2012 Acura TL Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 14%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,878miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Acura TL, 14% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,878 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Oil consumption, engine knocking and car felt out of power specially in low in speed. Few trips to Acura but was told they couldn't find any problem. I end up getting rid of the car and after few months I bought other TL same year and miles and unfortunately have a same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11144446, filed 2018-10, 75,000 miles“Engine oil consumption when there are no leaks detected underneath. This past week my engine light came on, this is the third time this has happened. I added 2 quarts of oil when I am only 50% through the use until my next oil change.”
NHTSA complaint #11221655, filed 2019-06, 83,000 miles“After owning my 2012 Acura TL for roughly 2yrs, I've become concerned with the engine workmanship. Acceleration seems to be at a loss between 30-45mph in between gear changes. It's almost as though the transmission doesn't know what to do. You have to either let up on the acceleration or increase your speed to avoid that annoying hesitation. The second problem is what I would describe as lifter/valve noise. The noise occurs when accelerating, intermittently though. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643218, filed 2014-10, 30,000 miles“Car has been excessively using oil since I bought it. Have it documented by the dealer when taking it for oil changes about the oil consumption. Campaign is released for oil consumption and I am told don't qualify b/c now I supposed have three oil leaks. I have never saw oil in my driveway. Called Acura client services, useless. Didn't help me at all. Feel they just released it to show they are doing something when, they aren't helping the owners. Now engine has a tick to it at 120,000 and I am told my rear cam shaft and rocker arms are deteriorating. I can't believe this. …”
NHTSA complaint #11323783, filed 2020-05, 126,000 miles“On 7/20/2017, I was driving on I-680 s towards fremont ca. I was driving roughly 70 MPH. When I was about to pass a car, all of a sudden, the engine lost power. I hit the gas paddle all the way down, and it didn't work. As I felt a significant loss of power, I pull over to the side and stopped the vehicle. The engine shut down immediately when I came to a complete stop. I tried to restart my car, but it does not work, and the engine check light popped up. I had my insurance towed my car to oakland Acura, as I did an oil change there on 7/19/2017. …”
NHTSA complaint #11133630, filed 2018-10, 70,755 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10159442Apr 30, 2019Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to…
- 10153886Feb 21, 2019Service Bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to…
- 10152760Jan 16, 2019Dealer message - Today, January 16, 2019, Acura is announcing a warranty extension for certain 2009-14 Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine to address client concerns…
- 10152759Jan 16, 2019Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ring's ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder wall to…
- 10142625May 11, 2018Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the…
- 10136440May 2, 2018Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the…
- 10133026Mar 16, 2018Service bulletin - The oil control rings may become clogged with carbon deposits. These deposits restrict the ability to scrape and return oil from the cylinder walls to the…
- 10130041Jan 10, 2018Servicenews article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as…
- 10127355Jan 10, 2018Servicenews article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil level as…
- 10115771Aug 2, 2017Techline summary article - Some clients may complain that the Low Oil Pressure indicator comes on, requiring engine oil to be added, while others who routinely check the oil…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 18 | 14% |
| 2011 | 3 | 15% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 10 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 6 | 1% |
| 2003 | 8 | 2% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2012 Acura TL
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Acura TL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology