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Acura · Mid-Size · 2004–2008 Custom Search

Acura TL UA6

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Acura TL UA6 is available with 2 engine variants — from 252 to 299 hp.

3.2L V6 SOHC VTEC · Petrol· 270 PS
2004 2008

3.2-liter SOHC V6 with VTEC, 270 hp. Last of the J32 family in the TL. Solid foundation with good low-end torque and typical Honda V6 sound. Timing chain instead of belt — no interval replacement. Known weak spots: power steering rack leaks over time, engine mounts soften past 80,000 miles.

No known weaknesses documented.

TL Type-S · Petrol· 286 PS
2007 2008

Honda J35 V6, workhorse of the Acura fleet. Runs solid when VCM is disabled or dead. Variable Cylinder Management causes progressive oil consumption from ring wear — a VCM disabler or oil catch can is the community's standard countermeasure.

  • !! VCM-Induced Oil Consumption from 130,000 km

    Variable Cylinder Management reduces ring seal pressure in deactivated cylinders, causing progressive ring and valve stem seal wear. Typical consumption 1 qt per 1,000 miles by 80k miles.

    Symptoms: Oil level drops between service intervals without visible leaks, oil warning light before service due, faint bluish smoke on cold starts
    300–8,000 $
    Ad piston rings J35VCM disabler MDX TLXoil catch can J35
  • !! Connecting Rod Bearing Failure (Recall 23V751) from 145,000 km

    Manufacturing defect in connecting rod bearings causes premature wear and catastrophic seizure. Recall 23V751 covers only select VINs.

    Symptoms: Metallic knocking from engine, sudden power loss, metal shavings in oil pan
    6,000–24,000 $
    Ad connecting rod bearing set J35replacement engine J35Y6recall XG1 GG0 Acura
  • !! Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall 23V858) from 50,000 km

    Low-pressure fuel pump fails due to particulate contamination, causing engine stall at speed. Three consecutive recalls (2020-2023).

    Symptoms: Sudden engine stall during driving, hard start or no-start, power loss during acceleration
    0–800 $
    Ad fuel pump module Acura MDX RDX TLXrecall 23V85817045-T6N-A00

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖5-Speed Automatic: Complete Failure

Same Honda 5-speed automatic as MDX YD1. 3rd gear clutch pack wears, metal shavings destroy system. Acura offered extended warranty, long since expired.

Symptoms: Harsh shifts, grinding during gear changes, transmission warning light, complete loss of drive
from 130,000 km
Ad automatic transmission Acura TL UA6Honda BDGA transmission TL
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,431 complaints · 2004–2008
  1. 01 Airbags
    503 ⚠ 14
  2. 02 Body Structure
    492 ⚠ 2
  3. 03 Other
    186 ⚠ 4
  4. 04 Powertrain
    126 ⚠ 4
  5. 05 Steering
    125 ⚠ 4

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (503 complaints)
⚠ Body Structure (492 complaints)
⚠ Other (186 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 9 weaknesses have been documented for the Acura TL UA6 (2004–2008) — 3 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: J35 (3.5L V6). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Interior, Electronics, Steering.

TL (J35, 2007–2008) — Stay Away!: VCM-Induced Oil Consumption, Connecting Rod Bearing Failure (Recall 23V751), Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall 23V858). Power: 286 PS.

What to watch out for with the Acura TL? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Acura TL UA6 have? +
The Acura TL UA6 has 3 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Acura TL UA6? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: J32A3 (3.2L V6 SOHC VTEC). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the J35 (3.5L V6). Problem engine: J35 (3.5L V6) — stay away!
Which Acura TL UA6 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Acura TL UA6 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The Type-S got the 3.5 with 286 hp, front Brembo brakes and a mechanical LSD — everything the base TL lacked. The 5-speed auto with paddle shifters isn't a DCT, but for 2007 it's an excellent compromise. One of the last real Acura sports sedans before the brand lost its way.
Is the Acura TL UA6 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Acura TL UA6 — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Acura TL UA6? +
The Acura TL UA6 is available with engine variants from 252 to 299 hp. Petrol: J35 (3.5L V6), J32A3 (3.2L V6 SOHC VTEC).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee