How reliable is the Acura TL engine?

The Acura TL’s engines are generally reliable, especially with diligent maintenance. Many owners report long service lives with minimal major engine issues, and the later 3.5-liter V6 in particular is regarded as a durable powerplant when cared for properly.

Overview of the TL engine lineup and reliability outlook

The TL was offered with two main V6 families over its lifespan. Early models used a 3.2-liter V6, while the later 2009–2014 TL shifted to a more refined 3.5-liter V6. Across both generations, reliability has been solid relative to peers, but age and maintenance history play a decisive role in outcomes. The 3.5-liter V6 is often highlighted for its durability, supply of parts, and compatibility with many maintenance practices shared with other Honda/Acura V6 engines.

1999–2003 TL: 3.2L V6 (J-series)

These early TLs earned a reputation for durable construction and straightforward maintenance. With regular service, many reach high mileage with few dramatic engine failures. As with any older car, wear items begin to show up first—gaskets, seals, and components around the valvetrain and cooling system—but comprehensive maintenance typically keeps these engines reliable well into their middle age.

2004–2008 TL: 3.2L V6 (updated J-series)

reliability remains strong, though wear items common to older luxury cars—such as gasket seals and cooling-system components—can emerge as mileage climbs. When leaks from valve covers or intake areas appear, addressing them early helps prevent additional damage and keep the engine performing smoothly.

2009–2014 TL: 3.5L V6

This generation is frequently cited as the most durable TL engine family. The 3.5L V6 benefited from refinements that improved longevity, heat management, and overall robustness. As with any engine, performance and longevity are heavily influenced by maintenance history, but the 3.5L typically offers strong reliability with proper care. Some owners report coil-related misfires or gasket concerns as the car ages, but these issues are largely manageable with routine service.

Common reliability concerns to watch for

Even well-built engines can develop issues as they age. The following items are among the most commonly discussed engine-related concerns for TLs, particularly as mileage climbs.

• Ignition system wear: coil packs and spark plugs can wear and cause misfires or reduced performance, especially on higher-mileage 3.5L engines. Regular inspection and timely replacement help maintain smooth operation.


• Aging gaskets and seals: valve-cover gaskets, intake plenum gaskets, and other seals can begin to leak with age, potentially leading to oil loss or air leaks that affect performance.


• Cooling-system aging: water pumps, thermostats, and hoses can develop leaks or fail, increasing the risk of overheating if not addressed promptly.


• Oil consumption: some TL engines may show increased oil usage as they accumulate higher mileage; monitoring oil level and consumption can catch this early.


• Timing chain-related wear: the TL uses a chain-based timing system; while generally durable, high-mileage examples can exhibit tensioner or guide wear that may cause noise or timing concerns if not serviced, though outright failure is uncommon with proper maintenance.

In practice, these concerns are most likely to appear in older, high-mileage cars. A well-documented service history and proactive maintenance dramatically reduce the risk of major engine problems.

Maintenance practices that maximize reliability

Proactive care is the key to keeping an Acura TL engine reliable through decades of use. The following practices align with OEM recommendations and broad owner experience.

• Stick to the manufacturer maintenance schedule: follow the oil-change interval and service the cooling system, belts (where relevant), and hoses on the recommended timeline. Synthetic oil is commonly advised, and choosing the right grade for your climate helps engine longevity.


• Replace wear items on schedule: spark plugs and, if applicable, ignition coils should be replaced per the recommended intervals to prevent misfires and maintain efficiency.


• Prioritize the cooling system: regularly inspect and flush coolant, replace the water pump and thermostat as needed, and monitor for leaks around hoses and the radiator to prevent overheating.


• Address leaks early: if you notice oil, coolant, or gasket leaks, address them promptly to avoid running the engine with low fluids or contaminated air/fuel mixtures.


• Maintain intake and vacuum integrity: ensure intake manifold and related gaskets/seals are intact to prevent vacuum leaks that can degrade performance and fuel economy.


• Use high-quality fuel and air filtration: keeping the fuel system clean and the air intake free of restriction supports long-term engine health.

With attentive maintenance, TL engines from any generation can deliver dependable service well into the high-mileage range expected of many Honda/Acura powertrains.

What owners say about reliability and real-world durability

Owners frequently praise the TL for a refined ride, smooth power delivery, and strong long-term reliability when properly maintained. The late-model 3.5L variants are particularly lauded for their durability, while the earlier 3.2L engines are noted for reliability that matches the era’s standards. As with any aging vehicle, the biggest reliability risks come from wear items, gasket leaks, and cooling-system components that accumulate with mileage rather than fundamental design flaws.

Summary

Overall, the Acura TL engine lineup offers solid reliability, with the strongest performance from the later 3.5-liter V6. Regular maintenance—oil changes, cooling-system service, timely replacement of plugs and coils, and attention to gaskets and seals—greatly enhances the chance of long, trouble-free operation. For prospective buyers or current owners, a thorough service history and a pre-purchase inspection can provide a clear picture of how reliable a specific TL will be in the years ahead.

Bottom line

If you want a used TL with a favorable reliability outlook, prioritize a well-documented service history, inspect for gasket leaks and cooling-system wear, and ensure routine maintenance has been consistently performed. With those precautions, the TL’s engine can offer durable performance and many miles of dependable driving.

How long does an Acura TL motor last?

Again, here's what the experts had to say: MotorAsk.com – “Acuras can last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Is the Acura 2.4 engine reliable?

The Acura 2.4L engine, based on the Honda K24 series, is considered highly reliable, with many owners reporting high mileage with minimal issues, say Reddit and Facebook users. Potential issues include timing chain tensioner problems, oil consumption (more so in later K24Z versions), and, less commonly, cracked engine blocks in early K24A versions. Another point to consider is that some models with this engine, like the TLX, are paired with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) which may require specific maintenance or updates, notes YouTube. 
Reliability and common issues

• High reliability: The K24 engine is known for being "bulletproof" and is frequently praised for its durability. Many owners report reaching high mileage with no major engine problems. 
• Maintenance is key: As with any engine, regular maintenance is crucial to achieve its long lifespan. Owners mention that proper care is essential to get the most out of the engine. 
• Potential issues:
  • Timing chain tensioner: Some K24 engines have documented issues with the timing chain tensioner. 
  • Oil consumption: Oil consumption can be a problem, especially in some of the later K24Z versions. 
  • Cracked blocks: Early K24A engine blocks have been known to crack, though this is less common. 
• Model-specific considerations:
  • Acura TLX: The 2.4L engine in the TLX is paired with a dual-clutch transmission. While the engine itself is reliable, the transmission may require maintenance. Some owners suggest issues can be mitigated by ensuring the car is properly warmed up or by getting software updates, say YouTube and Facebook users. 
  • Acura TSX: While the engine is reliable, some early TSX models (2004-2006, 2009) may have had issues with the engine, transmission, and brakes, recommend CarParts.com. 
• Long-term ownership: The overall reliability is strong, with many owners keeping their cars well over 100,000 miles without major issues, according to Yahoo! Autos. 

This video explains some of the issues found in the 2.4L engine and transmission of the Acura TLX: 55sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jan 23, 2024

Is an Acura TL a reliable car?

The Acura TL is a reliable luxury sedan, often achieving over 100,000 miles with proper maintenance. It has earned good reliability ratings from sources like RepairPal (4.0/5.0) and J.D. Power (87/100), with owners reporting that many issues are low-severity and that the car is generally dependable. Common issues to watch for include potential transmission problems, engine or electrical glitches, and worn interior components or weatherstripping, but these are not always major.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the common issues with the 3rd generation Acura TL: 46sMark RodenYouTube · Jun 8, 2023
Reliability and lifespan

• Overall reliability: The Acura TL generally has a good reputation for reliability, with consistent ratings from various sources. 
• Longevity: With proper maintenance, the TL can last well over 100,000 miles, and some sources suggest a potential lifespan of 300,000 miles. 

Common issues to be aware of

• Automatic transmissions: Some automatic transmissions may require service every 30,000 miles, and certain older models have been known to have issues. 
• Engine and electrical problems: Some common issues reported include engine problems and general electrical glitches. 
• Wear and tear: Like many cars, the TL can experience wear and tear on components such as the engine and transmission mounts, suspension ball joints, weatherstripping, and interior plastics. 
• Bluetooth connectivity: On some models, the factory Bluetooth may be outdated and could be replaced with a modern system. 

Tips for maintaining reliability

• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule, especially for the automatic transmission.
• Address warning signs like clunking sounds during turns or vibrations promptly.
• Regularly check the air intake system for leaks to prevent rough idling. 

What is the most reliable year of Acura TL?

Here are a few of the most reliable years for the Acura TL:

• 2004 Acura TL.
• 2009 Acura TL.
• 2013 Acura TL.