Acura TL Complaints (2013)

62 consumer complaints on file.

#11753600July 29, 2026
STEERING
On Monday, July 27, 2026, my vehicle suffered a complete failure of the EPS system at startup in my garage, making the steering wheel lock and rendering the vehicle completely non-operational. The vehicle did start and would go into gear but there was a severe increase in steering effort, creating an emergency situation and an extreme safety hazard on public roads if it was driven. The vehicle was towed to an independent automotive repair facility where a certified technician performed a diagnostic scan and isolated the failure to the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control unit. The independent shop verified that my vehicle’s VIN is covered under American Honda/Acura's active 15-year/unlimited-mile warranty extension for Service Bulletin 19-021, which was issued specifically to address a known manufacturing defect involving internal EPS relay wire fatigue. The vehicle was subsequently towed to Metro Acura for the warranty repair. Because the manufacturing defect is inherently intermittent, the EPS system temporarily self-recovered due to ignition cycling and physical vibrations during flatbed transit. Metro Acura and American Honda are currently denying warranty coverage and refusing to replace the defective EPS unit, stating they cannot honor the warranty extension unless they can actively duplicate the failure on-site or pull a live code themselves. By refusing to honor the safety warranty extension and ignoring a documented professional diagnosis of a known, intermittent component fracture, the manufacturer and dealer are forcing me to retrieve and operate a vehicle with a volatile, un-repaired steering defect. This poses an ongoing, severe risk of sudden steering loss to myself, my passengers, and other motorists. I request that NHTSA investigate American Honda’s practice of denying coverage for this critical, intermittent safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653529April 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to formally report a significant paint defect on my 2013 Acura TL. Large sections of the clear coat are peeling off the vehicle and the issue continues to spread. The vehicle has been well maintained and regularly washed. This issue is not only unsightly and damaging to the vehicle’s resale value, but it may also lead to more serious deterioration of the exterior over time, including rust or corrosion. After researching online, I discovered that this appears to be a widespread issue affecting numerous Acura and Honda vehicles from similar model years. I am requesting that Acura take responsibility for this clear coat failure and offer a paint repair or reimbursement under a goodwill or extended warranty program. I would also appreciate confirmation as to whether there are any technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended paint warranties related to this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523751May 24, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The 2013 Acura TL has a problem with the pistons in the engine causing excessive oil consumption. This was the subject matter of a class action described in the website Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This part should be recalled and American Honda should be required to repair or replace the pistons in the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11450853February 7, 2022
AIR BAGS
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446949January 10, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
The contact owns a 2013 Acura TL. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, he heard abnormal rattling sounds coming from the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the serpentine belt had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact stated that he contacted the manufacturer but was unable to reach a representative. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444909December 24, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
I was driving my 2013 Acura Tl on my way to work and suddenly I got an electronic power steering error that resulted in my steering wheel stiff and I had to use all my strength to pull over to the emergency lane. The vehicle's steering became very heavy and was very hard to turn. I am fortunate not to be in an accident when it occurred. There is so many people with Acura TL having this issue and Acura need to do something about it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444788December 23, 2021
AIR BAGS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11432045September 7, 2021
STEERING
