ACURA TL · model year

2012 ACURA TL

161 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012ACURATL carries 161 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, and 1 fatality. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 4/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 TL is air bags with 43 filings, followed by power train (27) and steering (25). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2012 TL, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

161
Complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
1
Deaths
2012 ACURA TL — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2012 ACURA TL. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 4.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

161 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 4/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS43
POWER TRAIN27
STEERING25
ENGINE18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
WHEELS4
SERVICE BRAKES4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
SEATS2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
SUSPENSION2
SEAT BELTS2

Recalls (3)

19V50000027/06/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped wi

19V18200006/03/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV

16V06100003/02/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-20

Recent Complaints

20251021AIR BAGS

Airbag light came on and remained

20250708UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driving down the highway with my sun shade open but the actual sunroof closed and all of a sudden I just hear a loud pop and glass is all over my head and thighs. The sunroof shattered leaving me with glasses everywhere. No rock was in the sunroof when I was vacuuming the remaining parts of glass.

20250610UNKNOWN OR OTHER

They changed the originality milleage of the car and sold it too expensive

20250610ENGINE

They changed the originality milleage of the car and sold it too expensive

20250221ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Immobilizer unit (recognizes/reads chip in key fob) failure led to the car shutting off the fuel pump leading to the car shutting down. The car could not be started again leaving the driver stranded by the side of the road. Vehicle had to be towed to an Acura dealer since the electronic immobilizer unit cannot be replaced/programmed by non Acura dealers. Car has been sitting at Acura since the end of December 2024 waiting on parts.

20250120UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driving on the freeway on a particularly warm day in California with the sunroof tilted up. Heard a explosion and glass fell on top of me and my family. We pulled over to see what had happened because we didn't see any objects flying at us. Upon inspection of the vehicle we noticed that the sunroof had imploded. The glass didn't shatter all the way it looked as if something had been thrown from inside up and out of the sunroof window. A hole was blown out of it. I believe the panoramic shape of the window causes there to be a weak point in the center. Given that weak point and the weather that day it was hot outside and the sunroof was tilted upright the wind coming into the car from the sunroof and probably exiting as well may have caused a reaction between the hot weather and the cool air and imploded the window from inside the car out.

20230503ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 4/28/2023 per Balcones Heights Police officer Ford and Officer [XXX] there is an issue with the license plate light. The light has been replaced twice, to avoid traffic stops. Police continue to cite the issue of No License plate light. There are not any warning lights on the dash board only cited by law enforcement. On 12/19/2020 Officer [XXX] with Guadelupe Sheriffs Officer issued a warning. The warning cited No License Plate Light. I took photos of the license plate light and took had the vehicle inspected by the Acura dealership. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

20220803CrashAIR BAGS

In an auto collision where a car rear end the vehicle from an idle position into an 18-foot box truck in front which was also idle. The vehicle smashed in the front and back which it was deemed a total loss and the airbag did not deploy. This caused the driver to have several injuries including a head concussion. When contacted the dealer service department where recall maintenance had been performed, I was instructed to contact the airbag manufacturer. The vehicle inspected by insurance adjuster (GEICO). There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure of the airbag deploy.

20220803CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

In an auto collision where a car rear end the vehicle from an idle position into an 18-foot box truck in front which was also idle. The vehicle smashed in the front and back which it was deemed a total loss and the airbag did not deploy. This caused the driver to have several injuries including a head concussion. When contacted the dealer service department where recall maintenance had been performed, I was instructed to contact the airbag manufacturer. The vehicle inspected by insurance adjuster (GEICO). There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure of the airbag deploy.

20220518EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

unknown, i cant keep a mobil phone connected to the car bluetooth and tpms system always seems to show light as well as all the other senors. lots of parts have been tampered with

20220223AIR BAGS

Check airbag sensor keeps coming on intermittently.

