Safety and reliability. These are the two words that come to mind when you think of a good car, and rightly so. Acura is a luxury brand that claims to guarantee you both. So, the question is: are Acuras good cars, and how reliable are they?
Acuras are reliable cars. Acura has a reputation for being one of the most reliable car brands. Expect a lifespan of anywhere between 16 to 20 years, with an average annual mileage of 10,000 miles. So, how many miles in total? It should last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles before your car breaks down.
Read on to learn more about the Acura brand, its durability, and where it stands in the reliability rankings.
How Reliable Is the Acura Brand?
Can Go Over 250,000 Miles with an Average Lifespan of 16 to 20 Years
Even though Acura has only been around for a short time, it has quickly established itself as a reliable brand.
Regardless of the model, your Acura can go over 250,000 miles with an average lifespan of 16 to 20 years. A well-maintained Acura can travel up to 400.000 miles. The Acura comes in second place in the reliability rating out of 32 car brands.
Average Annual Repair Cost
The average annual repair cost is around $501. This makes it one of the best options available if you’re looking for an exotic luxury car that’s reliable and economical.
Competed with Big Brands
Since its inception, it has competed with big brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and other high-end car manufacturers. With an eye on the burgeoning Asian market, Acura has also had a few different models in mind.
Exotic Yet Functional
For example, they wanted to design a car that was exotic enough for Asian markets yet functional enough for buyers in the United States and Europe. The Acura MDX and TLX are the most reliable models with great design.
Acura Safety Features
As we all know, reliability is a significant issue for most drivers, and it is at the top of their priority list. So, how does Acura make its products safe? For starters, Acura is committed to creating a high-performance vehicle that passes all testing and wins safety accolades.
Acura was the first car brand to receive top safety ratings throughout its entire model line. Keeping you safe while driving is their number one priority. When you buy an Acura, you’re going to have the following safety features:
1. Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure
This feature is designed to decrease force in front accidents. You get rigidity where it’s needed and strategically placed crumple zones to safeguard occupants on the inside. Every Acura sedan and SUV comes with this feature as standard.
2. Vehicle Stability Assist
This feature can help prevent oversteering and traction loss in rainy weather by lowering torque and applying brakes to each wheel. The change happens so quickly that you may not even notice it, and the goal is to keep you safe and focused on the road.
3. Acura Watch
This feature helps you better navigate the road. A generous list of driver assistance systems was thoughtfully engineered to back your instincts so that you can fully enjoy the ride. It is a standard feature for all Acura models.
Most Reliable Acura Models
1. Acura MDX
It has a total mileage range of 250,000 to 300,000 miles. Driving this model for 15,000 miles every year will easily go beyond the 300,000 miles threshold. This, however, will greatly depend on how well you maintain your car.
2. Acura TLX
With this model, one thing is clear: you will experience an incredibly smooth ride. “RepairPal” gave the TLX a 4.5 out of 5-star rating for reliability. Average annual repairs will cost roughly $440, which is relatively low for a luxury car.
3. Acura RDX
The RDX, known as the brand’s smallest SUV, soon became a fan favorite for various reasons. It is inexpensive, gets great gas mileage, and has a lower price tag than a premium SUV.
Furthermore, the RDX was named one of the safest and most reliable vehicles in 2016.
4. Acura TSX
It is a highly reliable and durable car that can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. The TSX should survive 17 to 20 years with an average of 15,000 miles per year driven before needing some expensive repairs.
5. Acura ILX
The Acura ILX was introduced to the market as the brand’s entry-level sedan in 2013. It will allow you to travel for at least 250,000 miles.
6. Integra Type-R
It first appeared in the 1980s, but it was not until 1997 that it truly took off. It was the ideal blend of sport and muscle cars, providing drivers with an enjoyable car to drive and manage.
This model is considered one of the greatest and continues to be a popular seller for the company.
7. Acura TSX Sport
This one belongs to the SUV and crossover lineup. It attracts many people who look for both space and performance.
It features a killer sound system, solid engineering, and a 2.4L inline V6 engine.
How Long Do Acura Tires and Batteries Last?
