Is the 2013 Acura TL reliable?

The 2013 Acura TL has 73 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Acura TL?

Top problems: STEERING (27 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (19 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Acura TL?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Contact any Acura dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Acura TL?

The 2013 Acura TL gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Acura TL?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Acura TL is approximately $1,932/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Acura TL

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Acura TL has 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 73. The most common issue is steering problems (37% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 acura tl. while driving approximately 40 mph, the steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering seized. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufac. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

27 complaints

37%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFAC
• EPS FAILURE WHILE DRIVING THE CAR STARTED TO BEEP AND THE STEERING FAILURE LIGHT TURNED ON IN THE DASH. THE STEERING FELT LIKE IT LOCKED UP, BUT IT WAS JUST VERY VERY VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL. I HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND WAIT FOR HELP. WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED BACK ON EVERY
• LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. ALSO AT THE SAME TIME TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM LIT UP SAYING TIRES WERE LOW, WHEN CHECKED THE TIRES WERE AT PROPER PRESSURE.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFAC”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Acura TL

Based on 43 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 66K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 75K mi · 23 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE06/03/2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Acura TL

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Acura TL

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,932

Full coverage / month

$161

Liability only / year

$696

vs US avg

+15%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1932

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Acura TL Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Uses Maintenance Minder — actual intervals adjust based on driving conditions. Values shown are typical.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Acura New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / 50K mi

Includes 3 years complimentary maintenance for 2025+

These are the terms for a new Acura. If you're buying a used 2013 TL, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Acura dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 73 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFAC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND FELT THAT THE PART EXPECTED AVAILABILITY DATE WAS UNREASONABLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DEALER WOULD NOT PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: ACCORDING TO STATE FARM, THE RUBBER BOOTS IN THE FRONT DOOR JAMS WERE DEFECTIVE. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO HAVE A WATER LEAK INTO THE FLOOR BOARDS CAUSING ALL OF THE WIRING, INCLUDING THE AIRBAGS WIRE HARNESS TO BE SUBJECT TO MOISTURE, LEADING TO FUTURE CORROSION, INCLUDING WHAT IS REFERRED TO GFS - GR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: APPEARS TO BE TRANSMISSION RELATED PROBLEM. I CURRENTLY HAVE APPROXIMATELY 47,XXX MILES ON MY VEHICLE WHICH I HAD PURCHASED BRAND NEW. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME CONCERN BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES I TOOK THE VEHICL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Acura dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)