Vehicle Guide

2013 Acura TL Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2013 Acura TL, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2013 Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan that blends a comfortable daily-driver feel with sporty handling and strong V6 power. It’s ideal for buyers who want a premium cabin, available all-wheel drive, and Honda/Acura engineering without stepping up to a full-size sedan. This model sits in the fourth-generation TL lineup (2009–2014), known for its tech features and available SH-AWD performance trim. In the used market, it’s often compared with the Lexus ES, Infiniti G37/Q70, and Audi A4 for value, equipment, and long-term dependability.

Key Features

1) V6 POWER OPTIONS: Most 2013 TL models use a 3.5L V6 (about 280 hp) paired with a 6-speed automatic for smooth, strong acceleration. The TL SH-AWD and TL Special Edition feature a 3.7L V6 (about 305 hp) for sharper response and more top-end power. 2) AVAILABLE SH-AWD HANDLING: Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is a major draw, improving traction in poor weather and delivering confident cornering by actively distributing torque. 3) TECH AND COMFORT: Available navigation, premium audio, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and a well-insulated cabin make the 2013 TL a comfortable highway cruiser with a near-luxury feel. 4) SAFETY AND STRUCTURE: Strong crash-safety performance and a solid chassis give the TL a secure, planted feel, especially at speed. 5) SPORTIER TRIM APPEAL: The Special Edition adds sporty styling cues and equipment upgrades, while SH-AWD models are the go-to choice for drivers prioritizing grip and performance.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers searching “2013 Acura TL reliability” will generally find this model to be above-average for a luxury sedan, but it isn’t problem-free. Here are some 2013 Acura TL problems and common issues owners report: 1) OIL CONSUMPTION (SOME V6 ENGINES): Some owners report higher-than-normal oil use as mileage climbs, commonly noticed around 80,000–140,000 miles. It’s often manageable with consistent oil level checks, but neglect can lead to low-oil operation and accelerated wear. 2) ELECTRICAL/INFOTAINMENT GLITCHES: Navigation, Bluetooth, display backlighting, and audio head-unit quirks are among the more common complaints on aging TLs. Symptoms can show up intermittently around 100,000+ miles, and diagnosis may involve checking battery/charging health and module connections before replacing expensive components. 3) SUSPENSION WEAR ITEMS: Front control arm bushings, sway bar links, and struts can wear and cause clunks over bumps, steering vibration, or uneven tire wear, often in the 80,000–130,000-mile range depending on roads and driving style. 4) TRANSMISSION SHIFT QUALITY (AUTOMATIC): The 6-speed automatic is typically durable, but some owners note rough or delayed shifts as fluid ages. This is more common when transmission service intervals are ignored; addressing it early with correct fluid and procedure can improve behavior and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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