20210719STEERING

While driving in heavy traffic and making a right turn,the power steering screen began to blink and immediately the power steering locked up. I had to manually turn the wheel and was able to over to the side and stop. After several minutes, the wheel finally unlocked and I pulled into a parking lot where it occurred again. I turned the key on and the unlocked wheel began to work again After making it home, I checked the drivers manual and found nothing. I checked complaints and found 95 instances but no recalls. It was very frightening for this situation and dangerous. This happened on July 14,2021.

20210309VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUNROOF GLASS HAD EXPLODED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT HER INSURANCE COMPANY SO THEY CAN PAY FOR THE SUNROOF REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS TO VERIFY WHETHER THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A FOREIGN OBJECT OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Mileage: 112,000

20201120POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 74,660

20200818POWER TRAIN

HAS JUMMPY GEAR SHIFTING WHEN GEAR MOVES FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 2ND TO 3RD. IT FEELS LIKE GEAR SLIPS WHILE CHANGE GEAR.

Mileage: 5,800

20200519ENGINE

I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT APRIL OF 2019 WITH 59920 MILES AND THE RECALL WAS NOT FIXED NOW THEY ASKED ME TO DO A TEST TO BRING THE CAR BACK AND FOURTH ONLY TO RUN UP THE MILES AND TIME FRAME TO NOT FIX THE PROBLEMS THAT HAS OCCURRED FROM THE RECALL NOT BEING FIXED THERE WAS ALSO A LAWSUIT DOCUMENT SEND TO ME HOME STATING THEY WOULD FIX THE RECALL FOR FREE AND AT THIS POINT MY CAR COULD BRING DOWN ANY DAY I AM A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY THEY ARE SELLING PEOPLE DEFECTED CAR / LEMONS WITH OUT CONSEQUENCE AND NOT FIXING THE RECALL BEFORE THEY ARE BOUGHT. *TR

Mileage: 59,000

20200507ENGINE

CAR HAS BEEN EXCESSIVELY USING OIL SINCE I BOUGHT IT. HAVE IT DOCUMENTED BY THE DEALER WHEN TAKING IT FOR OIL CHANGES ABOUT THE OIL CONSUMPTION. CAMPAIGN IS RELEASED FOR OIL CONSUMPTION AND I AM TOLD DON'T QUALIFY B/C NOW I SUPPOSED HAVE THREE OIL LEAKS. I HAVE NEVER SAW OIL IN MY DRIVEWAY. CALLED ACURA CLIENT SERVICES, USELESS. DIDN'T HELP ME AT ALL. FEEL THEY JUST RELEASED IT TO SHOW THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING WHEN, THEY AREN'T HELPING THE OWNERS. NOW ENGINE HAS A TICK TO IT AT 120,000 AND I AM TOLD MY REAR CAM SHAFT AND ROCKER ARMS ARE DETERIORATING. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A NIGHTMARE. IT WAS ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. MY REPAIR FILE IS INTO TWO FILE FOLDERS. I PAID FOR RELIABILITY AND THAT IS NOT WHAT I GOT. VERY DISAPPOINTED - THIS WAS A HORRIBLE ENGINE DESIGN, NO WONDER THEY STOP PRODUCING IT. *TR

Mileage: 126,000

20200306AIR BAGS

CHECK AIR BAG SYSTEM MESSAGE ON AND OFF RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 700,000

20191126POWER TRAIN

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

Mileage: 65,000

20190927POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD VEHICLE SHUT OFF UN-COMMANDED. CAR CAME TO STOP WHILE IN TRAFFIC. PLACED CAR IN PARK AND RE-STARTED. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES AND CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. CAR CAME TO A STOP IN TRAFFIC PLACED CAR IN PARK AND RE-STARTED. DROVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 6 MILES HOME AND PARKED IT.

Mileage: 100,000

Compare 2012ACURATL to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 ACURA TL have?
The 2012 ACURA TL has 161 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 ACURA TL?
The 2012 ACURA TL received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 4/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 ACURA TL?
Yes, the 2012 ACURA TL has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 ACURA TL?
The most-complained component for the 2012 ACURA TL is AIR BAGS with 43 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and STEERING.
Is the 2012 ACURA TL safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 ACURA TL has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.