“I am having trouble with my transmission slipping between 2nd and 3rd gears. When I bought the car new in 2003, I got a letter from acura informing me that they were going to warrantee the transmission for an extra 12 months and 12,000 miles because they were having trouble with them. Now that I am, acura refuses to help me with repairs.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 1, 2016 at 139,000 miles
“I was leaving work at about 7pm. I noticed it took the transmission an extra few seconds to shift into drive but it was cold so I let it warm up and things seemed to be fine. As I started to get on to I-93 I noticed my tachometer spike to about 4k rpm. I couldn't catch 3rd gear and the car behind me had to veer around me as I started slowing down.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 25, 2015 at 124,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2003 TL peaked in 2010, with 44 filed that year. Owners had filed 25 complaints about the transmission before the first recall that covers it, 04V176000 in April 2004; 209 more have come in since. In 2025 owners filed 1 so far.
5 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 28, 200217,551 vehiclesAmerican Honda Motor Co.
Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.
Risk. IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. 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 HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
All 5 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. 4 name the 2003 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 …
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 TL. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
airbags 39equipment 38transmission 35engine 23electrical system 17brakes 7visibility 6body and frame 5
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
Showing the newest 6 of 35 bulletins about the transmission, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 12, 2025AR
It's like when my transmission gets warmed up the RPM's will rev up and then it will come out of gear. Then I have to pull over put it in park and turn the car off. Let it sit for a minute or two then it will drive fine for 10 to 15 minutes before doing it again.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 20, 2024PR
This complaint relates to safety recall campaigns work regarding my 2003 Acura TL car's SRS (air bags). I took my car to the Acura Service Center in Guaynabo, PR, for recall related repairs at various times during 2022 and 2023. The last time was [XXX]. The PROBLEM is that the Acura center's initial recall-related repair may have been faulty, thus causing the SRS warning light to turn on and stay on while I drive the car. The SRS warning came on a few days after the initial Acura service was performed. I was told during the second visit that they just had to reset something in the car's computer to turn off the SRS warning. But the SRS warning light would turn on again a few days after each service visit. The last time I took the car to Acura regarding this problem was on [XXX]. At that time, I requested a thorough diagnosis of the SRS problem. After that visit , the Acura service center sent me a video of the inspection work performed. However, that video and the $144.95 invoice paid, do not show that any SRS diagnosis work was done. They just did a "multi point" car mechanical condition inspection. Regarding the SRS problem, they again turned off the SRS warning light but did not indicate that in the video or the invoice. A few days later, the SRS warning came back on again. I called the national Honda HQ offices in the California, a few months ago. I expressed my frustration with the Acura dealer's failure to resolve this safety problem. They told me that they could not do
Power Train
Filed Jan 20, 2024FL
Driving on Highway going 65mph vehicle suddenly jerked and dropped to 20 mph. Causing my entire body to collide with the steering wheel. Luckily there no cars behind me. Was on my way to work when this happened too far from home. So when I got at work which is thirty minutes from where I live I had to get a tow truck to get my car home. That’s how bad it was. My mom had this car for about ten years. I’ve had it now for three years. Never had this problem before. We’ve had the car in the family for almost fifteen years. Only thing that’s had to change was a power steering line and front shocks. Almost sold it last week and I’m glad I didn’t. Has over 230,000 so I’m not upset. Just a bit sad that this happened to my TL. Needs A/T clutch pressure control solenoid valves A B.
Engine
Filed Oct 21, 2023NY
This car is not safe. First, the Takata airbags are in it. I drove my daughter, my mother and my little dog in this car! I can’t believe the used car dealership did not let me know that. Then the car starts shifting funny. Also dangerous. There should be a recall for transmission. There are over 500 people affected by this. I’m trying to enter a highway and I need to pick up speed, because there is a tractor trailer in the right lane and heavy traffic. I try to accelerate and it goes nowhere. 30mph. And that was after I merged in and have traffic going 70 behind me. Scariest thing ever. They should not be allowed to sell these cars. It is not safe for the driver and their family and it is not safe for others on the road. I can’t believe the negligence. I will not be driving this death trap ever again.
Power Train
Filed May 10, 2023160,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to shift from second gear to third gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the RMP’s revved up but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Seat Belts
Filed Feb 19, 2023MI
The driver’s side seat belt is frayed. The area of concern on the belt goes through the upper guide loop and into the B-pillar trim panel. When in use it resides along my upper left torso. The amount of fraying is about twelve inches in length and the width is decreased by about a quarter of an inch in one area. The issue came to my attention on January 18, 2023. when a co-worker, who has worked in designing and engineering vehicle safety components, brought it to my attention. He informed me that that all safety features such as seat belts and air bags, are warrantied for the life of a vehicle as they work together as a safety system as an industry standard, and that the belt is compromised and may not work as designed in the event of a crash. On January 18, 2023, I spoke on the telephone with the service manager, Martin, of Acura of Troy in Troy, Michigan. Martin informed me that the belt was not a warranty item. I also contacted Acura by online chat on January 19, 2023, and received the same information. On January 27, 2023, I visited the Acura of Troy dealership and had a service representative review the component and received a written estimate to replace the defective parts at my expense, and not under warranty. I believe this to be a defective part caused by the components comprised in the system. I would like this matter to be elevated with Acura as a matter of record. My expectation is to confirm this is either not a safety concern or repair the belt as required und
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 15, 2022WI
Unknown
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 28, 2022NY
This complaint is in regards to the 2003 Acura model TL, which is made by Honda and seems to have a notorious car frame rust/rot problem due to designing the AC compressor drain line to dump water directly onto the cars front subframe/engine cradle causing it/them to be compromised to a serious extent that could lead to major injury and or death if not spotted and dealt with. All complaints clearly indicate the problem is on the right/passenger side of certain Hondas and Acuras in the early 2000's. There is no major issues in regards to driver side frame rott. How is that? Because it's a problem created by a variable located there and that is explained here in this complaint. By the grace of God, I had a sway bar link issue making a ticking noise and asked my mechanic to get It onto the lift a take a look. He told me that I should, "Drive it home, park it and start looking for another car. Put it this way, if you were to hit a bad pothole you could have been in a serious situation." Honda has had an innumerable amt of complaints regarding the same issue and it should have been recalled and redirected the drain line, and ppl suffering this issue should have been compensated for the repair (if even possible to do). I will attach photos if permitted to show the extent of the rust on the front frame of the vehicle. Sad nobody has done anything to remedy this. Disgusting.
Power Train
Filed Mar 22, 2022160,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and hesitated to accelerate. The check engine, third and fourth gear, ESP fault, and VSA system warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a code reader and the code P1750 appeared. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Power Train
Filed Mar 18, 2022200,000 milesWA
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V176000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Power Train
Filed Feb 21, 2022LA
Unknown but transmission is slipping in and out of gear even while going down the road
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Filed Jan 24, 2022220,000 milesVA
The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the SRS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front driver's side air bag PODS control unit and sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he contacted the manufacturer who confirmed that there was a manufacturer recall for the front driver's side PODS control unit and sensor. The VIN was included in the recall however, the vehicle was not serviced under the recall because the recall had expired. The contact stated that the manufacturer representative stated that the PODS control unit and sensor recall should have been remedied under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V182000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000.
Suspension
Filed Sep 11, 2020250,000 milesIL
REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED
Power Train
Filed Jun 9, 2020230,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND HESITATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT ABOVE THIRD GEAR. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE SPEED SENSOR. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000.
Structure › Body
Filed May 5, 2020100,000 milesVA
THE PAINT ON ALL 2003 ACURA TL THE PAINT FAILS BADLY. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO WENT OUT ON ME SOON AS MY CAR HIT 100,000 MILES WHICH SAD FOR AN ACURA. I OWNED A 96 TL AND NEVER HAD ANY OF THESE ISSUES. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Mar 2, 2020264,038 milesCA
SRS LIGHT IS ON
Air Bags
Filed Feb 25, 2020167,000 milesTX
2003 ACURA T.L WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SLIPPING ON 2ND GEAR. THEN WHEN VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IT WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE GEAR. AS I WAS ON HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTED JERKING OUT OF CONTROL, I COULD NOT ACCELERATE, VEHICLE BARELY WANTED TO MOVE SO I PUT IT IN #2 GEAR SO IT WORK CATCH AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO SAFETY WITHOUT ANYONE GETTING HURT. VERY FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS. PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 2019CA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES SQUEAKED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power Train
Filed Nov 25, 2019111,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ACURA OF LAUREL (301-498-3322, LOCATED AT 3506 LAUREL FORT MEADE RD, LAUREL, MD 20724) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 18, 2019100,000 milesTX
I NEED TO MAKE A COMPLAINT AGAINST AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. THIS ENTITY HAS BEEN SENDING ME LETTERS, CALLING ME AND KNOCKING ON MY DOOR FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS ABOUT AN AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL. EACH TYPE THEY CONTACT ME I TELL THEM I NO LONGER OWN THIS VEHICLE. IT WAS TRADED IN OVER TWO YEARS AGO. EVEN THOUGH I MAY STILL BE REGISTERED AS THE OWNER, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO TRULY OWNS THIS VEHICLE AS IT WAS TRADED IN AT A DEALERSHIP. I FILLED OUT A VEHICLE TRANSFER NOTICE OVER TWO YEARS AGO BUT HONDA ACURA KEEPS CONTACTING ME ABOUT THIS RECALL ON A MONTHLY BASIS, TO THE DATE! SOMEONE PLEASE GET THEM TO STOP OR FURTHER ADVISE ME IF I SHOULD JUST IGNORE THEIR LETTERS. THANK YOU!
