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Acura · Mid-Size · 2009–2014

Acura TL UA7

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations


Engine Overview

The Acura TL UA7 is available with 2 engine variants — from 252 to 299 hp.

3.5L V6 · Petrol· 269 PS
2009 2014
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
SH-AWD · Petrol· 300 PS
2009 2014
Stay Away! 1 weakness

The Acura 3.5L V6 (Petrol, 269 PS) has the J35 (3.5L V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

The Acura SH-AWD (Petrol, 300 PS) has the J37 (3.7L V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 1 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
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
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
334 complaints · 2009–2014
Airbags
136 ⚠ 9
Steering
58 ⚠ 2
Powertrain
48 ⚠ 1
Engine
28
Electrical
22

Top Reported Issues

Airbags (136 complaints)
Steering (58 complaints)
Powertrain (48 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 5 weaknesses have been documented for the Acura TL UA7 (2009–2014) — 4 engine-related and 1 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: J35 (3.5L V6), J37 (3.7L V6). Typical issues affect Steering.

TL (J35, 2009–2014) — Stay Away!: VCM-Induced Oil Consumption, Connecting Rod Bearing Failure (Recall 23V751), Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Recall 23V858). Power: 269 PS.

TL (J37, 2009–2014) — Stay Away!: Excessive Oil Consumption — J37 V6. 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

What problems and weaknesses does the Acura TL UA7 have? +
The Acura TL UA7 has 4 known engine weaknesses and 1 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Acura TL UA7? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the J35 (3.5L V6). Problem engine: J35 (3.5L V6) — stay away!
Which Acura TL UA7 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Acura TL UA7 — rated: "Decent". {description} 265 hp naturally aspirated, FWD, classic Honda V6 character. Not a sports car, but a reliable highway cruiser if you keep the oil topped up.
Is the Acura TL UA7 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Acura TL UA7 — 2 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Acura TL UA7? +
The Acura TL UA7 is available with engine variants from 252 to 299 hp. Petrol: J35 (3.5L V6), J37 (3.7L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee