2012 Acura TL recalls and problems
The 2012 Acura TL has 3 safety recalls and 130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Acura dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Acura TL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Acura TL recalls
Recall 19V-500: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Recall 19V-182: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Recall 16V-061: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
2012 Acura TL problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 43 | |
| Power Train | 27 | |
| Steering | 25 | |
| Engine | 18 | |
| Electrical System | 11 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Wheels | 4 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 3 | |
| Seats | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 3
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Acura TL complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Acura TL years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Acura TL have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Acura TL: 19V-500 (air bags), 19V-182 (air bags), 16V-061 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Acura TL?
Owners report air bags problems most often (43 reports), followed by power train (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 miles.
Are Acura recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Acura dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.