Wrench.Pro

2013 Acura Tl Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Acura Tl carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission torque converter shudder.” 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 2013 Acura Tl.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission torque converter shudder

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2021-01

“I HAVE EXPERIENCED TACH HUNTING WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTS INTO THE HIGHEST GEAR AND THE RPMS SHOULD BE STEADY, YOU'RE GOING AT A STEADY SPEED DOWN A CITY STREET AND THE TACHOMETER STARTS JUMPING AROUND IT WILL NOT STAY STEADY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11388220
“TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER/ PREMATURE FAILURE. JERKY TRANSMISSION. SHIFTING HARD. WENT TO 2 TORQUE CONVERTERS IN A YEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991247
“APPEARS TO BE TRANSMISSION RELATED PROBLEM. I CURRENTLY HAVE APPROXIMATELY 47,XXX MILES ON MY VEHICLE WHICH I HAD PURCHASED BRAND NEW. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME CONCERN BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10908326

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension clunk noise over bumps

SUSPENSION

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2017-03

“REAR SUSPENSION NOISE WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS OR POTHOLES AT LOWER SPEEDS. NOISE IS MORE PROMINENT WHEN ITS A SUDDEN HARD HIT ON POTHOLES AND SPEED BUMPS. IT SOUNDS LIKE METAL HITTING METAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10966288
“PRONOUNCED "CLUNK" NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF CAR AT LOW SPEEDS - BETWEEN 15-40 MPH. THIS IS A CONSISTENT ISSUE THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED IN VARIOUS ACURA TL, TSX, AND HONDA ACCORD INTERNET FORUMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10650793

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood support strut failure

STRUCTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2019-03

“THE STRUTS/SHOCKS NO LONGER HOLD THE HOOD OPEN/UP. UNABLE TO CHECK ENGINE/FLUIDS WITHOUT USING SOME OTHER MEANS TO HOLD THE HOOD OPEN/UP. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS ALMOST STRUCK BY THE UNEXPECTEDLY CLOSING HOOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192223
“I HAD THE HOOD UP IN ORDER TO PUT IN WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID. JUST WHEN I STEPPED AWAY THE HOOD FELL DOWN. I TESTED IT AGAIN AND NOTICED THAT IT WOULD STAY UP ONLY IF IT WAS UP ALL THE WAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11122265

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering failure and lockup

STEERING

28 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2026-07

“EPS FAILURE WHILE DRIVING THE CAR STARTED TO BEEP AND THE STEERING FAILURE LIGHT TURNED ON IN THE DASH. THE STEERING FELT LIKE IT LOCKED UP, BUT IT WAS JUST VERY VERY VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL. I HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND WAIT FOR HELP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11002737
“THE STEERING CONTROL UNIT FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AT DRIVING SPEED AND WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AT SLOW SPEED. CHECK ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL DASH LIGHT FLASHED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241834
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10956708

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts unavailability delay

AIR BAGS

13 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2018-07

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11109702
“"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A LETTER NOTIFYING ME OF WHEN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE GOING TO BE AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10945264
“TAKATA RECALL-MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN ACURA (MACCHURCHILL) SINCE FEBRUARY 23, 2016. THEY SAID IT COULD TAKE AS LONG AS UNTIL SEPTEMBER BEFORE MY VEHICLE IS REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10862838

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning indicator and unexpected deployment

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2022-02

“The airbag warning indicator keeps appearing. When message is pressed it says that airbag may not deploy when needed. States to turn car off and restart to see if indicator disappears- if reappear take to dealership to inspect”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450853
“I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN MY AIR BAG ON DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11391141
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A BRICK MAILBOX. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10884393

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

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)

18 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.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2013 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.

Check another vehicle →