2009 Acura TL: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Gen-4 launch year: polarizing grille, capable SH-AWD, but the 3.7L oil-consumption issue begins and Takata airbags apply. A solid driver if you choose the FWD 3.5L or confirm a documented, healthy AWD engine. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Acura TL ranged from $34,955 to $43,235 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10
Mixed track record

Gen-4 launch year: polarizing grille, capable SH-AWD, but the 3.7L oil-consumption issue begins and Takata airbags apply. A solid driver if you choose the FWD 3.5L or confirm a documented, healthy AWD engine.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=tl&mode…
  • carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/acura-tl-reliability-and-common-problems/
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/acura/tl

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=tl&mode…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=tl&mode…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=acura&model=tl&mode…
  • carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/acura-tl-reliability-and-common-problems/
  • carcomplaints.comhttps://www.carcomplaints.com/Acura/TL/2010/engine/excessive_oil_consumption.…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Generously equipped: standard Bluetooth, available hard-drive navigation, ELS surround audio, and a high-quality cabin.
  • SH-AWD torque-vectoring all-wheel drive gives outstanding cornering grip and confident all-weather traction.
  • Strong, refined V6 powertrains: 280 hp 3.5L (FWD) and 305-306 hp 3.7L (SH-AWD) deliver brisk acceleration.
  • Acura reliability and low running costs: RepairPal rates it 4.0/5 with repair costs well below the luxury-sedan average, and well-kept cars commonly top 200,000 miles.

Cons

  • Premium 91-octane fuel is recommended for full power, and the firm ride and snug rear seat trail roomier rivals.
  • No folding rear seatback, only a small pass-through, limits cargo versatility versus competitors.
  • The 3.7L SH-AWD engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, needing regular monitoring and top-ups; the FWD 3.5L is the safer used buy.
  • Polarizing 2009-2011 beak grille styling (toned down in the 2012 refresh) hurt curb appeal and resale.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
Base $34,955 discontinued — —
SH-AWD $38,505 discontinued — —
Technology $38,685 discontinued — —
SH-AWD Technology $42,235 discontinued — —
SH-AWD Technology Performance $43,235 discontinued — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-acura-tl-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $450–500/yr
Expected lifespan~250k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2009 Acura TL have?

Documented issue patterns include: Takata airbag inflator recall affects these years and airbag-related reports are the single largest NHTSA complaint category for the generation. Confirm the recall was completed before purchase; 3.7L V6 SH-AWD cars can consume oil at an abnormal rate (often around a quart per 1,000 miles), tied to piston-ring coking, worst on 2009-2010 builds. Acura settled some cases with engine replacements and extended warranties. The front-drive 3.5L V6 is largely unaffected; Steering complaints (excessive play, looseness, vibration or noise) cluster on later 2012-2013 cars; generally a wear or alignment item rather than a sudden failure; The 2009-2011 5-speed automatic can shift harshly or hesitate; the 6-speed automatic added with the 2012 refresh smoothed front-drive shift quality. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2009 Acura TL reliable?

Gen-4 launch year: polarizing grille, capable SH-AWD, but the 3.7L oil-consumption issue begins and Takata airbags apply. A solid driver if you choose the FWD 3.5L or confirm a documented, healthy AWD engine.

How much did the 2009 Acura TL cost new?

Between $34,955 and $43,235 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Acura TL expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.