WHILE CROSSING MEDIAN AHEAD OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LOST POWER, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO STEER TO AVOID COLLISION. STEERING WARNING BEGAN TO FLASH BUT GAVE NO ADVANCE WARNING. I WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO STEER THE CAR. ENGINE WAS RUNNING. CAR IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. HONDA DEALER SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM. POWER STEERING IS STILL INOPERATIVE AND THE DEALER SAYS NO RECALLS FOR T HIS PROBLEM.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11413879April 25, 2021
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
2013 ACURA TL - 64,500 MILES - DRIVING ON FREEWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC - CHECK STEERING LIGHT COMES ON - WAS GOING TO MOVE OVER TO FAR RIGHT LANE AND STOP AT NEXT EXIT TO CHECK ISSUE - STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO LOCK AND WOULD NOT LET ME GO TO RIGHT - INSTANTLY TURNED ON FLASHERS HOPING SOMEONE WOULD GO AROUND - ALL I COULD DO TO MAKE IT TO SIDE OF ROAD - HAD TO LEAVE CAR AND CALL UBER TO ARRIVE SAFELY TO MY DESTINATION - BEGAN LOOKING AT COMPLAINS - APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING COMPLAINT AND NO SAFETY WARNINGS / RECALLS HAVE BEEN FILED - WENT WITH ACURA DUE TO THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS OF VERY SAFE AND DEPENDABLE CAR BUT AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND NO EXCUSE FOR PUTTING PEOPLE IN SUCH A DANGEROUS SITUATION- PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOME IS KILLED - AT THE VERY LEAST GIVE A WARNING THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING - IS ACURA TRYING TO LOOSE REPEAT CUSTOMERS- THEY ARE SUCCEEDING - TERRIBLE REPUTATION FOR ACURA IF U DON'T DO THE RIGHT THING AND PUT YOUR CUSTOMERS FIRST - WE'VE BEEN LOYAL -NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO SHOW LOYALTY TO US - -
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11391141February 2, 2021
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN MY AIR BAG ON DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11388220January 14, 2021
POWER TRAIN
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. IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING WHEN THE CAR HAD AROUND 36,000 MILES ON IT WE BROUGHT IT IN AND THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED/ FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION THAT FIXED IT FOR ROUGHLY 36,000 MILES . IN 2018 IT STATED AGAIN WHEN THE CAR HAD 73,000 MI THEY UPDATED THE COMPUTER AGAIN APPARENTLY THERE WAS ANOTHER UPDATE AND THEY FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY FOR ABOUT 27,000 MILES THIS TIME. NOW THE CAR HAS JUST OVER 100,000 MI ON IT AND IT'S DOING IT AGAIN APPARENTLY FROM WHAT I'VE LEARNED AND HEARD YOU CAN HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED AND PUT SOME LUBE GUARD SHUTTER FIX IN IT AND IT WILL HELP IT AND MAYBE EVEN CURE THE ISSUE ON SOME CARS BUT OTHERS IT'S TOO LATE AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED OR OVERHAULED. AT THE VERY LEAST THE TORQUE CONVERTER WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS HONDA KNEW THEY HAD A PROBLEM AND THEY PRETTY MUCH PUT A PATCH ON IT UNTIL YOU'RE PAST THE WARRANT I BELIEVE THAT THE WARRANTY SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO 150,000 MILES!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11383078December 11, 2020
STEERING
2013 ACURA TL STEERING GOT LOCKED AFTER CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM, THIS IS VERY RISKY IF I WAS ON HIGHWAY AND WOULD HAVE HAPPEN DURING DRIVING. SUCH PROBLEMS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY CO ASAP AS THIS IS LIFE THREATENING TO DRIVER INCLUDING PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE DURING PROBLEM. STEERING IS LOCKED AND CAN'T MOVE IN ANY DIRECTION.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11375341November 19, 2020
STEERING
IN JULY 2020, WITH 82143 MILES, MY POWER STEERING COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11365690October 22, 2020
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY KIDS AND THE STEERING PRACTICALLY LOCKED UP, BUT I WAS STILL GOING ABOUT 50 MPH. THANKFULLY, WE DIDN'T GET HIT WHILE I GUIDED THE CAR OVER TO STOP SAFELY. THE PANEL JUST TOLD ME TO CHECK THE STEERING SYSTEM... WHILE I WAS TRYING NOT TO GET HIT AFTER LOSING ALL POWER TO MY STEERING WITH NO WARNING WHILE DRIVING. HAD VEHICLE TOWED HOME, AS IT WAS NIGHTTIME. NOW I HAVE TO GET IT SENT TO SOMEONE WHO MIGHT TELL ME ANYTHING. THIS LOOKS LIKE A SERIOUS TREND BASED OFF OF WHAT I'VE READ ON THIS SIGHT. IT'S DANGEROUS AND I'M SURE GETTING IT FIXED WILL BE COSTLY. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE ON MANY LEVELS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11365262October 19, 2020
