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Is 2009 a good year for Acura TL?


The Acura TL has long been a popular choice among luxury sedan enthusiasts, known for its reliability, performance, and comfort. The 2009 model year, in particular, introduced a significant redesign that sparked both praise and criticism. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the 2009 Acura TL to help you determine if it’s a good choice for your needs.


Highlights of the 2009 Acura TL


The 2009 Acura TL marked the beginning of the fourth generation of this model. It came with several upgrades and features that set it apart from its predecessors. Here are some of the key highlights:



  • Bold New Design: The 2009 TL featured a more aggressive and modern exterior design, including Acura’s polarizing "beak" grille. While some loved the bold styling, others found it less appealing.

  • Improved Performance: The base model came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, while the SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) variant boasted a 3.7-liter V6 with 305 horsepower, offering enhanced handling and power.

  • Advanced Technology: Acura equipped the 2009 TL with a host of tech features, including a premium sound system, navigation with real-time traffic updates, and Bluetooth connectivity.

  • Spacious Interior: The cabin was designed with comfort in mind, offering high-quality materials and ample space for passengers.


Pros of the 2009 Acura TL


Many owners and reviewers have praised the 2009 Acura TL for several reasons:



  • Reliability: Acura has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the 2009 TL is no exception. With proper maintenance, it can provide years of trouble-free driving.

  • Performance: The SH-AWD model, in particular, delivers impressive handling and acceleration, making it a fun car to drive.

  • Value for Money: As a used car, the 2009 TL often offers a great balance of luxury and performance at an affordable price.


Cons of the 2009 Acura TL


While the 2009 Acura TL has many strengths, it’s not without its drawbacks:



  • Controversial Styling: The bold design, especially the front grille, may not appeal to everyone.

  • Fuel Economy: The SH-AWD model’s performance comes at the cost of lower fuel efficiency compared to some competitors.

  • Ride Comfort: Some drivers have noted that the ride can feel a bit firm, particularly in the SH-AWD variant.


Is the 2009 Acura TL Right for You?


Ultimately, whether the 2009 Acura TL is a good choice depends on your priorities. If you value reliability, performance, and advanced features, it’s a strong contender. However, if fuel efficiency or softer styling is more important to you, you may want to explore other options.


At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve worked on countless Acura TLs over the years and can confidently say that the 2009 model is a solid vehicle when properly maintained. If you’re considering purchasing one, be sure to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic to ensure it’s in good condition. Feel free to reach out to us for any questions or to schedule a pre-purchase inspection!


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recall on the 2009 Acura TL?


3 Recalls

  • NHTSA 19V-500 · OEM S5B, W59. Acura Honda Recall: Newly Replaced Driver's Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments.
  • NHTSA 19V-182 · OEM U40,M45,O41,G44.
  • NHTSA 16V-061 · OEM JY0, JY1, JY2.



What year is the Acura TL most reliable?


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

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



Is a 2009 Acura TL a reliable car?


Among the 263 owners who provided feedback on the 2009 Acura TL for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 73% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's comfort and performance to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest.



Is Acura TL expensive to fix?


The Acura TL Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $467 which means it has excellent ownership costs.



What is the bad year for the Acura TL?


Even a vehicle as reliable as the Acura TL can develop various issues as it puts on the years and miles. A comparison by CarComplaints.com found that the 2006 model year drew the highest number of complaints, while the 2010 TL is considered the worst model year.



What years to avoid for an Acura TL?


Even a vehicle as reliable as the Acura TL can develop various issues as it puts on the years and miles. A comparison by CarComplaints.com found that the 2006 model year drew the highest number of complaints, while the 2010 TL is considered the worst model year.



How long will the 2009 Acura TL last?


A: With proper maintenance, an Acura TL can easily hit 100,000 miles or more and still drive like it's fresh from the factory. Some sources even suggest that an Acura should last around 300,000 miles, and may last you about 16-20 years of solid service.



What are main problems with Acura TL?


The TL also has excellent ownership costs, low severity of repairs, and rarely develops major issues. The Acura TL can hit 100,000 miles or more without issue. Common Acura TL problems include engine troubles, electrical problems, and interior accessories issues.



Does the 2009 Acura TL have transmission problems?


The problem: Drivers may experience a shudder or vibration while driving due to a faulty torque converter in the automatic transmission.



What years did Acura have transmission problems?


The first five-year models of the Acura MDX (2001 - 2005) have disastrous problems with total transmission failure at some point in their lives.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.