What are typical problems with a 2006 Acura TL?

Among 2006 Acura TL owners, the most frequent complaints center on the transmission, engine oil leaks, braking wear, and aging electrical components.

As the car ages and mileage increases, these areas tend to show up across maintenance records and owner reports, with variations depending on how well the vehicle has been maintained and how it has been driven. This article traces the main trouble spots, how they typically present themselves, and practical steps for diagnosis and repair.

Common mechanical problems

Here is a concise catalog of the mechanical issues most commonly cited by owners and technicians, with notes on how they tend to manifest and why they matter as mileage climbs.

• Transmission: Rough or delayed shifts, shuddering at low speeds, and in some cases premature wear or failure in the five-speed automatic transmission.


• Oil leaks: Rear main seal and valve cover gasket leaks are frequently reported, potentially leading to oil spots under the engine and reduced oil level if not addressed promptly.


• Cooling system and belts: Worn water pumps, leaking radiators or hoses, and aging thermostats can lead to overheating if ignored.


• Ignition and fuel: Misfires or performance issues caused by aging ignition coils or spark plugs, along with fuel trim fluctuations affecting smooth operation.


• Brakes: Rotor warping, uneven wear, and pad wear that can cause pulsation, noise, or reduced stopping performance as miles accumulate.


• Suspension: Worn front-end components such as control arms, ball joints, and struts can produce clunking noises and degraded ride quality.

These mechanical concerns reflect the TL’s solid overall design but are more likely to appear as the car ages and is driven with high mileage. Regular maintenance and timely repairs help mitigate their impact on daily use.

Electrical and interior concerns

Electrical systems and interior components are another common area of focus as the TL approaches and surpasses a decade in age.

• Power windows and regulators: Slower window operation or occasional stalling due to aging regulators or motors.


• Instrument cluster and dashboard lighting: Fading backlighting, intermittent gauge readings, or warning light activity in some cars.


• Climate control and blend doors: HVAC performance can degrade if blend doors or actuators wear, leading to inconsistent cabin temperatures.


• Sunroof and weather sealing: Clogged sunroof drains can lead to water intrusion into the headliner or interior when rain or car washing occurs.

Electrical issues can be intermittent and influenced by battery health, alternator output, and wiring wear. If dash warnings appear or there is unusual electrical behavior, a professional diagnostic check is advisable.

Maintenance tips and how to check for issues

Preventive maintenance is key to extending the life of a 2006 TL and catching issues before they become major repairs.

• Transmission health: Check the transmission fluid level and condition, and note any unusual shifting or slipping. If problems are suspected, seek a transmission diagnostic from a qualified shop.


• Engine oil leaks: Inspect for oil spots under the engine and around the rear main seal and valve covers; address leaks promptly to protect engine cleanliness and oil levels.


• Cooling system: Inspect hoses, radiator, water pump, and thermostat; replace aged components to reduce overheating risk.


• Brakes and suspension: Regularly check pad thickness, rotor condition, and suspension components for wear or noise; replace worn parts as needed to maintain handling and safety.


• Electrical health: Test battery and alternator performance, check for warning lights, and inspect for degraded interior components like dim or flickering gauges or switch failures.

Maintaining a documented service history, performing timely fluid changes with the correct specifications, and addressing leaks or abnormal noises promptly can help keep a 2006 TL reliable for daily use and longer-term ownership.

Summary

The 2006 Acura TL commonly shows problems in the transmission, engine oil leaks, brakes, suspension, and aging electrical systems, with interior wear and climate-control components also prone to age-related issues. Regular maintenance, prompt diagnostics, and timely repairs—especially for leaks, shifting irregularities, and brake concerns—can help preserve reliability. When shopping for a used TL, request a thorough service history and have a trusted mechanic inspect key systems before purchase.

What year to avoid Acura TL?

You should avoid Acura TL years 1999–2006, particularly 2003, due to significant transmission issues. Other years to be cautious of include 2007–2008 for a more robust transmission, but still some potential problems with the Bluetooth system and mounts, and 2009–2014 for torque converter issues. The 2010 model year also experienced excessive oil consumption. 
Years with significant transmission problems 

• 1999–2006: These models, especially the 2003 and early 3rd generation (2004–2006), are known for major automatic transmission failures, slipping, and hard shifting. 
• 2004–2006: While better than earlier models, these are still prone to transmission failure and should be approached with caution. 

Years with other notable issues

• 2007–2008: These years have a more reliable transmission, but owners have reported issues with the hands-free Bluetooth draining the battery and failing. 
• 2009–2014: Some models have reported torque converter problems, which can be expensive to fix. 
• 2006: This year had several recalls and issues, including a faulty display screen, power steering leaks, and frozen rear brake calipers. 
• 2010: This model year is known for excessive oil consumption, with engines showing no leaks. 

Years to consider for better reliability 

• 2007–2008: Generally considered the most reliable, especially compared to the years immediately before them. 
• 2013–2014: Some owners report these years as very reliable. 

Other factors to consider

• Manual Transmission: If buying an automatic, aim for the 2007–2008 models. A manual transmission from any year is often a more reliable option.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Proper maintenance is crucial for any used car, especially for models with known issues. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle and review its maintenance history before purchasing. 

What acura to stay away from?

According to CarComplaints.com, the 2003 model is one of the most problematic Acura TL years, with over 400+ NHTSA user complaints. This car's top three most prominent problems are transmission failure, car shakes during acceleration, and the peeling clear coat.

How many miles will a 2006 Acura TL last?

A 2006 Acura TL can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper and consistent maintenance. While a 2006 model is a well-built car, achieving this longevity depends on regular service, such as oil changes and timing belt replacements, and addressing issues like transmission problems that have affected some models. 
Factors for longevity

• Regular maintenance: Adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule is crucial. This includes regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and timing belt services. 
• Addressing known issues: Some models have experienced issues with the automatic transmission, which can often be mitigated with proper fluid changes and the addition of a transmission cooler, according to Reddit users. 
• Proactive repairs: Keep an eye out for common wear-and-tear items, like motor mounts and gaskets, and address them as needed. 
• Consistent care: Owners who have taken good care of their 2006 TLs report it running well even after 200,000 miles, as shown in this Facebook post. 

What to expect with mileage

• Below 100,000 miles: At this mileage, the vehicle is still considered relatively new and should be running well, especially if maintenance has been consistent. 
• Over 100,000 miles: With proper maintenance, a TL can easily surpass 100,000 miles without major issues. However, some models may begin to show signs of wear, and some may have required a transmission rebuild. 
• Over 200,000 miles: Many 2006 TL owners have reported their cars are still running strong at this mileage, but it's common for major services like a transmission rebuild to have been performed. 

What is the common problem 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.