How reliable is the Acura TL 2013?
The 2013 Acura TL generally offers average reliability for a premium midsize sedan, with a solid V6 engine and comfortable ride, but aging components can bring notable maintenance costs as the car accrues miles.
Reliability for this model year depends on how well the car has been cared for, its mileage, and the specific maintenance history. As a late-2000s to early-2010s luxury sedan, it sits in a competitive field with peers such as the Lexus IS, Infiniti G, and BMW 3 Series. This article summarizes reliability data, common issues, ownership costs, and practical buying tips for the 2013 TL to help potential buyers and owners assess risk and plan maintenance.
Reliability snapshot for the 2013 TL
What independent ratings and owner feedback suggest about the 2013 TL’s long-term durability can be summarized as follows.
- Overall reliability: Generally rated as average within the premium midsize segment, with some model-year variation.
- Drivetrain and engine: The 3.5-liter V6 is known for smooth power delivery and reasonable robustness when properly maintained.
- Electronics and features: Modern infotainment and electrical components can become finicky with age, leading to occasional repairs or module replacements.
- Maintenance and depreciation: Maintenance costs are typically moderate for a luxury-brand sedan; depreciation remains in line with its segment, aided by Acura’s reputation for reliability.
Overall, the TL tends to reward careful, timely maintenance and can be dependable with a well-documented service history. As with many aging luxury sedans, the condition of individual examples varies based on how they were used and serviced.
Common issues reported by owners
To gauge what tends to surface as the TL ages, here are issues that show up in owner reports and reliability discussions for this generation. These are not universal, but they reflect frequent patterns observed by buyers and reviewers.
- Transmission and drivetrain: Occasional reports of rough shifting, hesitation, or shudder on some automatic transmissions, particularly as miles accumulate.
- Electrical and infotainment: Infotainment glitches, sensor or gauge cluster quirks, and failed or sluggish navigation systems are sometimes cited.
- Climate control: A/C compressor or condenser failures and related cooling issues appear in some high-mileage examples.
- Suspension wear: Worn components such as control arms, ball joints, and shock absorbers can develop with mileage, affecting ride quality and handling.
- Engine and seals: Valve cover gasket and other gasket wear, plus oil leaks, can appear as the engine ages and accumulates miles.
- Interior and components: Power window regulators, door locks, and other interior electrical components may exhibit wear or failure in older cars.
While these issues are reported by owners, many TLs continue well beyond 100,000 miles with routine maintenance and careful ownership. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is valuable to gauge the specific condition of any given car.
Ownership costs and maintenance expectations
Understanding ongoing costs helps buyers and owners budget for a 2013 TL as it ages. The list below outlines typical upkeep considerations and what to expect financially.
- Routine maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, and multipoint inspections every 5,000–7,500 miles are standard; maintenance costs are generally moderate for a premium brand and can vary by shop.
- Brakes and tires: Expect brake service and tire replacements at typical wear rates; luxury sedans often show higher tire costs due to performance tires and rotors.
- Major mechanical wear: With higher mileage, suspension components, cooling system parts, and some engine seals may require attention, which can be more expensive than non-luxury counterparts.
- Transmission care: If fluid and filter services are recommended by the dealer or a trusted shop, factor in their cost; actual transmission replacement is uncommon but can be costly if needed.
- Electrical components: Replacing failed sensors, modules, or the nav/infotainment unit can be a notable expense when needed.
Overall ownership costs tend to be feasible relative to some luxury peers, provided the vehicle has been well-maintained, and potential buyers budget for age-related repairs as mileage climbs.
Buying tips for a used 2013 TL
When shopping for a used TL from this year, use these practical checks to minimize risk and maximize uptime.
- Service history: Look for a complete maintenance log, including timing chain checks, fluid changes, and any transmission servicing notes.
- Pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic evaluate the transmission, suspension, cooling system, and electricals; request a compression test if possible.
- Recalls and advisories: Verify all recalls have been addressed and confirm there are no outstanding recall items.
- Test drive for feel: Listen for transmission behavior, vibrations, or abnormal noises; ensure smooth acceleration and braking without pulling to one side.
