The 2009 Acura TL has 3 recalls, all involving the driver's frontal airbag inflator, which can rupture during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.
All three recalls address the same underlying defect in the driver's side frontal airbag. When the airbag deploys in a crash, the inflator can explode rather than inflate the bag normally, scattering metal shards toward the driver and anyone else in the front of the vehicle. Prior repair attempts for this defect did not fully resolve the issue across all affected vehicles, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist for the same problem. Any 2009 Acura TL owner who has not had this repair completed should confirm their vehicle's status using its VIN, as the inflator replacement is the only remedy that eliminates the risk.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Driver air bag inflators installed during previous recalls or as service parts may explode during a crash when the air bag deploys due to a manufacturing defect.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflator with a different inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can seep into the dual-stage driver frontal air bag inflator over time, potentially causing it to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
