MYRModel Year Report

2012 Acura TL

● Typical for this model
2012 Acura TL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:23.108Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
130
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 26 complaints 1997: 23 complaints 1998: 20 complaints 1998 1999: 157 complaints 2000: 249 complaints 2001: 149 complaints 2001 2002: 333 complaints 2003: 391 complaints 2004: 551 complaints 2004 2005: 388 complaints 2006: 247 complaints 2007: 124 complaints 2007 2008: 124 complaints 2009: 42 complaints 2010: 64 complaints 2011: 20 complaints 2012: 130 complaints 2012 130 2013: 62 complaints 2014: 17 complaints
1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 26 complaints 1997: 23 complaints 1997 1998: 20 complaints 1999: 157 complaints 1999 2000: 249 complaints 2001: 149 complaints 2001 2002: 333 complaints 2003: 391 complaints 2003 2004: 551 complaints 2005: 388 complaints 2005 2006: 247 complaints 2007: 124 complaints 2007 2008: 124 complaints 2009: 42 complaints 2009 2010: 64 complaints 2011: 20 complaints 2012: 130 complaints 2012 130 2013: 62 complaints 2014: 17 complaints
1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 26 complaints 1996 1997: 23 complaints 1997 1998: 20 complaints 1998 1999: 157 complaints 1999 2000: 249 complaints 2000 2001: 149 complaints 2001 2002: 333 complaints 2002 2003: 391 complaints 2003 2004: 551 complaints 2004 2005: 388 complaints 2005 2006: 247 complaints 2006 2007: 124 complaints 2007 2008: 124 complaints 2008 2009: 42 complaints 2009 2010: 64 complaints 2010 2011: 20 complaints 2011 2012: 130 complaints 2012 130 2013: 62 complaints 2013 2014: 17 complaints 2014

2012: 130 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19951
199626
199723
199820
1999157
2000249
2001149
2002333
2003391
2004551
2005388
2006247
2007124
2008124
200942
201064
201120
2012130
201362
201417

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

33% · 43 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

In an auto collision where a car rear end the vehicle from an idle position into an 18-foot box truck in front which was also idle. The vehicle smashed in the front and back which it was deemed a total loss and the airbag did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-08-03

Also filed under Structure

TL* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Acura TL. While at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle from the rear. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-08-09

Power train

21% · 27 reports

Steering

19% · 25 reports
INJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Electrical power steering internal failure

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-14

Engine

14% · 18 reports

Electrical system

8% · 11 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Immobilizer unit (recognizes/reads chip in key fob) failure led to the car shutting off the fuel pump leading to the car shutting down. The car could not be started again leaving the driver stranded by the side of the road.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-21

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2017-02-22Air bags16V061000 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,...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2019-04-10Air bags19V182000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  4. R
    2019-08-12Air bags19V500000 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...

    Remedy: 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Acura TL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 43 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V061000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V182000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V500000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Acura TL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Acura TL is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Acura TL?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Acura TL have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.