Acura TL UA7
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The fourth-generation Acura TL (UA7, 2009 to 2014) grew larger, heavier, and more luxurious than its celebrated predecessor, and in the stronger trims it introduced the SH-AWD all-wheel-drive system that gave the car remarkable traction and handling. The sharp-edged grille was controversial, but mechanically the UA7 is a well-equipped, comfortable sport sedan. It's cheap on the used market now, but it demands a careful engine and suspension inspection, because not every drivetrain variant is equally recommendable.
The engines need to be told apart. The 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V6 (J35) is the smoother, more balanced naturally aspirated unit with good torque and long life beyond 300,000 miles. The 3.7-liter (J37), usually paired with all-wheel drive, offers stronger, silkier pull and a nicer sound, but it's the more troublesome choice when it comes to reliability and especially oil consumption. Both V6s share the J-series Achilles' heel: the VCM cylinder-deactivation system drives up oil consumption, fouls spark plugs and causes misfires, and accelerates engine-mount wear through vibration. The J37 can burn up to a quart of oil every 1,000 miles, particularly on the early 2009 SH-AWD cars. A VCM disable module and regular oil checks are essentially mandatory here. The UA7 engines are interference designs too, with strict timing-belt and water-pump intervals.
Among the vehicle-level issues, the electric power steering stands out: the EPS control unit or steering motor can fail without warning, leaving the wheel extremely heavy, which is dangerous at speed. The three catalytic converters in the exhaust path can break down internally, and a loose core rattles and can even be pulled into the engine through valve overlap. The hydraulic engine mounts lose their fluid and crack around 160,000 miles, a classic J-series pattern. The dampers also wear early and should be replaced in pairs front and rear.
Bottom line, the UA7 is a comfortable, well-equipped cruiser, but you have to buy one with your eyes open. The front-drive J35 is the more sensible pick, while the J37 with SH-AWD is the more emotional but thirstier candidate. Look for a documented timing-belt change, check oil consumption over a longer drive, confirm the EPS works, and inspect the engine mounts. A cared-for example with VCM disabled is a solid, quiet long-distance companion.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Acura TL UA7 is available with 3 engine variants — from 269 to 300 hp.
The 3.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC V6 is fundamentally a robust, smooth naturally aspirated engine with strong torque and long life well beyond 300,000 km. Its weak point is the VCM cylinder-deactivation system, which promotes oil consumption, oil-fouled spark plugs and misfires on the deactivated cylinders. Honda replaced piston rings under a class-action settlement and extended the warranty accordingly. When buying, check documented oil consumption and the timing-belt-driven water pump — the belt on this interference engine is due roughly every 165,000 km or seven years, and a broken belt means bent valves. Many owners fit a VCM disabler module to head off the oil problem before it starts.
- !! High oil consumption from VCM (piston rings) from 130,000 km
The VCM cylinder-deactivation system lets oil slip past the rings of the deactivated cylinders into the combustion chamber. Rings coke up and oil consumption rises sharply. Honda replaced piston rings under a class-action settlement and extended the warranty.
Symptoms: Oil level drops noticeably between changes (over 1 litre per 2,000 km), blue smoke on acceleration, oil warning light, power loss. - !! Timing belt and water pump interval (interference engine) from 165,000 km
The J35 is an interference engine with a timing belt; a snapped belt bends valves and destroys the engine. Replace the belt roughly every 165,000 km or seven years. The water pump is belt-driven and must always be replaced together.
Symptoms: Usually no warning; possible signs: squealing belt noise, coolant seeping at the timing cover side, camshaft sensor code P0344. - !! Water pump bearing failure (belt-driven) from 150,000 km
The timing-belt-driven water pump can leak from a worn bearing or seize. A seized bearing can snap the timing belt, causing consequential damage on this interference engine.
Symptoms: Coolant seeping from the weep hole, high-pitched whine or grinding from the belt area, overheating, coolant loss.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 3.7-litre SOHC i-VTEC V6 is the larger, more powerful version with strong, silky power delivery and a pleasant note, often paired with all-wheel drive. Reliability and oil consumption, however, are more troublesome than on its smaller sibling: the VCM system here causes at times heavy oil consumption, fouled plugs and misfires, prompting the maker to issue a dedicated oil-consumption warranty extension. When buying, demand full oil records and run an oil-consumption test. The timing belt and belt-driven water pump on this interference engine are due roughly every 165,000 km or seven years; a snapped belt means engine failure. Many owners fit a VCM disabler module.
- !! Heavy oil consumption from VCM from 110,000 km
The 3.7-litre is known for heavy oil consumption: via VCM, oil slips past the rings of the deactivated cylinders. The maker issued a dedicated oil-consumption warranty extension (TSB 19-006).
Symptoms: Heavy oil loss (reports of over 3 litres per 5,000 km), blue smoke, oil warning light, fouled plugs with misfires, power loss. - !! Timing belt and water pump interval (interference engine) from 165,000 km
The J37 is an interference engine with a timing belt; a snapped belt bends valves and destroys the engine. Replace the belt roughly every 165,000 km or seven years, always together with the belt-driven water pump.
Symptoms: Usually no warning; possible signs: belt squeal, coolant trace at the timing cover, camshaft sensor fault. - !! Misfires and oil-fouled spark plugs (VCM) from 110,000 km
Oil burnt via VCM fouls the plugs of the deactivated cylinders, causing misfires (P0301–P0306). On the 3.7-litre, always check oil level and plug condition first when misfires appear.
Symptoms: Rough running and vibration, flashing check-engine light, misfire codes, unstable idle, power dips.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Power Steering: Sudden Failure EPS control unit or motor fails without warning. Steering becomes extremely heavy. Especially dangerous at highway speed. Symptoms: Steering suddenly heavy, EPS warning light, steering wheel vibration, delayed steering response from 100,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Acura TL UA7 (2009–2014) — 12 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: J35 (3.5L V6), J37 (3.7L V6). Typical issues affect Steering, Other, Body, Suspension.
TL (J35, 2009–2014) — Stay Away!: High oil consumption from VCM (piston rings), Timing belt and water pump interval (interference engine), Water pump bearing failure (belt-driven). Power: 269 PS.
TL (J37, 2009–2014) — Stay Away!: Heavy oil consumption from VCM, Timing belt and water pump interval (interference engine), Misfires and oil-fouled spark plugs (VCM). Power: 300 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee