“Slipping , shift feels like it’s losing power and jerks and sputter . Check engine lights is on now . Throwing a P0730 code .. transmission fluid level are where is supposed to be and clean”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 12, 2023
“Takata recall my acura tl was driving fine and all of a sudden, the transmission started to slip and jerk while on the highway I-25 in colorado, putting my life in grave danger. I tried pulling over in castle rock colorado at an auto zone to see if stop slip fluid in the transmission but that did no justice.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 28, 2016
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2002 TL peaked in 2002, with 56 filed that year. Owners had filed 78 complaints about the transmission before the first recall that covers it, 04V176000 in April 2004; 130 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.
7 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V499000
Filed Jun 27, 20193,947 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V182000
Filed Mar 6, 20191,101,534 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V320000
Filed May 28, 20156,281,043 vehiclesHonda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2001-2004 Honda Civic GX, 2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238, select option 4. Note: Vehicles that have had their driver frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy prior to September 12, 2014 need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Vehicles that, on or after September 12, 2014, received a remedy for a prior driver frontal air bag inflator recall already received an inflator of a different design, and therefore are not included in this recall and do not require additional servicing. Note: This recall fully supersedes recalls 08V-593, 09V-259, 10V-041, 11V-260, 14V-351 and 15V-153. Honda's numbers for this recall are JQ9, JR0, JR1, JR2, JR3, JR4, JR5, JR6, JR7, and JR8.
Filed Apr 15, 20041,099,796 vehiclesHonda (american Honda Motor Co.)
Defect. ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
Risk. GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Filed Aug 14, 20018,168 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED WITH INCORRECT PARTS: 2002 ACURA 3.2TL SEDANS WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED PER RECALL 01V-166001; CERTAIN 2000 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED AS PRODUCT UPDATE REPAIRS; AND CERTAIN 2000-2002 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES WITH REPLACEMENT BUCKLES INSTALLED AS WARRANTY OR COLLISION REPAIRS. REPAIRS WERE MADE FROM MARCH 9 THROUGH JULY 27, 2001. SOME OF THE NONCOMPLIANT BUCKLES WERE MISLABELED AND REDISTRIBUTED TO ACURA DEALERS TO BE USED AS RECALL REPAIR PARTS. HONDA ALSO DETERMINED THAT INCORRECT FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE USED FOR SOME PRODUCT UPDATE REPAIRS OF 2000 ACURA 3.2TL VEHICLES, AND WARRANTY OR COLLISION REPAIRS OF 2000-2002 3.2TL VEHICLES. THESE SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Filed May 24, 20019,034 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." CERTAIN DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 9, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls01V161000
Filed May 3, 200110,575 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDANS EQUIPPED WITH AN "AUTO-UP" POWER WINDOW FEATURE ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT CAN FAIL, AND DEPENDING ON THE FAILURE MODE, THE WINDOW COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OPEN OR CLOSE INDEPENDENT OF SWITCH ACTIVATION, OR THE AUTO-REVERSE SYSTEM MAY NOT OPERATE.
Risk. THE AUTO-REVERSE SYSTEM FAILURE COULD RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 21, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ACURA AT 1-800-999-1009.
All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 2002 TL.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …
Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA15001Open
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …
Air Bag Inflator RupturePreliminary evaluation PE14016Closed
Opened Jun 11, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015Led to recall 13V172000airbags
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …
RUPTURING DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATORSRecall query RQ09004Closed
Opened Nov 2, 2009Closed May 6, 2010airbags
This RQ investigation was opened to collect and analyze additional information to better evaluate the scope and timeliness of Honda's two safety recalls addressing rupturing of the driver's side air bag inflators (08V-593 and 09V-259).In an earlier response to RMD's request for information, Honda indicated that the second recall (09V-259), essentially an expansion of the first (08V-593), was necessary since later information informed that the source of the defect was different than originally postulated, and so the scope of the vehicles affected changed. Honda indicated that it had relied on …
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 TL. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
airbags 40transmission 36equipment 34engine 23electrical system 18brakes 11visibility 10seats 4
B20-008Warranty extensionMar 10, 2020airbags
Service Bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects in the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
B18-017Warranty extensionMay 24, 2018equipment
Service bulletin - This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators. American Honda is offering a Customer Support Program (Warranty Extension) to cover any manufacturing defects to the replacement driver's airbag inflator only.
06050Warranty extensionMay 9, 2008unknown or other
ACURA: WARRANTY EXTENSION: VEHICLE WARRANTY MILEAGE. A FEDERAL COURT PROVIDED FINAL APPROVAL OF THE SETTLEMENT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALLEGING THAT THE ODOMETERS ON CERTAIN MODELS WERE OVERSTATING MILEAGE. VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS SETTLEMENT INCLUDE CERTAIN 2002-2006. ON AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE SETTLEMENT REQUIRES YOU TO HONOR A 5 PERCENT INCREASE IN THE …
Service bulletin - You are required to install a remanufactured A/T (automatic transmission) and torque converter on any vehicle with an internal failure that calls for A/T disassembly that is covered under any of the programs listed.
02-027Warranty extensionFeb 5, 2008transmission
WARRANTY EXTENSION: 3.2 TL AND 3.2 CL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *NJ
SAFETY RECALL: CL AND TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SECOND GEAR INSPECTION. *TT
Showing the newest 6 of 36 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 21, 2026167,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2002 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving under 10 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. During the crash the front driver’s and front passenger’s side air bags deployed. During the air bags deployment, the driver sustained a left-hand injury that later required medical treatment. The contact stated that prior to the crash, the SRS warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that due to the low-speed crash, the air bags should not have deployed. The failure mileage was 167,000.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 12, 2025CA
The high pressure power steering hose on my car is leaking. Issues with Air bags
Air Bags
Filed Jun 30, 2025CA
The "SRS" dashboard red light illuminated and stays on. On May 19, 2029 Acura "Replaced Driver S/B." Acura Dealer and Manufacturer are both telling me that my "Inflator" and "Airbag Module" is not covered again since there has been no recall by Acura or NHTSA. Please advise me as to warranty a second time at no cost to me?
Power Train
Filed Apr 12, 2023GA
Slipping , shift feels like it’s losing power and jerks and sputter . Check engine lights is on now . Throwing a P0730 code .. transmission fluid level are where is supposed to be and clean
Service Brakes
Filed May 22, 2021WA
My car has been automatically shutting off while driving. Bringing my car to a halt, not a full on stop but to the point my wheels lock up. Sort of like im slamming on my brake but I can't press my brake. I lose power steering, the entire car shuts off. Then I have to try and restart it, but it won't turn over. Sometimes its just for a few minutes. Other times Im stranded for hours. A few times its been days. After it dies and i turn the key off and then back on but not over ill have power. I have a kid and we've been stranded on an on ramp with cars going 60 all around us. The car just randomly shut off in the middle of the road. There's a lot of traffic around these parts and we were stuck, not even being able to get out of the vehicle with the cars going on each side of us. Ive done some research and ive seen thousands of other complaints about this issue since 2002. Ive had 3 different mechanics try to figure out what the issue was. Have had my car at the shop for weeks at a time. A few times even the mechanics couldn't get it started, and it had to sit for 3 days before it would start up again. The check engine light is on and all 3 different mechanics have fixed everything thats came up. After this started happening ive had to replace brakes and rotors several times. My car started shifting way to late. And feels like its starting to slip. This is a safety hazzard. Especially in larger cities.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 14, 2020150,000 milesDE
VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING ON HIGHWAY WITH KIDS IN THE CAR, DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 1, 2019210,000 milesSD
AUTOMATIC/MANUALLY SHIFTS, MANUAL GEARS D4 SHIFT STUCK IN GEAR AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURED.
Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 2019157,672 milesWA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW BUTTON FAILED TO OPERATE. HINSHAW'S ACURA (5955 20TH ST E, FIFE, WA 98424, (253) 922-8830) WAS INFORMED OF THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,672.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 9, 2019100,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V499000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED CROWN ACURA (LOCATED AT 18911 US HWY 19 N, CLEARWATER, FL 33764, (888) 642-5567) AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Air Bags
Filed May 14, 2019TN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. GARRY FORCE ACURA (1634 WESTGATE CIR, BRENTWOOD, TN 37027 (615) 377-0500) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT WERE NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. (PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT).
