Acura TL 2009-2014: Common Problems
The Acura TL is a great car with a lot of desirable traits, but that doesn't mean that it isn't without problems. This article covers the most common and annoying issues with the 4th generation TL.
This article applies to the 4th gen Acura TL (2009-2014).
The Acura TL is one of the more reliable and comfortable cars you can buy. But no matter how great any car is, they all have problems beneath the surface: some of them more annoying and troublesome than others. While the 4th generation TL is largely devoid of any major issues (except one), it does have a few other nagging problems that drive owners crazy.
The biggest problem, which you may well be aware of, is the early models' tendency to consume oil like a hungry kid at a pizza buffet. This is an alarming issue for a modern vehicle, especially since most of us aren't in the habit of checking our oil on a weekly (or even monthly) basis. Here are the details that you need to know.
Common Problems
Excessive Oil Consumption
The biggest, and most concerning, problem with the 4th generation TL equipped with the J37A is excessive oil consumption. Some have even had their engines replaced more than once, eventually being offered settlements consisting of cash payouts and extended warranties (if you agree to forego any legal action). The amount of oil consumed varies greatly, as does the point at which the excessive consumption occurs. But the problem seems to rear its ugly head somewhere between the 15,000 and 30,000 miles mark, with consumption of around 1/2 quart to one full quart every 3-4,000 miles. This can obviously be a huge headache and lead to major problems if left unchecked, so be sure and check your oil level at every fill up and keep a few spare quarts handy.
Catalytic Converters
J-series V6 Honda and Acura products have a little known issue with their catalytic converters. In order to meet tail pipe emissions standards, the TL has three "cats" in its exhaust path. Two of the cats are in the manifolds, immediately after the engine, these are commonly referred to as "pre-cats," and then there is the typical downstream catalytic converter. The pre-cats are efficient because they are so close to the exhaust gasses exiting the engine. However, as the catalytic converters age, they can fail, often resulting in loose catalyst rattling around inside the exhaust. The rattle is a minor annoyance; the issue comes from what is called "exhaust valve overlap," which basically means that in order to improve engine efficiency, there is a very minute prior in which both the intake and exhaust valves are open. This creates a temporary vacuum, which can potentially suck that loose catalyst back into the engine. Even the tiniest bit of catalyst can be very hard and sharp, causing damage to the cylinder walls, and piston rings. If the issue isn't caught in time, it can cause permanent engine damage, resulting in lessened engine compression and oil consumption. If you hear a rattling sound coming from your exhaust, do not let it go unchecked.
Lack of Folding Rear Seats
Perhaps the biggest general gripe that 4th gen TL owners have is the lack of a folding rear seat. This is a feature that most of the competition has had for years now, so it doesn't make much sense that Acura is behind the times in this regard. A fold down rear seat is handy when you need to haul things and don't want to scratch up your pretty leather, and the option for a trunk pass through would be nice as well for those who don't want to hang long purchases out of the window.
Cabin Noise
Excessive cabin noise is basically unacceptable is newer cars, especially in luxury vehicles. But a lot of 4th gen TL owners complain about cabin noise in their rides. It's pretty surprising considering Honda's reputation for quality and fitment. One caveat is that a lot of those who report this issue have noted that it started after they bought new tires. So if you're getting ready to buy new rubber, make sure you stay as close to OEM as possible to avoid increasing your interior noise levels.
Related Discussions
- Acura TL Class Action Lawsuit Excessive Oil Consumption - AcuraZine.com
- Acuras Response Excessive Oil Consumption - AcuraZine.com
- Most Annoying Thing About the TL - AcuraZine.com
