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.
2013 Acura TLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 62 owner complaints about the 2013 Acura TL, most often about the steering. 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 July 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Acura TL has problems
62 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
28Steering
19Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
6Electrical system
4Power train
3Electronic stability control (ESC)
3Structure
2Engine
2Suspension
1Wheels
55 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 28 | 0 |
| Air bags | 19 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2013 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.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
75kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 23 steering complaints. 61% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles14under 100k miles9100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 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
2013 Acura TL safety ratings
2013 Acura TL 4 DR 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Acura TL, and the recalls they led to.
- Electrical overstressLed to recall 20V-024
In owners' words
What TL owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On Monday, July 27, 2026, my vehicle suffered a complete failure of the EPS system at startup in my garage, making the steering wheel lock and rendering the vehicle completely non-operational. The vehicle did start and would go into gear but there was a severe increase in steering effort, creating…
I was driving my 2013 Acura Tl on my way to work and suddenly I got an electronic power steering error that resulted in my steering wheel stiff and I had to use all my strength to pull over to the emergency lane. The vehicle's steering became very heavy and was very hard to turn. I am fortunate not…
WHILE CROSSING MEDIAN AHEAD OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LOST POWER, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO STEER TO AVOID COLLISION. STEERING WARNING BEGAN TO FLASH BUT GAVE NO ADVANCE WARNING. I WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO STEER THE CAR. ENGINE WAS RUNNING. CAR IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. HONDA…
Own a 2013 TL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.