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 17, 2019154,000 milesMN
WE GOT AN APRIL 2019 LETTER FOR AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL WHICH CAME TOO LATE! MY CAR WAS TOTALED IN A ACCIDENT IN WHICH BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IT DID CAUSE HURTFUL PRESSURE ON MY GRANDSON'S CHEST WITH AN EMERGENCY BILL OVER $500 AND 2 DAYS OF LOSSES WAGES. OK FOR WHICH WE HAD NO COMPENSATION. CAR WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY STREET IN WHICH THE OTHER PARTY WAS TICKETED ON AN ILLEGAL U TURN.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 15, 201965,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR KEPT ILLUMINATING. FLOW ACURA (425 SILAS CREEK PKWY, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27127, (336) 723-3524) INITIALLY DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES WERE MALFUNCTIONING. AFTER A TEST WAS PERFORMED, THE INDICATOR REMAINED OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH. WHEN THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AGAIN, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT WAS STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ANOTHER ACURA DEALER (CROWN ACURA, 3908 W WENDOVER AVE, GREENSBORO, NC 27407) CHANGED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE SECOND DEALER HAD TO ORDER ANOTHER PART AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AGAIN, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED SRS LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. DEALERSHIP FILE HAS A LOG/ HISTRY OF THE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE PLUS MULTI REPAIRS WORK DONE ON THE SRS LIGHT BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*JB
Air Bags
Filed Nov 9, 201888,675 milesTX
TAKATA RECALL
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 2018OH
TAKATA RECALL
Power Train
Filed Feb 13, 2018112,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH KEY INTERLOCK FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY ON ITS OWN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH KEY INTERLOCK FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 20, 2018CT
CAR WILL NO LONGER FUNCTION PROPERLY/ POOR DRIVING.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 16, 2018182,000 milesWA
VIOLENT SHIFTING - PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM ENGLES AUTO IN SUMNER - SAME DAY DROVE THIS VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY AND AN HOUR INTO THE ROAD TRIP THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SUDDENLY APPLY THE BRAKES. FOLLOWING THIS IT BEGAN SHIFTING VIOLENTLY UP OR DOWN. FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION AND AFTER TALKING WITH ACURA WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS ALREADY ADDRESSED. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT ($2500-$3000 ESTIMATE) IMMEDIATELY TOLD CAR DEALERSHIP I WANTED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE AND GET A REFUND AND ALL I GOT FROM THEM WAS THE RUN AROUND.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 2018198,000 milesIL
MY VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTED AIRBAG. IT HAS YET TO DEPLOY, HOWEVER I WAS INFORMED BY THE TK HOLDINGS INC. THAT THE AIRBAG ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL IS DEFECTED.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 15, 2017CO
MY VEHICLE CONTAINS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAGS, EVEN THOUGH I REALIZE IT IS NOT CURRENTLY UNDER A RECALL.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 7, 2017MD
AIR BAGS WAS NOT WORKING
Air Bags
Filed Dec 2, 2017107 milesFL
TAKATA RECALL
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 29, 2017110,000 milesMD
TAKATA RECALL: PROBLEMS OCCUR ON REGULAR ROADS, LOCAL AREAS, CITIES. THE CAR'S WINDOW, THE LEFT PASSENGER SIDE BEHIND THE DRIVER, IS FAIL. IT DOESN'T GO UP OR DOWN ANY MORE. IT BEGAN COUPLE YEARS AGO, AND WE HAD TO TO PAY FOR THE CAR REPAIR PERSON TO PULL IT UP ONLY. YET, IT IS AUTOMATICALLY PULLED DOWN AGAIN AND LEAVES A SPACE THAT CAN'T NOT PROTECT PASSENGERS INSIDE. AIR, HEAT, ANY WEATHER PROBLEM OR ANY CONSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTS INJECTING/FLOWING FREELY IN/OUT. OTHER PROBLEM IS "VSA" AND "TRIANGLE" LIGHTS ON. IT STARTED FROM LAST YEAR WHEN I HAD ITS TIRES REPLACED. MECHANICS DOUBLE CHECKED AND CONFIRMED ME THAT THIS CAR WAS TOO SENSITIVE TO DO ANY TIRE JOB. ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE TRIED TO RESET THE SENSOR SYSTEM, IT STILL HAS THE PROBLEM.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 2, 201773,000 milesVA
TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN JUNE OF 2014. I WAS PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN. AS I WAS DRIVING A SUBURBAN (BELIEVE) TURNED IN FRONT OF ME. TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BUT DIDN'T QUITE MAKE IT. I HIT THE SIDE OR BACK OF HIS VEHICLE . I FELT LIKE I HIT A BRICK WALL WITH MY FACE. THAT WAS MY FACE HITTING THE AIR BAG.I WAS ON THE SERVICE ROAD LEAVING THE MALL. I DON'T THINK THE DATE I WROTE IN ON THIS FORM IS CORRECT. I'M NOT SURE OF THE DAY.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 1, 2017LA
AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON & OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING & IN IDLE .
EngineCrash5 injured
Filed Jul 3, 2017250,000 milesCA
VEHICAL SLIPS OUT OF GEARS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY ALSO FEELS LIKE THE CAR WHEELS OR MAYBE EVEN THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP WHILE ON THE HWY . A VERY BAD JERK , IT SEEMS LIKE THE GEARS ARE LOCKING UP FOR A QUICK SECOND AFTER THE JERK IT WILL PROCEED ON . THE JERKS. THESE JERKS ARE STARTING TO DAMAGE MY SUSPENSION AND ALSO MY GEARS.. THERE WAS ASAFETY RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSOION GEARS .I HAVE TAKEN MY VHICAL TO ACURA OF CERRITTOS AND THEY REFUSED TO INSPECT AND NOTIFY ME OF MY VEHICAL TRANSMISSION GEARS STATUS THEY SAID THERE WAS A OIL LINE THAT WAS ADDED BUT THEY CANT SHOW ME WHERE THE WORK WAS DONE. WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICAL HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP ACURA OF CERRITOS THIS TRANSMISSION GEARS STARTED LOCKING UP SO BAD THAT THE JERKS INJURED ME MY GIRLFRIEND AND 3 OF OUR KIDS AND DAMAGED MY STEERING AND SUSPENSION. PLEASE HELP
Engine
Filed Jun 15, 2017MI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARS HAD BEEN SLIPPING AND SLOW TO CHANGE OVER WITH A SUDDEN JERK OR LUNGE. THE RPMS WOULD RACE INTERMITTENTLY ONCE THE GEARS CHANGED AND THE ENGINE AND EMISSIONS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (RIVERTOWN HONDA, 4260 KENOWA AVE SW, GRANDVILLE, MI 49418, (616) 667-4500) CLEARED THE CODES, BUT THE CODES RETURNED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WITHIN 48 HRS. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE DEALER COULD PROVIDE A SOLUTION AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK AGAIN WITH NO SPECIFIC REPAIR SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power Train
Filed Mar 25, 201794,000 milesMI
VEHICLE SHIFTS INTO GEAR OK UNTIL IT REACHES 40 MILES PER HOUR THEN GEAR STOPS SHIFTING AS IF THE GEARS AREN'T CATCHING. ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHES 50 MILES PER HOUR IT STARTS TO ACCELERATE OK. THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY
Suspension
Filed Dec 7, 2016CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE COLLAPSED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, WHICH FRACTURED THE AXLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BOTH COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Power Train
Filed Nov 28, 2016CO
TAKATA RECALL MY ACURA TL WAS DRIVING FINE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP AND JERK WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY I-25 IN COLORADO, PUTTING MY LIFE IN GRAVE DANGER. I TRIED PULLING OVER IN CASTLE ROCK COLORADO AT AN AUTO ZONE TO SEE IF STOP SLIP FLUID IN THE TRANSMISSION BUT THAT DID NO JUSTICE. AS I WAS LOOKING TO GET IT FIXED, I SEEN IN THE INTERNET THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLES TRANSMISSION. SO I HOPE I CAN GET THIS FIXED AND BACK RUNNING SOON. OTHERWISE I MAY NEVER GET ANOTHER ACURA MODEL CAR IN MY LIFETIME. *TR
Power Train
Filed Nov 22, 2016120,000 milesTX
WHILE DRIVING MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND MY CAR STOPS MOVING. THE TRANSMISSION WAS WORKED ON IN 2005 FOR THE RECALL ISSUE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH IT IS KNOWN THAT THE 2005 REPAIRS DID NOT REALLY WORK. AT 120K MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS OUT AGAIN. IN THE MORNING IT DRIVES FINE UNTIL IT GETS HOT DUPLICATING THE INITIAL RECALL SYMPTOMS. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT ACURA FOR A MONTH AND DIAGNOSED AS DUPLICATING THE . A MONTH LATER ACURA DECIDES NOT TO STAND BEHIND THERE VEHICLE. I HAVE A HYUNDAI AND DODGE WITH OVER 200K MILES AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY DRIVETRAIN ISSUES.
Power Train
Filed Mar 29, 201651,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND PCM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ UPDATED 12/13/2017*JS
Power Train
Filed Aug 31, 2015103,500 milesIL
TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR SECOND TIME. FIRST FAILED AFTER VEHICLE WAS 4 YEARS OLD WITH 30,000 MILES IN 2005. ACURA STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE UNDER WARRANTY. SECOND ONE FAILED AFTER CAR HAD 103,500 MILES ON IT 8/21/15 EVEN THOUGH I FOLLOWED THE MAINTENANCE PRESCRIBED BY THE MANUFACTURER. ACURA REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THE COST OF $5,100 QUOTED BY THE DEALER FOR A RE-MANUFACTURED UNIT. WHEN THE UNIT FAILED THE CAR WOULD LOSE ALL POWER TO THE WHEELS PRESENTING A DANGEROUS CONDITION IN THAT VEHICLES BEHIND COULD HAVE EASILY REAR ENDED ME. IN OTHER INSTANCES THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT UP PROPERLY AND THEN LOSE ALL POWER WHICH IF THIS OCCURRED IN BUSY TRAFFIC COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ACURA IS FULL AWARE OF THE DEFECTS IN THEIR TRANSMISSION AND HAVE TRIED TO PRESENT IT AS AN INCIDENT THAT ONLY AFFECTS SOME OF THEIR VEHICLES AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED WITH AN UPDATE TO THE TRANSMISSIONS. I FEEL THIS IS NOT TRUE AND YOU MAY AGREE WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS BEING FILED. CLEARLY ALTHOUGH THESE ARE OLDER CARS AT THIS POINT THE PROBLEM REMAINS AND CAN POSE A DANGER. I HOPE SERIOUS INJURY OR WORSE DOES NOT HAVE TO OCCUR BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE. ALSO, ACURA SHOULD HAVE COVERED THIS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CURED.
Suspension
Filed Aug 24, 2015140,047 milesNY
MY ACURA WENT IN FOR THE AIR-BAG RECALL, AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN NOTICE THE REAR BEAM OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WAS ROTTED (HAD A HOLE IN IT). HE SAID IT WOULD COST ME AROUND $2480. TO REPLACE IT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT HONDA MOTOR HAD PUT IT AC DRAINPIPE TO DIRECTS WATER ON IT CAUSING IT TO RUST. HONDA MOTOR NEED TO STEP-UP TO THE PLATE AND HAVE A RECALL ON THIS PART. I ALSO HAS A COMPLAINT ON MY 2002 HONDA ACCORD. HONDA NEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME, THE AC DRAINPIPE DRIPPED WATER ON THE 1999 - 2002 MODEL.
Power Train
Filed Aug 20, 201592,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WHENEVER THE GEARS WHERE BEING SHIFTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Jul 15, 2015140,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEYS WERE ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V423000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 9/25/15 *LN
Air Bags
Filed May 4, 2015135,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 8, 2015VA
2002 ACURA 3.2 TL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL AND REPAIRS. *SMD
Power Train
Filed Nov 8, 2014162,400 milesCO
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED IN SEPTEMBER AND IT STARTED HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS SHORTLY AFTERWARD. I THEN DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL (04V-176) ON THE TRANSMISSION. THE RECALL STATES IN PART THAT "THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED." THE DEALER CALLED AND TOLD ME THEY HAD COMPLETED THE RECALL WORK, BUT RECOMMENDED THAT WE REPLACE THE SOLENOIDS TO FIX THE HARD SHIFTING. MY WIFE PICKED UP THE CAR WHEN THE WORK WAS COMPLETE AND IT RAN REASONABLY WELL FOR ABOUT A WEEK. ON THE DATE NOTED ABOVE, MY DAUGHTER DROVE IT HOME FROM WORK AND IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 3RD GEAR. NOTE, IT IS A 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS SCARED TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT WAS ACTING. I DROVE IT FOR A SHORT DISTANCE THE NEXT DAY AND VERIFIED HER COMPLAINT. I AM UPSET BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE ACURA LET US TAKE AN UNSAFE CAR OUT OF THEIR MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT WITHOUT LETTING US KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I CALLED THE DEALER BACK AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ASKED IF THEY HAD DONE THE GEAR INSPECTION AND WHAT IT HAD SHOWN. THE DEALER WOULD NOT CONFIRM THAT THE INSPECTION HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE RESULTS OF THE INSPECTION. HE JUST STATED THAT "THE TECHNICIAN KNEW WHAT TO DO FOR THIS RECALL." I THEN CALLED IN A COMPLAINT TO ACURA. THEY LISTENED, GAVE ME A CASE NO. AND TOLD ME THAT SOMEONE WOULD CALL ME BACK WITHIN 48
Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2014170,000 milesVA
FIRST OFF MY DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW HAS NEVER WORKED. I CHANGED MY WINDOW MOTOR WITH THE REGULATOR TWICE. THAT DID NOT FIX MY WINDOW. I CHANGED MY DRIVERS MASTER WINDOW MODULE TWICE. I CHECKED ALL OF THE FUSES AND THE POWER WINDOW FUSES WERE GOOD. MY POWER WINDOW STILL DOESN'T WORK AFTER $400 IN PARTS AND $400 IN LABOR. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE ACURA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE MY CAR HAD A FEW RECALLS. THE PERSON HELPING ME AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS REAL RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL. HE TOLD ME THE ONLY RECALL I HAD WAS FOR MY SRS AIRBAG. HE HAD TO ORDER THE PART. I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP TO LET ME KNOW THE PART WAS IN. TWO WEEKS LATER I GO IN AND CHECK IF THE PART WAS I N. THE SAME PERSON THAT HELPED ME CAME UP TO ME AND HAD AN ATTITUDE AND WAS DISRESPECTFUL AGAIN. HE TOLD ME THE PART WAS IN BUT THEY CAN'T SERVICE IT THAT DAY. THEY NEVER COMMUNICATED WITH ME. HORRIBLE SERVICE AT [XXX] ACURA. I TOLD THE SERVICE GUY THAT MY CAR DOES NOT WANT TO COME OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY TRANSMISSION. HE WAS REAL RUDE AND TOLD ME THAT I HAD TO PAY $6000. I DID A LITTLE RESEARCH AND MY 02 ACURA TL TYPE S WITH MY VIN NUMBER HAS MANY RECALLS. 1 FOR MY AIR BAGS. 2. FOR MY TRANSMISSION 2ND GEAR. 3 FOR MY DRIVERS POWER WINDOW. I TOLD THIS ACURA SERVICE GUY THAT I HAD RECALLS FOR ALL 3 THINGS AND HE LAUGHED AT ME. MY CLUSTER FUSE KEEPS BLOWING AND THE CODE THAT COMES UP IS FOR MY TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR. 70+ PEOPLE WITH AN 02 ACURA TLS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES AS ME.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Nov 7, 2014176,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH FAILED TO INITIATE GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 31, 2014134,919 milesOR
2002 ACURA TLS: INTERMITTENT SEVER RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BRAKING CAUSING VEHICLE TO LEAVE LANE OF TRAVEL AT VARIOUS SPEEDS (25-55 MPH). REPLACED YAW SENSOR, NO CHANGE. REPLACED FRONT WHEEL SENSORS, NO CHANGE. SCANNED FOR CODES WITHOUT RESULT. TECHNICIAN CONTACTED TECH LINE AND SENT SNAPSHOT OF VSA. ALL TESTS NORMAL INCLUDING VOLTAGES AND CONNECTOR PIN FIT AT VSA CONTROL UNIT, LATERAL ACCELERATION SENSOR CONNECTOR AND CONNECTOR 204. CONTACTED ACURA CUSTOMER SERVICE, BUT WE'RE NOT WILLING TO PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE DUE TO MILEAGE OF VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY IS TO DEACTIVATE THE VSA MANUALLY AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE EACH TIME. LAST OPTION IS TO REPLACE VSA CONTROL MODULE (QUOTE FOR NEW PART #39780-S0K-A01 VSA UNIT $1,031.46, PLUS LABOR). *TR
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 29, 2014CA
MY 2002 ACURA TL WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHICH HAS ONLY 59,851 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT IT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER 6 YEARS AGO, AND SINCE THEN I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN ABOUT 11,000 MILES. THE WELL-KNOWN 2002 TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DESIGN FLAW IS NOW CAUSING BIG SUDDEN JERKS AND THE CAR SHOOTING FORWARD, THUS CREATING A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE TO ME AND THE GENERIC PUBLIC. INITIALLY A REP AT ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS (1-800-382-2238 OPTION 4) TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED ACURA DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KEARNY MESA ACURA, PAID $130 FOR A WRITTEN DIAGNOSIS, AND FAXED IT TO ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS. THE REP SAID AS THE CAR HAD ONLY 59,851 MILES ON IT, HE WOULD TAKE MY CASE TO HIS MANAGEMENT. BUT MY REQUEST FOR HELP FROM ACURA WAS LATER DENIED, CITING THEIR EXTENDED 109,000 MILES AND 7 YEAR 9 MONTH WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I WONDER WHY ACURA CANNOT MAN UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THEIR FAULTY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON 2002 TL MODELS. HOW CAN ACURA USE AN ARBITRARILY-SET WARRANTY EXPIRATION DATE TO IGNORE THE HUGE SAFETY PROBLEMS ON THEIR CARS?
Air Bags
Filed Sep 23, 2014FL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V351000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Power Train
Filed Sep 17, 201459,841 milesCA
IN SEPT 2008 I BOUGHT THE 2002 ACURA TL WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. IT HAD 48,440 MILES ON IT. THE SAFETY PROBLEM E.G. UNEXPECTED SUDDEN JERK FOLLOWED BY CAR SHOOTING FORWARD DID NOT HAPPEN UNTIL AROUND 09/06/2014. ON 09/08/2014 I CALLED AMERICAN HONDA MOTORS (AHM) AT 1-800-382-2238 (OPTION 4) AND WAS ADVISED BY [XXX] TO SEND THE CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED ACURA DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. HE SAID THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERING 109,000 MILES AND 7 YEARS 9 MONTHS ON 2002 ACURA TL WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BUT IT HAD EXPIRED. HE ALSO SAID AS MY CAR HAD LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT HE COULD PRESENT THE CASE TO MANAGEMENT. CONCERNED THAT I MIGHT KILL SOMEONE DUE TO CARS SUDDEN JERK AND UNEXPECTED SHOOTING FORWARD IF DRIVING, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER KEARNY MESA ACURA AT 5202 KEARNY MESA ROAD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111-1801 (TEL 858.430.5600). THE DEALER SAID IN ITS WRITTEN 3-PAGE DIAGNOSIS THAT THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED AT $4,400+TAX. THEIR TECHNICIAN SAID MY CAR HAD THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AS THE OTHER EARLY ACURA TLS THAT HE HAD WORKED ON. I FAXED THE 3-PAGE DEALER DIAGNOSIS PAGES TO AHM. TODAY 09/16/2014 [XXX] OF AHM AT 1-800-382-2238 [XXX] INFORMED ME THAT HER DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE REFUSED TO HELP CITING THE EXPIRED WARRANTY. I ASKED HER TO APPEAL MY CASE AS I FELT THE REP SHOULD NOT BE THE SOLE PERSON TO MAKE A DECISION ON IT. I FEEL AHM SHOULD HELP ME BECAUSE AFTER ALL IT WAS THE WELL-KNOWN 2002 TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DESIGN FLAW WH
Steering
Filed Jun 30, 201496,000 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THERE WAS SMOKE RISING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THERE WAS A VISIBLE POWER STEERING LEAK AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING HOSE AND BRAKE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Engine
Filed Nov 23, 2013CA
I BOUGHT MY ACURA FEBRUARY 2011. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD 2 TRANSMISSION FAILURES AND HAVE SPENT WELL OVER $1400.00 EACH TIME I GOT IT FIXED BY THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. I STILL HAVE MY RECEIPTS AND ONLY GOT A 1 YEAR WARRANTY FIRST TIME AND A 3 MONTH WARRANTY THIS PAST TIME . IT SEEMS LIKE I AM PAYING MORE FOR THE TRANSMISSION ALONE THAN THE VALUE OF THE CAR. THE ENGINE IS GREAT BUT I AM AFRAID THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO FAIL AGAIN AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR OR FIX THE PROBLEM IF IT DOES FAIL AGAIN. THIS IS A CONCERN FOR ME BECAUSE THE FIRST FAILURE WAS VERY SCARY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. WE WERE DRIVING UP A STEEP HILL TO OVERVIEW A CITY WE VISITED AND THE TRANSMISSION SHUT DOWN AND WE WERE INCLINED. I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO APPROACH THIS SITUATION WITH 3 MINOR CHILDREN AND AS A SINGLE MOTHER. IT WAS VERY OVERWHELMING AND I WAS PETRIFIED. THEN COME TO FIND OUT NOT SO LONG LATER AFTER GETTING THE TRANSMISSION FIXED, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND HAVE BLOGGED AND READ ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR. YOU CAN YOUTUBE GOOGLE ALL KINDS OF INFO ON THESE ACURAS WITH CONSTANT TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I THINK THE MANUFACTURER INTENDED ON THIS MALFUNCTION FOR PROFIT AS A AUTOMECHANIC. IT IS VERY UNFAIR, UNSAFE, UNJUST WITH THEM SELLING CARS THAT DO NOT LAST 5000 MILES AND THEN HAVE THE TRANSMISSION FAIL OVER AND OVER. I AM THE OWNER OF THE 2002 ACURA. PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED ABOUT THIS CAR AND IF THERE IS ANY WAY SOMEONE CAN HELP ME GET WARRANTY FOR FREE
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 4, 2013NY
2002 ACURA TL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE RELEASED THE GAS PEDAL AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN, THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC, SO HE MANAGED TO GET THE VEHICLE OUT OF TRAFFIC AND SHUT IT OFF. THE ENGINE WAS STUCK AT FULL THROTTLE, IT REVVED AT FULL RPM WHEN HE TURNED IT ON AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE THROTTLE WAS MECHANICALLY STUCK IN THE FULL OPEN POSITION.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 12, 2013MO
