Acura TL: used buyer's guide to every generation and the TL Type S

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Acura TL is a midsize sport sedan sold from 1996 to 2014, when the TLX replaced it. Four generations used five-cylinder and V6 engines; the TL Type S came in 2002–2003 with 260 hp and 2007–2008 with 286 hp. The 2009–2014 TL offered a 305-hp 3.7L V6 with SH-AWD, and a manual from 2010.

Type
Midsize sport sedan (discontinued)
Powertrains
TL 3.2L (2004–2008), TL Type S (2007–2008), TL SH-AWD (2009–2014), 3.2TL Type S (2002–2003) · 260–305 hp
Current generation
4th generation, 2009–2014

Acura TL engines, horsepower and mpg

The 2004–2008 3.2L was re-rated to 258 hp and 233 lb-ft from 2006 under a revised SAE procedure. EPA rates the 2007 TL Type S manual at 18/27/21 mpg and the 2014 SH-AWD manual at 18/24/20. Front-wheel-drive 2009–2014 TLs used a 3.5L V6 (EPA 20/29/23 for 2014). Every TL is rated for premium fuel.

Acura TL powertrains with Acura-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
TL 3.2L (2004–2008)TL3.2L SOHC VTEC V6[1][2]2702386-speed manual or 5-speed automaticFront-wheel drive18/26/212004 MY[2]
TL Type S (2007–2008)TL Type S3.5L SOHC VTEC V6[3][2]2862575-speed automatic or 6-speed manualFront-wheel drive17/26/202007 MY[2]
TL SH-AWD (2009–2014)TL SH-AWD3.7L V6[1][2]305—5-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic from 2012; 6-speed manual from 2010SH-AWD18/26/212014 MY[2]
3.2TL Type S (2002–2003)3.2TL Type S3.2L SOHC VTEC V6 with dual-stage induction[3]2602325-speed automaticFront-wheel drive—

Output is as rated by Acura; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

TL Type S: two short runs

The 2002–2003 3.2TL Type S used a 260-hp V6 with a dual-stage intake and a five-speed automatic, 17-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension.

The 2007–2008 TL Type S moved to a 286-hp 3.5L V6 with a choice of a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, Brembo four-piston front brakes and quad exhaust outlets. Type S then paused until the 2021 TLX Type S.[3]

TL sales and the switch to TLX

U.S. TL sales rose from 16,539 in 1995 to a peak of 78,218 in 2005, then fell to 10,616 in 2014, the year the TLX arrived. Acura says the TL and TLX together sold nearly 1.2 million units.

From 1996 to 2014 every TL used double-wishbone front suspension, according to Acura.[4][6]

Acura TL generations by year

Every US Acura TL generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
4th generation2009–20143.5L V6 (FWD); 3.7L V6 (305 hp) with SH-AWDThe first TL with SH-AWD. A six-speed manual became available with SH-AWD for 2010, and the 2012 update brought new styling and a six-speed automatic. 2014 was the final model year before the TLX.[1][4]
3rd generation2004–20083.2L V6 (270 hp, 258 hp re-rated); TL Type S 3.5L V6 (286 hp, 2007–2008)Its standard engine out-powered the previous Type S, and it was the first car with Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. Acura calls the 2004 TL its best-selling sedan of all time; U.S. TL sales peaked at 78,218 in 2005.[1][3][5][4]
2nd generation1999–20033.2L V6 (225 hp); 3.2TL Type S (260 hp, 2002–2003)Designed, engineered and built in the U.S. A five-speed automatic replaced the four-speed for 2000, and the Type S debuted for 2002 as the first Type S sedan.[1][3]
1st generation1996–19982.5TL 2.5L five-cylinder (176 hp); 3.2TL 3.2L V6 (200 hp)Sold as the 2.5TL and 3.2TL, replacing the Vigor.[1]

Acura TL problems and recalls

The best-known Acura TL problem is the automatic transmission on 2000–2003 3.2 TLs, which American Honda covered with an extended 7-year/100,000-mile warranty in 2002. Other documented issues are recalls: Takata and non-azide driver air bag inflators, power steering hoses on 2004–2008 cars and wiper motors on 2004–2005 TLs. Check any TL’s VIN for open air bag work.

