2011 Acura Tl

The 5-speed automatic transmission in the 2009-2014 TL (particularly the V6 SH-AWD model) can develop harsh shifts, delayed engagement, and in severe cases, complete transmission failure. Third and fourth gear clutch pack wear is the most common failure mode. The transmission may also exhibit a shudder during torque converter lockup at highway speeds.

Perform a transmission fluid drain and refill every 30,000 miles with Honda DW-1 ATF. Multiple drain-and-fill cycles with driving in between can improve shift quality. If the transmission has developed slipping or harsh shifts that do not improve with fresh fluid, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary. Avoid aggressive driving from cold starts.

The 2009-2014 Acura TL dashboard surface is prone to cracking, typically starting near the defroster vents and passenger airbag area. The cracks worsen with UV exposure and heat. This is a well-documented defect shared with other Honda/Acura models of the era and affects the structural integrity of the passenger airbag deployment area.

Contact Acura Customer Relations at 1-800-382-2238 to inquire about goodwill dashboard replacement. Acura has offered coverage for some affected vehicles. If not covered, the dashboard pad assembly must be replaced, which requires extensive interior disassembly including removal of the instrument cluster, HVAC unit, and airbags.

The Acura/Honda HandsFreeLink Bluetooth system in the 2012 TL frequently drops phone connections, fails to pair with newer smartphones, and has poor call quality with excessive background noise. The system is not compatible with modern Bluetooth profiles used by current smartphones, and the phonebook sync feature often fails.

Update the HandsFreeLink module firmware at the dealer, though improvements are limited by the hardware's age. Delete and re-pair the phone, ensuring only one phone is paired at a time. An aftermarket Bluetooth adapter connected to the AUX input provides more reliable audio streaming. Aftermarket CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit kits are available for improved connectivity.

The power steering rack on the SH-AWD TL can develop fluid leaks from the rack seals, causing a gradual loss of power steering assist and a whining noise from the pump. The SH-AWD system places higher demands on the steering components, accelerating wear. Fluid drips may be visible under the front of the vehicle.

Replace the power steering rack with a remanufactured or new unit. Flush the power steering system with Honda Power Steering Fluid. Inspect the pressure and return lines for leaks and deterioration. The rack replacement requires a wheel alignment afterward. Using genuine Honda PS fluid (not generic ATF) is important for system longevity.

The SH-AWD system's rear torque vectoring places additional stress on the rear tires, causing them to wear faster than the fronts. Owners of SH-AWD TL models report needing rear tire replacement every 20,000-25,000 miles, even with regular rotations. Aggressive driving exacerbates the uneven wear pattern.

Rotate tires every 5,000-7,500 miles and maintain proper alignment. The SH-AWD system requires all four tires to be within 2/32-inch tread depth of each other, so matching tire wear across all four positions is critical. Using a quality all-season tire with a 60,000+ mile treadwear warranty helps offset the faster rear wear.

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 propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.

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 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

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.

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 owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

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 susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

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.

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.