Tires
They should last for about six years. The treadwear indicator on these tires measures 3/32 of an inch and will alert you when they need to be replaced.
You’ll need to replace them earlier than when there are clear tire or wheel damage signs. When evaluating your tires, look for bulges, irregularities, or other items.
Acura recommends periodic tire pressure checks and rotating tires once every 5,000 miles to get the most out of your tires.
Battery
The average lifespan of an Acura battery is three to five years. It can even last up to seven years when it is properly maintained. Weather conditions and vehicle handling, on the other hand, might harm your battery life.
Living in a humid, hot, or cold climate will shorten your battery’s lifespan. The best and easiest way to extend its lifespan is to inspect it regularly for any corrosion or detached cables.
Are Acura Cars Expensive to Maintain?
Less Expensive to Maintain Than Other Cars
The short answer is no. Acuras are less expensive to maintain than other cars of any brand. Most repairs are minor and not that expensive to do. The transmission is probably the one thing that could cost extra, so the manufacturer extended its warranty.
Average Annual Repair Cost
Acuras’ average annual repair cost is $501, while the cost for all other brands is around $652. Acuras are also considerably less likely to require major repairs yearly, with only 8% of repairs classified as major compared to 12% for all other models.
Keep up with the Routine Maintenance
Above all, you play a big part in all of this. Keep up with routine fluid and filter maintenance, and be aware of the systems that your engine relies on. Observe the oil level and make sure your oil pressure sensor is good.
Other automotive systems, such as the exhaust, cooling, gearbox, and electrical systems, function in tandem with the engine. If these systems aren’t working properly, you could have some major repairs down the road.
Again, are Acuras reliable cars? Acura has a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, placing it in 2nd place out of 32 car brands. This brand has an above-average ownership cost which will cost you around $501 per year.
What Does It Mean Service Due Soon B1?
Acura Common Problems
Though the Acura brand performs admirably well in many areas, there are a few exceptions as it is not without flaws, such as:
1. Transmission issues
MDX and TL Models
In the MDX and TL models, many transmission problems are very common, and these are not minor reprogramming issues or sensors. It is a full transmission rebuild.
Single Biggest Issue with the Acuras
So, that is probably the single biggest issue with the Acuras. The NSX and the RS models also have the occasional manual transmission issue with bearings. Moreover, the older models require a little more maintenance.
2. Inconsistent Interior Materials
Mainly Due to Sun Exposure
A cracked dashboard on TL models is the most common issue. It is mainly because of the exposure to the sun as the strong heat dries out the plastic, which causes it to shrink and ultimately break. UV rays can likewise break down the chemical bonds of polymers in the dashboard’s plastic.
Could Interfere with the Airbag’s Deployment
Dashboard cracks could interfere with the airbag’s deployment by either triggering the airbag warning light or catching the airbag on its way out.
Furthermore, fragments of plastic that have broken loose on the dashboard could become a real threat in the event of airbag deployment.
Properly Clean the Dashboard
Replacing your dashboard is usually rather costly, so it is best to maintain it in good shape by using proper cleaning chemicals to prevent it from drying out prematurely.
3. Oil Consumption
Most Prevalent Issue Across Many Acura Models
Acura engines have a history of potentially significant problems, with some engines being more problematic than others. Excessive oil consumption is the most prevalent issue across many Acura models.
This happens when the oil level inside the engine drops dramatically, as this can cause major harm to the motor if not monitored and topped off regularly.
MDX Model
The J-Series V6 engine found in the MDX model is such an example. Carbon deposits inside the engine can lead to excessive oil consumption concerns. You could severely harm the engine if oil levels are lower than they should be and a clog forms.
Check the Oil Levels Every Time You Fill up Gas Tanks.
Acura has even gone so far as to advise owners to check their oil levels every time they fill up their gas tanks.
So, if you own a modern Acura, you should be vigilant about checking your oil levels and replacing it more often than the manufacturer recommends.
4. Squeaky Brakes
The final issue that many Acura owners have complained about is premature brake wear and continuous squealing.
This problem has affected many models, but the TSX one has received the most complaints. If you have this problem with your car, you will be entitled to a refund on your next brake pad and rotor replacement.