2002 ACURA TL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER BELIEVED SHE PURCHASED ONE OF THE FEW ACURA'S THAT HAD A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL AND/OR WORKMANSHIP OF THE TRANSMISSION THAT WENT UNDETECTED WHEN REPLACING THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE DURING THE RECALL IN 2004. SHE BELIEVED THE DAMAGE WAS ALREADY DONE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND IN HER CASE; THE DISCOLORATION OF THE LINE BECAUSE OF OVERHEATING HAD NOT OCCURRED OR WENT UN-NOTICED. SUBSEQUENTLY, ONLY THE LINE WAS REPLACED AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT FURTHER INSPECTED. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WOULD SEEM THAT FLUSHING AND CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WOULD ACT ONLY AS A TEMPORARY FIX OR BAND AID TO THE PROBLEM AND SEVERAL MILES DOWN THE ROAD, THE SAME PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR. THE CONSUMER BROUGHT HER VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE, THE D5 LIGHT WAS FLASHING , THE TCS LIGHTS WERE ON, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. ALSO, SHE EXPERIENCED HARD SHIFTS, AFTER FIRST GEAR, USUALLY FIRST TO SECOND, AND THEN ONE LAST SHIFT INTO THIRD, UPON TAKE OFF FROM A STOP, AND WHILE INCREASING SPEED ON AN INCLINE OF A FREEWAY ENTRANCE RAMP.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 26, 2013260,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED AND WOULD NOT BLOW HOT OR COLD AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE AIR CONDITION FAN MOTOR. THE CONTACT RE-INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND LOCATED ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE FAN MOTOR CABLE, WHICH HAD OVERHEATED AND BURNED THE MOTOR WIRES AND PLASTIC PLUG IN THE UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 260,000.
Power Train
Filed May 10, 201378,514 milesAR
AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE OF MY VEHICLE, I WAS UNAWARE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY TORQUE CONVERTER. THE TORQUE CONVERTER STARTED GOING OUT WHILE ON THE FREEWAY WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK DUE TO THE GEARS NOT CHANGING. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ACURA RELATIONS ABOUT THE SITUATION AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE EXPENSE OF GETTING THE TORQUE CONVERTER FIXED. THE SUPERVISOR TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE NOT RELIABLE FOR THE COST BECAUSE SOMETHING TO DO WITH IN HOUSE WARRANTY EXTENSION ON THE PART. I DISAGREE BECAUSE IT A COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGES THE FACT THAT THEIR PRODUCT HAVE A DEFECT ON A CERTAIN PART, THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR CUSTOMER'S SAFETY. I HAVE BEEN ON A MERRY GO ROUND ABOUT THIS MATTER WITH ACURA AND I NEED SOMEONE TO TAKE A FURTHER LOOK INTO THIS MATTER..........THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 333, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the TL years to avoid: owners filed 333 complaints, 2.2 times as many as a typical TL year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (62%).
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Acura TL?
The transmission: 208 of the 333 complaints (62%) are about it. Owners most often say it slips or will not engage a gear (17%), jerks, lurches or bucks (9%) and shifts hard, late or not at all (7%). The typical report comes at 50,819 miles.
How many recalls does the 2002 Acura TL have?
7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jun 27, 2019. The largest, 15V320000, covered 6,281,043 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2002 Acura TL problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 64,500 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 50,819 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Acura TL?
Yes, 5 times. The latest, EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open. 2 investigations are open.
Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Acura TL?
The manufacturer filed 194 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the airbags (40), the transmission (36) and the engine (23). They include a warranty extension, B20-008, filed Mar 10, 2020. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jun 27, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.