2011 Acura Tl Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is takata airbag recall parts unavailability and repair delay a known issue with the 2011 Acura Tl?

9 NHTSA complaints have been filed about takata airbag recall parts unavailability and repair delay on the 2011 Acura Tl (2016-03 → 2018-01). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10937572): "THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is incomplete, refused, or failed airbag recall repair a known issue with the 2011 Acura Tl?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about incomplete, refused, or failed airbag recall repair on the 2011 Acura Tl (2016-03 → 2023-10). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11206807): "THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BECAUSE AFTER THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is engine compartment fire or smoke a known issue with the 2011 Acura Tl?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about engine compartment fire or smoke on the 2011 Acura Tl (2016-12 → 2021-01). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11390723): "THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT AND DISPERSED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER BRADSHAW ACURA (2450 LAURENS RD," Source: NHTSA.

The 2011 Acura Tl carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 3 recurring issue clusters, led by “Takata airbag recall parts unavailability and repair delay.” 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 2011 Acura Tl.

Reported to NHTSA

Takata airbag recall parts unavailability and repair delay

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2018-01

“THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10937572

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 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. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10907268

“TAKATA RECALL- TOOK CAR IN FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT. INFORMED OF RECALL. TOLD REPLACEMENT COULDN'T TAKE PLACE UNTIL SOMETIME IN SUMMER. OFFERED A CAR AS TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT. IT WAS INDICATED CAR WOULDN'T BE OF QUALITY OF MINE, WOULD BE OF ENTERPRISE RENTAL QUALITY. I THOUGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10845939

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Incomplete, refused, or failed airbag recall repair

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2023-10

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BECAUSE AFTER THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11206807

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS CLAIMED TO HAVE REMEDIED THE RECALLED AIR BAGS; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT A BRAND NEW (UNOPENED) BOX OF AIR BAGS WAS LEFT IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT PROVIDE THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10940008

“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 27 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE INFLATOR RUPTURED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE, NECK, NOSE, CHEST, HANDS, AND SPINE. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10852150

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire or smoke

ENGINE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2021-01

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT AND DISPERSED THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER BRADSHAW ACURA (2450 LAURENS RD,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390723

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING,I WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND WE SMELLED RUBBER BURNING NEXT WE NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE HOOD AREA. WE PULLED OVER TURNED ON THE FLASHERS AND OPENED THE HOOD AND SMOKE CAME OUT HEAVY AND I SAW A FIRE AT THE BOTTOM OF ENGINE AREA.WE CALLED 911 AND A FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10929008

~$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.

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)

6 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.

complaints mentioning a crash

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 2011 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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