Which year is the Acura TL the most reliable?

The 2004–2008 second-generation Acura TL is generally considered the most reliable within the model’s history.

This article examines reliability data from independent trackers, industry reviews, and owner feedback to identify which model years tend to hold up best in daily use, and to explain how to evaluate a used TL when shopping.

Reliability landscape for the TL

Across generations, the TL has earned a strong reputation for durable engineering and solid long-term ownership. Most reliability analyses converge on a core window where maintenance needs were lower and parts availability and build quality were consistently good. Consumers and data aggregators alike often point to the mid-2000s TLs as the sweet spot for longevity.

Notes on data sources

Reliability scores come from organizations such as RepairPal, Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power, which combine repair frequency, maintenance costs, and failure reports. Owner forums and long-term ownership surveys also illuminate real-world experiences beyond official ratings.

Best years for reliability

Before listing, this paragraph explains that reliability rankings for the TL are often driven by how well the mid-2000s models performed in everyday use and how little maintenance they required relative to peers. The following years are frequently highlighted by data and owner feedback as the most dependable choices.

• 2004


• 2005


• 2006


• 2007


• 2008

These five years share the same core drivetrain and design philosophy, with incremental improvements that contributed to a consistently strong reliability profile. While individual vehicles can vary based on maintenance history, these model years are commonly regarded as the most dependable within the TL lineup.

What to consider when buying a used TL

Even within the most reliable year range, condition and upkeep matter more than the calendar year. When shopping, prioritize a complete maintenance record, evidence of timely timing belt/chain service (if applicable), documented transmission service, and a clean accident and recall history. A pre-purchase inspection by an experienced mechanic can help uncover issues that aren’t obvious from records alone.

Summary

In summary, the 2004–2008 Acura TL period is widely viewed as the most reliable segment of the model’s history, supported by reliability data and owner experiences. Buyers should still assess each used TL on its own merits, with attention to maintenance history, recall compliance, and a thorough inspection to ensure lasting dependability.

What is the best year to buy an Acura?

The best Acura years depend on the model, but several stand out for reliability and features. For the RDX, the 2013-2018 models are good choices, while the 2021 and 2022 models are also strong contenders for their refined performance and technology. For the MDX, the 2017-2020 period is a sweet spot, and the 2022 Type S is the fastest and one of the most reliable MDX years so far. The 2009-2014 TL and the 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon are other highly-regarded options.
 
This video discusses the best and worst Acura models, including the RDX and MDX: 1mCar MavenYouTube · Jun 27, 2025
Acura RDX 

• 2013-2018: Known for reliability thanks to the V6 engine and solid performance. 
• 2021: Praised for a refined engine, precise steering, and standard features. 
• 2022: The first model year for the refreshed RDX, offering a well-received interior and exterior refresh. 

Acura MDX

• 2017-2020: Considered the best years to buy used for their combination of price, features, and reliability. 
• 2022: The Type S model is the fastest MDX ever and is noted for having very few reported issues. 

Other models

• Acura TL: The 2009-2014 models are highly recommended, especially with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). 
• Acura TSX: The 2004-2014 models are well-regarded, with the 2011-2014 Sport Wagon being a particularly family-friendly option. 

You can watch this video to learn how to choose between different Acura models: 57sDiscerning CarsYouTube · May 5, 2023

Is the Acura TL a reliable car?

Yes, the Acura TL is generally considered a reliable car, especially when properly maintained, though some specific automatic transmission models from certain years have a history of issues. It ranks well for reliability compared to other luxury cars, with the potential to last well over 100,000 miles. 
Positive aspects

• Overall reliability: RepairPal gives the Acura TL a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, placing it 6th out of 31 luxury cars. 
• Longevity: With proper maintenance, TLs can easily surpass 100,000 miles. Some sources suggest they can even reach 300,000 miles. 
• Average issue frequency and severity: When problems do occur, they are typically not major and are of low severity. 
• Lower ownership costs: The TL is known for having good ownership costs. 

Potential issues to consider

• Automatic transmission: Automatic transmissions in certain model years, particularly 2003, have been known to have problems like overheating, slipping, or failure. Some suggest opting for the manual transmission or being very careful with maintenance on an automatic. 
• Maintenance: Like any car, the TL needs regular maintenance to remain reliable. This includes following the maintenance schedule and performing timely repairs. 
• Other potential issues: Some owners have reported issues with weatherstripping, brakes, and battery charging, particularly in specific model years. 

Recommendations

• For manual transmission models: Manual transmission models are generally considered more durable and less prone to the issues seen in some automatics. 
• For automatic transmission models: Be cautious with automatic models, especially those from 2003. Regular fluid changes may help, but the risk of major problems is higher. 
• For any model: Adhere strictly to the recommended maintenance schedule to maximize the lifespan of the vehicle. 

What year is the most reliable Acura TL?

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

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

What Acura model is most reliable?

MDX
According to iSeeCars, a research platform that collects data from millions of used car listings, the most reliable Acura models are the MDX, RDX, and TLX1. These models have high-reliability ratings and rank among the top in their respective vehicle categories.