Air Bags
Filed Jun 21, 2019FL
"TAKATA RECALL" LAST FEW DIGITS OF VIN 002098, IM CONTACTING YOU BECAUSE WE HAD OUT RECALL FIXED OVER A WEEK AND THE VIN STILL COMES UP AS INCOMPLETE THIS IS HINDERING ME FROM STARTING MY JOB WITH UBER IVE CONTACTED HOMDA ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS JUST TEO DAYS AGO I SPOKE WITH A LADY (CAN'T REMEMBER HER NAME) WHOM WAS EXTREMELY RUDE BY OVERTALKING ME AND BECAME VERY ARGUMENTATIVE AS O TRIED TO EXPLAIN MY SITUATION AND LET HER KNOW THAT I NEEDED HONDA TO UPDATE THIS REPAIR WITH NHTSA IN ORDER TO START MY JON WITH UBER, AND THAT THE PAPERWORK WOULD DO ME NO JUSTICE, UBER NEEDED THE UPDATE SPECIFICALLY IN THE SYSTEM AS REPAIRED AND NOT INCOMPLETE SHE BASICLY TOLD ME, IT WASNT THEIR ("HONDAS") PROBLEM, EVEN THO THEY FIXED IT SHE SAID IT WAS ACURA'S PROBLEM LEAVING ME EVEN MORE CONFUSED AND FRUSTRATED AS I'VE BEEN INCONVENIENTLY, AND UNWILLING UNWILLING PLACED INN THIS SITUATION, THIS HAS CIST ME TOME AND LOTS OF MONEY FROM NOT BEING ABLE TO WORK AND NOT EVEN MY FAULT TO BEGAN WITH. ALL I WANT IS THIS ISSUE TO BE RESOLVED SO I CAN START WORK, TO TOP EVREYTHING OFF, THEY DIDN'T GIVE US ANY PAPERWORK MY HUSBAND WAS TOLD TO SIGN A DOCUMENT THAT THE REPAIR WAS FIXED AND HE WAS SMART ENOUGH TO TAKE A PICTURE WHICH I WILL TRY TO ATTACH TO THIS COMPLAINT AND I PRAY YOU ARE ABLE TO RESOLVE THIS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. I ALSO SHOWED THIS DOCUMENT TO UBER AND THEY SPECIFICALLY SAID, THEY COULD NOT EXCEPT IT BECAUSE IT NEEDS TO SHOW IN THE SYSTEM ONLINE THAT THE RECALL ATTACHED TO MY VIN HAS BEE
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 21, 201976,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. ALSO, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY RETAINED STEAM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOE RIZZA ACURA (LOCATED AT 8150 W 159TH ST, ORLAND PARK, IL 60462, (708) 403-7770) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT UNITS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE INTERMITTENTLY OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2019FL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V320000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ESSERMAN INTERNATIONAL ACURA (305-477-6666, LOCATED AT 10455 NW 12TH ST SUITE A, DORAL, FL 33172) WHERE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR FLASHED ON AND OFF. A COUPLE OF YEARS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE INITIAL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Power Train
Filed Apr 30, 2019245,697 milesMD
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND DOING ABOUT 60 MPH MY CAR SUDDENLY DOWN SHIFTED INTO 2ND GEAR. I NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INDICATION THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I'M A MECHANIC, AND HAVE BEEN ONE FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN OR HAD A TRANSMISSION GIVE OUT ON ME IN SUCH A WAY. CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS NOT COVERED ANYMORE BY THE RECALL. RECALLS FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR ACURA. NOW, I THINK, NO I KNOW THAT THIS IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN THAT SOMEONE MIGHT POSSIBLY LOSE THEIR LIFE OVER. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH ON MY OWN I LEARNED THAT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS THAT THIS 2000 TO 2003 HONDA'S AND ACURA HAS IS DUE TO SHODDY WORKMANSHIP. NOW I'M IF THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS THIS AND THEY SHOULD COVER ANY AND ALL VEHICLES STILL ON THE ROAD WITH RECALLS THAT THEY SHOULD HONOR.
