2012 Acura Tl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Acura Tl: 3 recalls, 130 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V061000 · 2016 · 2,232,187 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V182000 · 2019 · 1,101,534 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V500000 · 2019 · 1,558 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (43): the most common themes are warning light on (8), fails to deploy (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (27): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (14), noise or vibration (8), stalls / loses power (6).
- Steering (25): the most common themes are steering problems (23), warning light on (6).
- Engine (18): the most common themes are noise or vibration (8), excess oil use (7), leaks (4).
The 2012 Acura Tl has 130 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 20 Tl model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 156). Complaints peaked in 2016 (30 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 55,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (20 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (62 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Premium |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Acura Tl.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Acura Tl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Acura Tl. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Acura Tl problems?
Owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (43), transmission & drivetrain (27), steering (25).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Acura Tl get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic (S6)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Acura Tl repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.