Documented Acura TL issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Takata driver air bag inflator can rupture (recall 16V061)[7][8]4th gen (2009–2014)2009–2014Recall 16V061
Power steering hose can crack from engine heat (recalls 08V091, 12V222)[9][10]3rd gen (2004–2008)2004–2008Recall 08V091
Wiper motor can corrode and stop working (recall 08V092)[11]3rd gen (2004–2008)2004–2005Recall 08V092
Replacement driver air bag inflators can explode (recall 19V182)[8]3rd gen (2004–2008) and 4th gen2004–2006, 2009–2014Recall 19V182
Automatic transmission wear and failure: extended 7-year/100,000-mile warranty[12][13]2nd gen (1999–2003)2000–2002 and some 2003Major repair
Takata driver air bag inflators, including “Alpha” units (recall 15V320)[14][8][15][16]2nd gen (1999–2003)2002–2003Recall 15V320
Non-azide driver air bag inflator can rupture or underinflate (recalls 20V026, 20V027)[17][18]2nd gen (1999–2003)1999–2001Recall 20V026

All 7 documented TL issues and 6 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

More TL research

See how a TL was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Acura build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Acura build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Acura TL made?

The TL was sold for the 1996–2014 model years across four generations, then replaced by the TLX.

What years was there a TL Type S?

2002–2003 (3.2TL Type S, 260 hp) and 2007–2008 (TL Type S, 286 hp).

Did the Acura TL come with a manual?

Yes. A six-speed manual was offered on the 2004–2008 TL and TL Type S, and on 2010–2014 TL SH-AWD models.

Which TL has all-wheel drive?

The 2009–2014 TL SH-AWD, with a 305-hp 3.7L V6.

What is the best-selling TL?

Acura calls the 2004 third-generation TL its best-selling sedan ever; U.S. TL sales peaked at 78,218 in 2005.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Acura for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Acura Model Chronology (November 7, 2012) — Acura Newsroom (acuranews.com)
  2. EPA fuel economy ratings: 1996–2014 Acura TL — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. Acura Type S Timeline and Milestones (April 11, 2023) — Acura Newsroom (acuranews.com)
  4. Acura TLX Production to Conclude (July 23, 2025) — Acura Newsroom (acuranews.com)
  5. Acura Celebrates 40 Years of Precision Crafted Performance (March 27, 2026) — Acura Newsroom (acuranews.com)
  6. 2021 Acura TLX Built on Dedicated Sport Sedan Architecture with Double Wishbone Front Suspension (May 26, 2020) — Acura Newsroom (acuranews.com)
  7. NHTSA recall 16V061000: Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA
  8. NHTSA recall 19V182000: Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  9. NHTSA recall 08V091000: POWER STEERING HOSE OIL LEAKING — NHTSA
  10. NHTSA recall 12V222000: POWER STEERING HOSE FAILURE DUE TO HEAT — NHTSA
  11. NHTSA recall 08V092000: WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR — NHTSA
  12. American Honda Extends Warranties on Select Automatic Transmissions (Sept. 20, 2002) — Honda Global Newsroom
  13. NHTSA recall 04V176000: HONDA/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — NHTSA
  14. NHTSA recall 15V320000: Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture — NHTSA
  15. NHTSA recall 19V499000: Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA
  16. Honda Asks Owners to Stop Driving Recalled 2001-2003 Acura and Honda Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbag Inflators (Feb. 3, 2023) — Honda News (American Honda)
  17. NHTSA recall 20V026000: Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag — NHTSA
  18. NHTSA recall 20V027000: Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. or Honda Motor Co., Ltd.. Acura and the model names are trademarks of their owners.