SuspensionCrash
Filed Oct 25, 2018163,000 milesWI
MOTOR FRAMES OR ENGINE CRADLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS BADLY RUSTED, AND IT ABOUT TO FALL APART. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT PART, AND EVERYONE OF THEM THAT THAT I HAVE FOUND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I FOUND OUT THE PROBLEM WHEN I WAS TRYING TO REPLACE THE FRONT ROTORS BACK IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR 2018 AND I HAVE NOT BEEN DRIVING IT BECAUSE I ALSO NEED TO REPLACE THE DRIVE AXLE AND I COULDN'T FIND THE ENGINE CRADLE FOR REPLACEMENT, I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING WITH IT.
Suspension
Filed Oct 12, 201842,000 milesOH
FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE OF THIS AUTO CONDEMNED BY SERVICE DEPT. DUE TO PREMATURE RUSTING OF FRAME. AUTO ALWAYS GARAGED. FRAME RUST APPEARED AT 40,000 MILES.
Power Train
Filed Sep 30, 201850 milesNJ
ON SEPTEMBER 26 . 2018 MY ACURA TL 2003 IS TCS ON. CEL ON. D5 BLINKING. AFTER THAT I HAVE OBD II SCANNER (ACTRON CP9680) THEY HAVE 5 CODE. I SEARCH THE GOOGLE THIS CODE MEANS MY TRANSMISSON IS DEAD. THIS CAR NOW LITTLE SHARKING. BUT REPAIR COST IS MORE THAN $2.000. I ALSO SEARCH FOR ACURA & HONDA FORUMS. MANY SAME CASES. BUT NOW 2018 . BUT MY IS 2003 WHO GOT THE TRANSMISSION RECALL.
Power Train
Filed Sep 30, 2018123,599 milesNJ
UPDATE NTHSA SAFETY ISSUE ID 11132318 TODAY MY 2003 ACURA TL AGAIN TCS. CEL. D5 BLINKING. NY CAR MILEAGE IS 123599 NOW I'M DRIVING D4. NOT D5 IF I D5 DRIVING CAR SHARKING. DEAR. NTHSA WHAT CAN I DO? THANK YOU FOR HELP & I HOPE TRANSMISSIONS RECALL.. NOR WHEN I TAKE PICTURE ONLY CHECK SIGN. BUT OBD II SCANNER 5 CODE SHOWING.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 22, 201888,000 milesWI
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Power Train
Filed Jul 19, 201820 milesNC
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, WHILE GOING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUMPED TO 20 MILES PER HOUR MAKING ME AND EVERY BODY UNSAFE ON THE ROAD, LUCKILY THE CARS THAT WERE BEHIND ME WERE FAR ENOUGH AND WERE ABLE TO REACT QUICKLY. I NEVER HAD ANY WARNING SIGNS OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS THAT WOULD WARN ME THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO COVER THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS CLOSED BACK IN 2005. I FEEL THERE WAS POOR WORKMANSHIP WHEN THEY LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE BACK WHEN THEY INSPECTED IT PUTTING PEOPLES LIVES IN DANGER.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 5, 2018IL
THE PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME HAS RUST DAMAGE. THE DRIVER SIDE SUBFRAME DOES NOT HAVE RUST DAMAGE. THE RUST DAMAGE IS OCCURRING FROM THE TOP OF THE FRAME, CAUSED BY THE AIR CONDITIONER DRAINAGE LINE DRIPPING ON TOP OF THE FRAME. ACURA DEALERSHIPS ARE SEEING MORE AND MORE OF THE OLDER VEHICLES COMING INTO SHOPS WITH THIS DEFECT. THE 2000 HONDA ACCORD HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND WAS REPORTED IN 2009. SO FAR MY CAR HAS NOT FALLEN APART, AND WILL SOON HAVE PROBLEM REPAIRED. I EXPECT HONDA/ACURA TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND REPAIR/RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. REFERENCE THE CHANNEL 5 INVESTIGATIONS IN CLEVELAND OHIO ON YOU TUBE FOR HONDA RUST PROBLEM.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 25, 2018138,000 milesCA