Is It Safe to Drive with the Acura Check Emission Warning Light Turned On?
Acura Maintenance Tips
- Clean the throttle body, PCV system, and EGR system once you go beyond 60.000 miles.
- Try to use high-quality petroleum in your gas tank regularly. It will help clean your engine’s internals, and you won’t have the carbon build-up that costs hundreds of dollars to remove.
- Don’t let mud sit on your Acura for more than four days because the combination of moisture and iron will generate rust after four days.
Acura FAQs
Acura Tl Transmissions: How Long Do They Last?
They should last between 10,000 and 200,000 miles. Regular maintenance and care can help extend the lifespan of this expensive component. Otherwise, you will need to replace them as soon as you go beyond 66,000 miles.
How Can I Make My Acura Last Longer?
The best and easiest way to extend the lifespan of your Acura is to adhere to the maintenance guidelines as much as possible.
Above all, try to change the engine oil, rotate the tires, and replace the air filters every 5000 miles. Also, change your engine coolant every 10,000 miles and inspect the drive belts regularly.
How Long Do Acura Engines Last?
They should last up to 250,000 miles. However, keep in mind that you will need to maintain it in good condition for an engine to last that long. Oil changes and irregular maintenance can cut years off the lifespan of an Acura, so be sure to stick to your maintenance schedule.
Is Acura More Durable and Reliable Than BMW?
Sure. BMW is a well-known and worthy competitor when it comes to car quality. On the other hand, Acura has consistently outperformed BMW in value, reliability, safety, features, and other award-winning categories.
Acura Vs. Honda: Which Is More Expensive to Maintain?
Repair and maintenance costs for Acura cars are higher than for Honda ones. But, Acura cars have more features than Honda, so it is no wonder that they’re slightly more expensive. Honda cars generally require $428 in annual maintenance, whereas Acura cars require $501.
How Can An Acura Extended Warranty Help You Save Money On Repairs?
An extended car warranty is a wise investment, especially when you have a long-lasting car like Acura. A new car’s “Limited Warranty” is only good for four years or 50,000 miles. You can easily get to this mileage restriction even before the four years are up if you drive more.
There is no need to worry about how you’ll pay for a repair or a mechanical breakdown once you have an extended warranty. It will cover the whole thing, and you will only be responsible for the deductibles, if any.
What Happens If I Fill Up my Acura With Regular Gas?
Acura cars and SUVs are designed in such a way that they deliver the best performance possible.
Regular-grade gas can cause pinging because Acuras have turbochargers, increased compression, and variable timing. When fuel detonates before the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder, you will have spark knocks.
How Long Do Acura Cars Last?
Acuras will last anywhere between 250,000 to 300,000 miles or an average of 16 to 20 years with regular care. You can even go for 400,000 miles or more with a well-maintained car. But, remember, proper maintenance is the key here. Otherwise, you will end up with a shorter lifespan.
Which Acura Is the Fastest?
The Acura NSX is the fastest production car in the Acura range, with a top speed of over 191 mph and a 0-60 mph time of around 3.1 seconds.
How Long Do Acura Brake Pads Last?
The brake pads on an Acura should last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles on average. There is no need to replace all four at once because the front pads wear out faster than the back pads.
The mileage depends on your driving habits. They’ll last considerably longer when you go for a smooth drive.
How Reliable Are Acuras?
Safety is a major issue for most drivers, and it is at the top of their priority list. Acura is on a never-ending mission to keep you safe, and it inspires innovations that are both inventive and effective.
It is committed to creating a high-performance vehicle that passes all testing and wins safety accolades. Acura was the first premium brand to receive top safety ratings throughout its entire model line.
Conclusion – Acura Reliability
If you are looking for a solid and long-lasting car, Acura is your best bet. This high-end brand is noted for its durability, low maintenance costs, and long lifespan. It can last up to 20 years or 300,000 miles and is ranked among the most reliable luxury car brands.
Sure, like any brand, there are a few faults, but they are not that common, and the good news is that Acuras have a low annual repair rate. With regular maintenance and care, expect your car to perform exceptionally well in almost every circumstance!
Read next:
