The 2006 Acura TL is a mid-size luxury sedan, part of the third-generation TL series (2004-2008). It offers a blend of sporty performance and premium features at a relatively accessible price point. Key trims include the base TL and the TL with Navigation. New, the price ranged from around $33,000 to $36,000. Its sharp styling, robust V6 engine, and comfortable interior made it a popular choice in its class.
The Good
The 2006 Acura TL boasts strong performance from its V6 engine, renowned Acura reliability, and a comfortable, well-appointed interior. Its sleek design and sporty handling appeal to emotional buyers, while its fuel efficiency for its class and strong resale value attract practical consumers.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2006 Acura TL include potential transmission issues (especially in earlier models of this generation), excessive oil consumption in some engines, and potential for premature wear of suspension components. Rust can also be a concern in colder climates. Check for these issues before purchasing.
2006 Acura TL: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: One engine option: 3.2-liter V6.
- Horsepower: 258 hp @ 6,200 rpm.
- Fuel Economy:
- Automatic: 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- Manual (6-speed): 18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
- 0–60 Times: Around 6.2-6.4 seconds (automatic), slightly faster with the manual.
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base TL: Leather seats, power driver and passenger seats, premium sound system, sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, alloy wheels, xenon headlights.
- TL with Navigation: Adds a navigation system with voice recognition.
- Optional Features: Some models came with an upgraded sound system (ELS Surround Sound), heated seats, and various appearance packages.
- Transmission: Available with a 5-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift or a 6-speed manual transmission.
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive.
- Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
2006 Acura TL Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2006 |
| Make | Acura |
| Model | TL |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 6-Speed Manual |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Mid-Size Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | MARYSVILLE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 1623.86 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 144.02 cm |
| Overall Length | 480.82 cm |
| Overall Width | 183.39 cm |
| Wheelbase Length | 274.07 cm |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.2-L V-6 SOHC 24V |
| Engine Size | 3.2L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $33,325 USD |
| Invoice Price | $30,384 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $615 USD |
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What Problems Does the 2006 Acura TL Have?
Frequently reported problems for the 2006 Acura TL often revolve around the automatic transmission. Some owners have reported rough shifting, slipping, or outright failure, especially in the earlier years of the third-generation TL (2004-2005). While not exclusive to 2006, it's a known potential issue. Excessive oil consumption has also been reported by some owners, potentially leading to engine damage if not monitored closely. Suspension components, particularly the front compliance bushings, can wear out prematurely, leading to clunking noises and reduced handling performance. Rust, particularly in areas with road salt, can be a concern. Recalls for the 2006 TL have included issues related to airbags and potential fuel leakage, so checking the vehicle's VIN with Acura for any outstanding recalls is crucial. Long-term reliability is generally good for Acura, but addressing these potential issues promptly is essential to maintain the vehicle's longevity. Regular maintenance and thorough inspections are crucial to mitigate these risks.
How long will the 2006 Acura TL last?
With proper maintenance, a 2006 Acura TL can easily exceed 200,000 miles or provide 15+ years of service. However, longevity depends heavily on maintenance habits. Owners who follow the recommended service schedule, including regular oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and timely replacement of wear items, will likely experience fewer issues. Long-term durability is generally good, but as mentioned earlier, potential weaknesses include transmission issues, oil consumption, and suspension wear. Neglecting these areas can significantly shorten the vehicle's lifespan and increase repair costs. Rust prevention is also crucial, especially in regions with harsh winters.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2006 Acura TL offered a decent array of tech and safety features for its time. Standard features included a premium sound system with a 6-disc CD changer, dual-zone automatic climate control, and xenon HID headlights. The optional navigation system featured voice recognition.
Driver-assistance features were relatively limited compared to modern vehicles but included ABS, traction control, and stability control.
Safety features included front and side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants.
Crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) were generally good, with the TL earning "Good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) also awarded it a 5-star rating for frontal crash protection for both driver and passenger, and 5-star rating for side crash protection. Keep in mind that safety technology has advanced significantly since 2006, so while it was safe for its time, newer vehicles offer more comprehensive safety systems.
Driver-assistance features were relatively limited compared to modern vehicles but included ABS, traction control, and stability control.
Safety features included front and side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants.
Crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) were generally good, with the TL earning "Good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) also awarded it a 5-star rating for frontal crash protection for both driver and passenger, and 5-star rating for side crash protection. Keep in mind that safety technology has advanced significantly since 2006, so while it was safe for its time, newer vehicles offer more comprehensive safety systems.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Anthracite Black
Nighthawk Black Pearl
Silver Metallic
Graphite Luster Metallic
Deep Green Pearl
Royal Blue Pearl
Redondo Red Pearl
Desert Mist Metallic
Quartz Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Ebony
Parchment
Quartz
2006 Acura TL Prices and Market Value
When new, the 2006 Acura TL ranged from approximately $33,000 to $36,000, depending on the trim level and options. Current used market prices vary significantly based on condition, mileage, and location, but generally range from $5,000 to $10,000. Depreciation has been significant, as expected for a vehicle of this age. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's condition, mileage, service history, and whether it has the desirable navigation system. Models with a clean title and well-documented maintenance records will command higher prices.
2006 Acura TL Cost of Ownership
The 2006 Acura TL is moderately economical to own. Insurance costs are generally reasonable. Fuel costs are average for a V6 sedan. Maintenance can be more expensive than a comparable non-luxury vehicle, particularly for repairs to the transmission or suspension. Parts availability is generally good. Long-term ownership costs will depend heavily on the vehicle's condition and maintenance history. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs, making preventative care crucial.
2006 Acura TL Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
64.35 liters
City Mileage
8.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
12.33 km/l
2006 Acura TL Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2006 Acura TL Recalls & Defects
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual
Recall date
2006-07-26
Recall no.
06v270000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
ON Certain Passenger Vehicles and Motorcycles, THE Owner's Manuals Contain Incorrect Contact Information FOR THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (Nhtsa) Vehicle Safety Hotline.
Consequence
THE Language IN THE Owner's Manuals IS NOT IN Accordance With THE Current Mandatory Requirements.
Remedy
Honda Will Send A Postcard TO Dealers and Owners With THE Correct Nhtsa Vehicle Safety Hotline Information and With Instructions TO Insert THE Card Into THE "reporting Safety Defects" Section OF THE Owner's Manual. THE Recall Began ON August 2, 2006. Owners MAY Contact Honda AT 1-800-999-1009, Acura AT 1-800-382-2238 or Honda Motorcycles AT 1-866-784-1870.
Notes
Customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal
Recall date
2005-11-03
Recall no.
05v510000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
ON Certain Passenger Vehicles, ON THE Frontal Airbag System Where THE Two External Impact Sensors IS Mounted, Near THE Front Headlights THE Front Impact Sensor Bolts Were NOT Properly Torqued.
Consequence
IF THE Bolts Loosen or Fall Out, THE Sensor MAY Fail TO Properly Detect A Crash, Possibly Resulting IN Delayed or Non-Deployment OF THE Front Airbag Increasing THE Risk OF Injury.
Remedy
Dealers Will Inspect and Remove THE Bumper and Retorque THE Loose Bolts. THE Recall Began ON November 7, 2005. Owners MAY Contact Honda AT 1-800-999-1009 and Acura AT 1-800-382-2238.
Notes
Honda Recall NO. P99 and Acura Q00 .customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Recall date
2011-06-22
Recall no.
11e022000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Affinia IS Recalling Certain Aftermarket Front Suspension Lower Ball Joints, Napa Part NO. 2601662, That MAY Have Been Mistakenly Installed IN Certain Model Year 2004 - 2008 Acura TL Vehicles DUE TO A Mistake IN A Napa and Napa Dealers' Parts Application Catalogue.
Consequence
Misapplication OF This Part Could Lead TO Separation OF THE Ball Joint From THE Lower Control ARM and Collapse OF THE Front Suspension, Which Could Potentially Cause A Vehicle Crash.
Remedy
Affinia IS Working With Napa TO Identify ANY Owners That Have HAD This Part Mistakenly Installed ON TO AN Acura TL Vehicle, and Will Replace THE Part Free OF Charge. THE Safety Recall Began ON July 20, 2011. Owners MAY Contact Affinia Group's Warranty Administrator AT 1-815-759-7757.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO <A Href=http://Www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, and Connections
Recall date
2008-02-27
Recall no.
08v091000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Honda IS Recalling 273,000 MY 2004-2008 Acura TL Vehicles. Prolonged High Under-Hood Temperatures MAY Cause THE Power Steering Hose TO Deteriorate Prematurely Causing THE Hose TO Crack and Leak Power Steering Fluid.
Consequence
Power Steering Fluid Leaking Onto A HOT Catalytic Converter Will Generate Smoke and Possibly Lead TO AN Under-Hood Fire.
Remedy
Dealers Will Install A NEW Heat Resistant Power Steering Hose Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON April 28, 2008. Owners MAY Contact Acura AT 800-382-2238. This IS AN Expansion OF A Previous Recall (Please SEE 07v551).
Notes
Acura Recall NO. Q73.customers MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Http://Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2019-03-06
Recall no.
19v182000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) IS Recalling Specific 2003 Acura 3.2cl, 2013-2016 Ilx, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 Mdx, 2007-2016 Rdx, 2002-2003 3.2tl, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX Ngv, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 Cr-v, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline Vehicles. THE Affected Vehicles Received A Replacement Driver AIR BAG Inflator AS Part OF A Previous Takata Inflator Recall Remedy or A Replacement Driver AIR BAG Module Containing THE Same Inflator Type AS A Service Part. DUE TO A Manufacturing Error, IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Deployment OF THE Driver Frontal AIR Bag, These Inflators MAY Explode.
Consequence
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 Occupants Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Honda Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Driver's AIR BAG Inflator With AN Alternate Inflator, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began April 10, 2019. Honda Owners MAY Contact Customer Service AT 1-888-234-2138. Honda's Number FOR This Recall IS O41. Acura Owners MAY Contact Customer Service AT 1-888-234-2138. Acura's Number FOR This Recall IS U40.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
Recall date
2019-10-10
Recall no.
19e068000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) IS Recalling Certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies Part Numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, Sold AS Replacement Parts FOR 2003-2006 Acura Mdx, 2004-2008 Acura TL and Tsx, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda Cr-v, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline Vehicles. THE Rotating Portion OF THE Accelerator Pedal Assembly MAY Bind. AS Such, These Vehicles Fail TO Comply With THE Requirements OF Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (Fmvss) Number 124, "accelerator Control Systems."
Consequence
IF THE Accelerator Pedal Binds, THE Engine MAY NOT Quickly Return TO Idle After THE Pedal IS NO Longer Pressed, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy
Dorman Will Notify Owners, and Qualified Service Facilities Will Replace THE Affected Accelerator Pedal Assemblies, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began December 9, 2019. Owners MAY Contact Dorman Customer Service AT 1-800-523-2492, Using Option 5. Dorman's Number FOR This Recall IS As1019xxxx.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
2006 Acura TL Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
48 months / 50,000 miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
72 months / 70,000 miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
60 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
2006 Acura TL Insurance
Insurance for a 2006 Acura TL is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2006 Acura TL Compare to Other Sedan?
The 2006 Acura TL competed against vehicles like the Lexus ES 330, Infiniti G35, BMW 3 Series, and Audi A4. The TL offered a compelling blend of performance, features, and reliability at a more affordable price point than the German rivals. The Lexus ES 330 was more comfort-oriented and offered similar reliability, while the Infiniti G35 provided a sportier driving experience but slightly less refined interior. The BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 offered superior handling but were more expensive to maintain.
Alternatives to the TL include:
Alternatives to the TL include:
- Lexus ES 330: If comfort and reliability are top priorities.
- Infiniti G35: For a sportier driving experience, but be aware of potential reliability differences.
- Acura TSX: A smaller, more fuel-efficient Acura option that still offers a premium feel.
- Honda Accord (V6): A more budget-friendly option with similar mechanical underpinnings, though lacking some of the TL's luxury features.
Ranks #1895 Sedan
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Camry | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Accord | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus ES | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2022 Mazda MX-30 | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW M3 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A3 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Chevrolet Camaro | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan Altima | (4.0★) |
| 1895 | 2006 Acura TL | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2006 Acura TL a Good Sedan?
The 2006 Acura TL is ideal for buyers seeking a comfortable, reliable, and somewhat sporty mid-size sedan at an affordable price point. It's worth buying, especially on the used market, if you find a well-maintained example with a comprehensive service history. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended, focusing on the transmission, engine (for oil consumption), and suspension. The navigation-equipped models add some appeal, but the base TL provides excellent value. Avoid models with questionable maintenance or signs of neglect, as potential repairs can be costly. Newer vehicles offer more modern tech, but the TL is a solid choice if you prioritize reliability and value.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.