Most common 2009 Acura TL problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Acura TL complaints by model year
Best TL years: 2011, 2014, 2009. Years to avoid: 2004, 2003, 2002, 2005, 2000. Compare all years →
2009 Acura TL recalls (3)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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…
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
Remedy: 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.
What 2009 Acura TL owners say
Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2009 Acura TL. While driving approximately 5 MPH, a second vehicle t-boned the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags deployed as intended. The driver sustained severe lacerations to the scalp that required 225 stitches and 5 cracked cervicle vertebrae. Medical attention was required. The contact indicated that broken glass was not present inside the vehicle and the cause of the injuries was undetermined. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 30,000.
TL* the contact owns a 2009 Acura TL. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the air bags deployed independently and caused the vehicle to crash into a fence. A police report was filed. The contact sustained hand and face injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The lower part of the dashboard, at mid level on the left and right sides next to the vent openings, is finished with a reflective material that causes severe side mirror glare when driving with sunlight coming from the rear. The glare is so bad, that it creates a blind spot in the side view mirror. When this happens, the glare almost completely covers the entire surface of the mirror, making it impossible to see whatever might be in the next lane or behind. In an emergency situation, if you come across something in the road and must change lanes, if you look into the mirror, you can't see what is in the lane next to you because of the glare. This could lead to an accident, particularly if there is not enough time to turn and look.
This problem has not created an accident, but it has the potential to cause accidents. The gunmetal trim inserted into the left and right lower sides of the dash create a blinding glare in the rear view mirrors on sunny days. The glare is so bad, it covers nearly all of the surface of the left hand mirror, so when changing lanes from right to left, the driver will miss seeing a car in the left lane because of the glare. It is even more pronounced for a car that May be in the blind spot. Same is true, but not as bad, as the right lane. I had to cover up the trim by covering it with a black cloth taped to the gunmetal trim.
Body & structure
Hood falls suddenly when open. Struts have failed to hold the hood open securely. I have reported this problem to the dealer ( Acura of santa monica california) and they told me it was probably due to hot weather in los angeles. Now, the second time, it has happened in winter when the la temperatures are in the 60's. This is a dangerous problem and should not happen. I came very close to seriously injuring my hand or losing a finger!!!
The lower part of the dashboard, at mid level on the left and right sides next to the vent openings, is finished with a reflective material that causes severe side mirror glare when driving with sunlight coming from the rear. The glare is so bad, that it creates a blind spot in the side view mirror. When this happens, the glare almost completely covers the entire surface of the mirror, making it impossible to see whatever might be in the next lane or behind. In an emergency situation, if you come across something in the road and must change lanes, if you look into the mirror, you can't see what is in the lane next to you because of the glare. This could lead to an accident, particularly if there is not enough time to turn and look.
2009 Acura TL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Acura TL a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 TL rates better than average: 51% fewer complaints than a typical year of the TL at the same age. It is one of the best TL years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Acura TL?
The air bags — 19 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (6) and body & structure (6).
How many recalls does the 2009 Acura TL have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2009 Acura TL, the most recent from June 27, 2019 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Acura TL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2014 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004, 2003, 2002, 2005 and 2000. See the full Acura TL years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Acura TL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.