Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 5% | 30,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 6% | 23,000 miles |
| 2008 | 9 | 7% | 67,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% | 44,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% | 85,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 2% | 89,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 1% | 8,000 miles |
| 2003 | 20 | 5% | 45,000 miles |
| 2002 | 15 | 5% | 43,000 miles |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% | 82,000 miles |
| 2000 | 11 | 4% | 99,000 miles |
| 1999 | 10 | 6% | 99,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 10% | 115,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 17% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
TL* the contact owns a 2012 Acura TL. While driving 65 MPH the accelerator pedal failed and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but the failure was unable to be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Updated 02/21/17 the consumer stated during acceleration, the vehicle would hesitate and jerk. Less than five minutes in accessory mode, the battery would die. Updated 02/23/17.
TL* the contact owns a 2012 Acura TL. While the accelerator pedal was gradually depressed, the vehicle hesitated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,700.
TL* the contact owns a 2010 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH in heavy traffic, the vehicle lunged when the brake pedal was depressed and crashed into another vehicle. There were no personal injuries. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle sustained severe front end body damages and was repaired by an independent mechanic. The failure occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to duplicate or determine the cause of failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The failure mileage was unavailable.
TL* the contact owns a 2010 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds and applying the brake, the vehicle abnormally accelerated to 80 MPH. The contact applied the brakes, engaged the emergency brake and shifted into neutral. The vehicle did not stop until the contact maneuvered the vehicle off the roadway and over a gravel road. The bumpers and the rotors were damaged from the failure. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection however, the dealer was unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was 24,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate, and the vehicle lost automotive power and shifted into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and drove as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "System too Lean" was displayed on the instrument panel associated with Bank 1 and Bank 2. While starting the vehicle and while the vehicle idling, the RPM was raised above 1,000 RPM, and the message "Idle Position Needs to be Relearned " was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated properly. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the throttle pedal position sensor had an incorrect voltage. The contact was unsure of the repairs performed and the DTC were cleared. …
While driving car, speed decelerated despite pressing on gas/accelerator pedal. Total ability to control speed on high way ended, as car crawled to a speed of under 5mph, nearly resulting in being hit by vehicles behind me. Immediately called independent mechanic who advised me to cut off ignition and restart the car. Highly dangerous to even attempt on a highway during rush hour traffic, nearly resulting in a multiple car crash. Reproduced several times until mechanic was able to diagnose and correct an issue unknown to me. There was no warning light indicator at all, no messages on car navigation/information panel.
My dashboard has two long vertical cracks directly over the passenger side airbag. This is a known issue with this vehicle as noted by the numerous complaints received. The car has been garaged continuously since I have owned it over 7 years. There was no accident or incident to cause the cracking. It is a serious potential airbag safety issue. Acura does not want to address the issue despite a multitude of complaints. My wife will no longer sit in the passenger seat due to fear for her safety and possible airbag deployment.
This week my Acura TL 2007 4 dr sdn at begin to miss a little when pressing the accelerator. Yesterday as I was pulling forward into an intersection when the light turned green my car would not accelerate when I pressed on the accelerator. Everyone started honking at my being in the way and I was able when pressing the accelerator to move the car very slowly to the side of the road. My electronic dashboard started lighting up that I must take my car to the dealer immediately. I turned off the air conditioner and for some reason my car would accelerator fast enough to drive the 10 miles to the Acura dealer. The Acura dealer checked out the problem and said they found that the p2138 app sensor had an internal failure. They replaced the app sensor. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Acura TL years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (20), 2002 (15), 2000 (11), 1999 (10) and 2001 (9) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Acura TL acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Acura TL model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Acura TL acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 49% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (9 mentions), followed by the linkages (5).
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.