STEERING
COULD HAD AN ACCIDENT I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LIGHT ON MY CAR CAME ON SAYING THAT THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE OUT AT THAT TIME I REALIZE THAT I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR IT WAS HARD I HAD TO GET A FEEL FOR IT TO TURN IT SO I COULD PULL OFF TO THE SIDE AND THEN THAT'S WHEN I CALLED AAA TO COME AND TOW THE CAR BECAUSE I COULD NOT STEER IT. MY CAR HAS 75,000 MILES ONLY. THAT'S A MAJOR PART THAT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11361350September 27, 2020
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 ACURA TL ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN I GOT AN 'ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ' ERROR THAT RESULTED IN MY STEERING WHEEL REQUIRED ME TO USE ALL MY STRENGTH TO PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE'S STEERING BECAME VERY HEAVY AND WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. I AM FORTUNATE THAT MY WIFE WAS NOT DRIVING, BECAUSE SHE WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THE STRENGTH TO PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE WITHOUT POWER STEERING. ACURA SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES TO NOT HAVE ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11353097September 3, 2020
STEERING
WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE THE CHECK "ELECTRONIC POWER SYSTEM" INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AS I WAS BACKING INTO THE STREET OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. AS I ENTERED THE STREET THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT LET ME TURN THE WHEEL TO COMPLETE TURNING TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS TO DRIVE FORWARD. I WAS LITERALLY STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND I LIVE ON THE DOWNSIDE OF A HILL SO CARS CAN'T SEE ME UNTIL THEY TOP THE HILL, FORTUNATELY MY HUSBAND WAS HOME AND HELPED PUSH THE CAR BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. ALTHOUGH NOT AS SCARY AS SOME OF THE INCIDENTS I HAVE READ ABOUT THE EPS MODULE FAILING, I UNDERSTAND THE FEAR THEY MUST HAVE HAD WITH THIS HAPPENING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY OR STREET. I NOW HAVE TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST ACURA DEALERSHIP WHICH IS 45 MINUTES TO AN HOUR DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC BECAUSE I'M TO AFRAID TO DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY. THE COST OF REPAIR THAT WAS QUOTED IS ASTRONOMICAL, $420 LABOR, $780.06 FOR THE PART...NOT TO MENTION THE TOW$$. REALLY... ACURA/HONDA, YOU GOT TO KNOW THIS IS A SAFTY ISSUE IF THERE EVER WAS ONE! WHAT WILL IT TAKE...A GRANDMOTHER (LIKE ME) DRIVING HER GRAND KIDS TO DAYCARE TO LOSE CONTROL BEFORE YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A PROBLEM. NHTSA, PLEASE FOLLOW UP!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11351107August 25, 2020
STEERING
RECEIVED DIAGNOSTIC MESSAGE TO CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM. LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL ON THE VEHICLE WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. MY MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A COMPUTER ISSUE AND RECOMMENDED THAT I TAKE IT TO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11348891August 12, 2020
STEERING
EPS LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AND POWER STEERING FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. COMPLETELY RANDOM WHEN IT DECIDES TO WORK AND CAR IS UNDER 69000 MILES. AS AN EXAMPLE I WAS TAKING A TURN AND IT FAILED HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A CAR ACCIDENT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11330259June 23, 2020
STEERING
I WAS ABOUT TO DRIVE IN TO MY GARAGE WHEN I FELT MY STEERING WHEEL HAD SOME RESISTANCE AND HARD TO MANEUVER. THE DRIVER PANEL SAYS "CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM!" AS I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND TURNED IT BACK ON, WARNING MESSAGE DISAPPEARED. POWER STEERING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. A WEEK LATER, AS I WAS DRIVING THE FREEWAY, "CHECK POWER STEERING SYSTEM!" REAPPEARED. THERE WAS SOME RESISTANCE ON THE POWER STEERING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. WHEN I REACHED OUR DRIVEWAY, I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, BUT THE WARNING MESSAGE STILL APPEARS ON THE DRIVE PANEL. I WENT AHEAD AND SET-UP APPOINTMENT ONLINE AT ACURA CONCORD ON JUNE 23, 2020 AT 0730 FOR SERVICE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Acura TL