repaired · 2020 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 Acura TLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 42 owner complaints about the 2009 Acura TL, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-182 the manufacturer reports only 49% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 4, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Acura TL has problems
42 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
19Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
6Visibility
6Structure
5Power train
3Electrical system
2Engine
2Steering
2Service brakes
2Fuel/propulsion system
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 19 | 2 |
| Visibility | 6 | 0 |
| Structure | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2009 Acura TL recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
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…
repaired · 2018 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Acura.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other TL year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the TL median. How we score
'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Acura TL safety ratings
2009 Acura TL 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What TL owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…
TAKATA RECALL- WE RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THE FAYETTEVILLE ACURA DEALERSHIP IN MARCH 2016 INFORMING US OF THE RECALL. WE WERE TOLD THE AIRBAGS IN OUR 2009 ACURA TL SHOULD BE REPLACED IN THE EARLY PORTION OF THE SUMMER 2016. IN JULY 2016 WE HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY UPDATED INFO ON THE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A FENCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HAND AND FACE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT…
Own a 2009 TL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.