- Inspection for leaks: Check for oil, coolant, or transmission-fluid leaks, especially around gaskets and seals.
- Wheels and tires: Inspect tires for even wear and evaluate alignment; misalignment can indicate suspension wear or prior impacts.
- Interior electronics: Test gauges, infotainment, climate controls, and sensor-equipped features for proper operation.
By prioritizing a thorough inspection and complete service history, a buyer can better gauge whether a 2013 TL will deliver reliable daily driving or require significant early investments.
Summary
The 2013 Acura TL stands as a comfortable, well-equipped sedan with a robust V6 and a generally reliable reputation. Its aging components can lead to maintenance costs that rise with mileage, and some owners report transmission, electrical, and suspension issues as miles accumulate. For prospective buyers or current owners, a careful service history, diligent pre-purchase inspection, and proactive maintenance schedule are the best strategies to maximize reliability and minimize surprise repairs. In the broader market, the TL remains competitive with its peers due to Acura’s reputation for durability, good resale for a used luxury model, and a generally satisfying ownership experience when properly cared for.
Is Acura reliable after 100K miles?
Yes, Acuras are generally very reliable after 100k miles, especially with consistent maintenance, as they are built with quality engineering from their Honda roots. Key to this reliability is following the recommended maintenance schedule, which includes performing major services like transmission fluid changes and, for models with a timing belt, replacing it around the 100k mark.
Key factors for long-term reliability
- Follow the maintenance schedule: Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and other services are crucial for longevity.
- Pay attention to major service intervals: At around 100,000 miles, certain components, like the timing belt in older models, need to be replaced.
- Transmission fluid is critical: Changing the transmission fluid at recommended intervals is one of the most important aspects of keeping the car running smoothly long-term.
- Consider the engine: While many Acura engines are very reliable, some J-series engines have a history of oil consumption issues, especially older ones.
- Potential for issues: As with any car, some issues can arise after 100k miles, such as air conditioning system problems or oil consumption, so it's wise to factor in potential repair costs.
What drivers say
- Many owners report driving their Acuras for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues if proper maintenance was performed.
- Owners of older models like the TL and MDX often report that the engines remained in good condition even after the transmission began to show wear.
How long will a 2013 Acura TL last?
A 2013 Acura TL's life expectancy is around 250,000 to 300,000 miles or 16-20 years with proper maintenance, though many owners report even higher mileage. Its reliability is considered high, but regular maintenance is crucial, especially for fluid changes and addressing recalls, according to sources like Reddit users and CarParts.com.
Factors affecting longevity
- Maintenance: Following the recommended maintenance schedule is critical. This includes regular fluid changes, such as for the transmission, and addressing issues like oil consumption on the 3.7L engine.
- Engine and transmission: The Acura TL is known for reliability due to its Honda-based engines. With proper care, the engine and transmission can last for hundreds of thousands of miles. The 2013 model year received a 6-speed automatic transmission, which was an improvement over previous models.
- Recall history: Be aware of the recall for the 3.7L engine's oil consumption. If the piston rings were replaced as part of the recall, this significantly improves the engine's long-term outlook.
- Owner reports: Many owners have reported their 2013 TLs lasting well over 100,000 miles, with some reaching 300,000+ miles, especially when following maintenance guidelines.
- Driving conditions: A significant factor is how the car has been driven and maintained throughout its life. For example, a car used for daily commuting with regular oil changes and fluid flushes will likely last longer than one that has been driven hard with infrequent service.
- Repairs: While the TL is known for being reliable and having low-severity issues, some repairs will eventually be necessary, especially after 100,000 miles. Routine replacements like the timing belt and water pump are common.
Is 2013 a good year for Acura TL?
Each model is quite reliable. The 2012 and 2013 versions of the Acura TL had the fewest issues. The 2010 and 2011 models experienced some minor problems but had a few more technical service bulletins compared to the later years.
Does the 2013 Acura TL have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely and repeatedly change your fluids at least each 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2013 Acura TL transmission will rapidly slip.
