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2010 Acura Tl Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Acura Tl carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission gear-shift engagement fault.” Acura's Maintenance Minder calculates oil life from real engine conditions and shows service codes instead of fixed mileages — code A or B (oil / oil + inspection) plus sub-codes for items like tire rotation (1), air filters (2), or transmission fluid (3). Follow the codes, not the calendar. One interval you should never stretch: most Acura 3.5L V6 engines (MDX, TL) use a timing belt with a roughly 105,000-mile / 7-year replacement — a snapped belt on this interference engine means bent valves. SH-AWD models add a rear-differential fluid service that's essential for the torque-vectoring unit.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V182000 · Jun 3, 2019

Issue: 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, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V500000 · Jun 27, 2019

Issue: 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 with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #16V061000 · Mar 2, 2016

Issue: 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 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Acura Tl.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission gear-shift engagement fault

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2020-02

“WHILE SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, THE 3RD GEAR DOES NOT FULLY ENGAGE, IT POPS BACK INTO NEUTRAL. I THEN HAD TO SHIFT BACK TO 2ND AND BACK INTO 3RD GEAR (WHICH WAS SUCCESSFUL). THIS HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10789934
“TRANSMISSION SLIPPING IN TRAFFIC WITH MULTIPLE CLOSE CALLS TO ACCIDENTS FROM BEHIND. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE KEPT PERFECT MAINTENANCE OF AUTO. TRANSMISSION IS FAILING ON EVERY SHIFT BETWEEN 1ST 2ND 3RD GEARS WHEN WARM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10324333
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTTERRED WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10985677

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal hardening in cold temperatures

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-02 → 2015-01

“ON EVERY COLD MORNING ABOUT 40 DEGREES OR COLDER. WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE BRAKE PEDAL IS ROCK SOLID THEN TURNS TO NORMAL. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP IN SPRING AND THEY CHANGED OUT THE BRAKE FLUID. NO PROBLEM UNTIL THE NEXT FALL WHEN TEMPS HIT 40S AT NIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10680098
“I'VE NOW EXPERIENCED THREE INCIDENTS WITH MY VEHICLE'S BRAKING PERFORMANCE IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES (-10-0 DEGREES F). WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE BRAKE PEDAL IS EXTREMELY HARD AND THE STOPPING PERFORMANCE IS GREATLY REDUCED. UPON PUMPING THE BRAKES FOR A WHILE THE PEDAL WILL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10563949

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive engine oil consumption

ENGINE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2011-01 → 2019-11

“I CHANGED MY OIL AND DROVE MY VEHICLE ROUGHLY 1500 MILES IN OVER A MONTH TIMEFRAME AND I PROPERLY CHECKED MY OIL WHILE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY ON LEVEL GROUND TO FIND THAT MY OIL LEVEL WAS VERY LOW. I THOROUGHLY CHECKED MY ENGINE FOR ANY OIL LEAKS AND THERE WAS NO LEAKS TO BE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11282813
“ENGINE CONSUMES ONE (1) QUART OF OIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY 4,000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. IF YOU FOLLOW THE OIL LIFE MINDER (PER THE OWNER'S MANUAL) AND CHANGE THE OIL WHEN THE INDICATOR LIGHTS UP (TYPICALLY AROUND 7,000 MILES) THE ENGINE OIL IS WELL BELOW THE NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10378533

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Keyless remote fob slot wear preventing door lock

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2019-10

“BLUETOOTH HANDS FREE MODULE HAS AN OPEN CIRCUIT CAUSING BATTERY TO RUNDOWN PREMATURELY. ALSO KEYLESS FOB SLOT GETS WORN DOWN AND REMAINS IN STUCK OPEN POSITION NOT ALLOWING DOORS TO LOCK AS IT THINKS THE KEY IS STILL INSIDE THE SLOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11276921
“TABS INSIDE OF THE KEYLESS REMOTE SLOT BECOME WORN, STICK BACK AND/OR BREAK . IN ADDITION TO BEING COSTLY TO REPLACE, IT POSES AS A SECURITY HAZARD OR A HIGH RISK FOR THEFT BECAUSE THE CAR DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AND ALARM BECOMES DISABLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10903646

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall replacement parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

26 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2019-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10985701
“I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER IN MARCH 2016. I SUBSEQUENTLY CALLED MY LOCAL ACURA DEALER ON BELL RD. IN PEORIA AZ TO REQUEST A REPAIR. AS OF 25 JULY 2016 THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE DUE TO NOT HAVING PARTS AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10888304
“ACURA STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE AT MY DEALERSHIP IN ASHEVILLE, NC. WHEN I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST, 2016, TO SCHEDULE MY AIRBAG REPLACEMENT, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE PARTS WERE STILL BACKORDERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10927622

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and unexpected deployment

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2021-01

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID A DOG IN THE ROAD. THE AIR BAG INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THREE FRACTURED RIBS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11034377
“TAKATA RECALL. CAR WAS T-BONED BY A VEHICLE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY IN PASSENGER SIDE HARD ENOUGH TO DAMAGE BOTH DOORS NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND CAUSED ENOUGH FRAME DAMAGE THAT CAUSED THE FRAME TO BE PULLED AND RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL TO BE REPLACED FROM THE ROCKER PANEL UNDER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11063134
“PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND OFF. CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AT ALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11387397

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration when braking

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2014-06

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10512970
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE LUNGED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10598442
“UPON KEYLESS IGNITION, ENGINE CONTINUES TO RACE EVEN THOUGH GAS PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, ENGINE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE, AND GAS PEDAL SEEMS TO STICK EVEN AFTER FOOT IS REMOVED FROM GAS PEDAL AND PLACED ON BRAKE PEDAL. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ANY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10424196

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter (Maintenance Minder A/B)

Every 8,000 mi

Change when the Maintenance Minder reaches 15% oil life or shows code A/B — typically every 7,500-10,000 miles with 0W-20 synthetic. Short-trip city driving triggers the code sooner; that's the algorithm doing its job.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Timing Belt (3.5L V6 — MDX, TL)

Every 105,000 mi

J-series V6: replace the timing belt around 105,000 miles or 7 years (Maintenance Minder sub-code 4). It's an interference engine — a failed belt destroys valves. Replace the water pump and tensioner in the same job. (2022+ MDX 3.5L remains belt-driven; the Integra's turbo four is chain-driven.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate when sub-code 1 appears — roughly every 7,500 miles. SH-AWD models: keep tread depths matched across all four corners.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and fluid level with every A/B service. Type S models with Brembo front calipers: pads wear faster and cost more — budget ahead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 3 years regardless of mileage — Honda/Acura schedules this on time because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transmission Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF when sub-code 3 appears — commonly every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on duty. Use Honda/Acura ATF only (DW-1, or the 10-speed's specified fluid); aftermarket 'universal' ATF causes shudder in these gearboxes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

SH-AWD Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

SH-AWD (MDX, TLX, RDX): replace the rear differential fluid roughly every 30,000 miles (sub-code 6) — the torque-vectoring clutch packs run in this fluid, and whining or binding in tight turns is the classic overdue symptom.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 4)

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium plugs around 100,000 miles on most models. Turbocharged Integra/ADX engines: check the manual — forced induction typically shortens the interval.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2, roughly every 30,000 miles — sooner in dusty conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 2)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace with sub-code 2 alongside the engine air filter. Behind the glovebox — an easy DIY on most Acuras.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Sub-code 5)

Every 100,000 mi

Honda/Acura Type 2 coolant: first change around 10 years / 100,000 miles, then every 5 years / 50,000. Use the blue Type 2 coolant only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

27 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Acura Tl reflects Acura's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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