.."
OP, I hope you sold this car on CL and walked away.
OP, I hope you sold this car on CL and walked away.