This page covers 3 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Acura Tl.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2012 Acura TL received a three-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned two stars. Side crash protection was rated at four stars, while rollover resistance received five stars. Side pole crash testing also resulted in a five-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the TL during this generation.
3/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2012 Acura TL has 3 recalls, all centered on the same critical defect: the driver's frontal airbag inflator can explode and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the driver or passengers.
All three recalls address this single underlying issue with the driver's airbag inflator. In a crash where the airbag deploys, the inflator can rupture violently rather than inflating the bag in a controlled way, turning the module itself into a source of flying metal shrapnel directed toward the driver and anyone seated nearby. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist for the same problem across the same vehicles.
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.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