IN FORWARD MOTION, FREEWAY. ELECTRICAL. TRANNY. CAR CURRENTLY READS 138,356 MILES. AROUND ROUGHLY 134,000 MILES THE VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AS A RESULT FROM RPMS REACHING ABOUT 6 ON THE CLUSTER RPM DISPLAY DUE WHAT FELT LIKE SLIPPING INTO TO 3RD OR 4TH GEAR. SLIPPING HOWEVER USUALLY RESULTS WITH WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER A SLAMMING EXPERIENCE FROM EVENTUALLY CATCHING AND SHIFTING INTO THE CORRECT GEAR. THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS MERGING ONTO FREEWAY. CAR DID NOT CATCH GEAR BUT NUETRALIZED UNTIL I SWITCHED TO SPORT SHIFT MODE AND DISPLAYED 4 GEAR AND THE VEHICLE JETTED OFF. CEL HAS REMAINED ON AND 3RD GEAR STILL A ISSUE. DID MUCH MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT OF SOLENOIDS,FLUID FLUSH, ETC. PROBLEM SOLVES THEN RETURNS. THIS HAS WENT ON FOR ABOUT 6MON THIS LAST MONTH SEEMED ISSUE HAD RESOLVED ITSELF AFTER TWO MORE ATF FLUSHES IN THE PRIOR MONTH. THIS LAST WEEK MY LADY AND I COMING HOME FROM OUR DATE NIGHT, LUCKILY THATS WEDNESDAY(HUMP DAY) FOR US, SO FREEWAYS AT 12:30-1AM IN SAN DIEGO HOLD FEW TRAFFIC.I SAY LUCKILY BECAUSE GOING ABOUT 70-75 MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY FELT LIKE WHAT SLAMMING INTO A WALL HEAD ON AT 75 MPH MUST FEEL LIKE. JERKING US FORWARD, UNINJURED DUE TO SEATBELTS, THANK GOD. THE SCARIEST THING HOWEVER WAS THE FACT THAT IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE AT THAT SPEED AFTER THE JOLT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO NEUTRALIZE AND ANY ACCELARATION THAT WOULD OCCUR WOULD INSTANTLY GIVE A LESS INTENSE JOLT BUT RAPIDLY SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN MAKING IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND DRASTICALLY I
Engine
Filed Mar 19, 2018215,000 milesMD
'TAMARA RECALL' BEFORE TAKING OFF THE CAR HAD TROUBLE GOING INTO GEAR. ONCE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION IT BEGAN TO HAVE A HARD SHIFT THEN ONCE I GAINED SPEED OF 45 ON THE HIGHWAY IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE ANY MORE IT ACTUALLY STARTED TO SLOW DOWN SO I PULLED OFF THE ROAD I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND HEARD A FAST CLICKING NOISE TURNED THE CAR OFF TURNED IT BACK ON TRIED PUT IT IN GEAR AND IT WOULDN'T MOVE
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 19, 2017112,000 milesPA
SUBFRAME RUSTED OUT. $2600 TO REPAIR. GARAGE KEPT VEHICLE. UNDERSTAND THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND THE ROOT CAUSE IS KNOWN. UNBELIEVABLE THAT SUCH A LARGE AND SUPPOSEDLY REPUTABLE MANUFACTURER CAN NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR A DESIGN FLAW. LAST ACURA OR HONDA I WILL EVER PURCHASE.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 14, 201735,000 milesOR
TAKATA RECALL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY, INDICATING A SAFETY ALERT AND THE NEED FOR REPAIR.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 2, 2017140,000 milesAR
TAKATA RECALL PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON
Suspension
Filed Oct 23, 2017149,000 milesWI
THE FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE ENGINE IS RUSTING OUT!....IT ONLY SOUNDED LIKE A SQUEAK...BUT THE ISSUE IS WAY BIGGER THAN ANTICIPATED...IT ONLY MAKES A SOUND WHEN BACKING UP OR TURNING....OTHER PARTS RELATED TO THE FRAME ARE ALSO AFFECTED.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 25, 2017190,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 ACURA TL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT AN INTERSECTION, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. DUE TO THE CRASH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEAT AND FRACTURED INTO TWO PIECES. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS JUST REPLACED EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE PER THE TAKATA RECALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR CUTS UNDER THE RIGHT KNEE AND ALSO X-RAYS FOR HIS RIGHT SHOULDER, WHICH LOCATED A TORN RIGHT ROTATOR CUFF. SURGERY WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT HOLDING YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 201773,000 milesWA
TAKATA RECALL - OTHER 2003 ACURA TL CARS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE IN A"HIGH RISK POPULATION". . . WITH A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT...RISK POSED BY THESE AIRBAG INFLATORS IS GRAVE...IT IS CRITICAL THEY BE REPAIRED TO AVOID MORE DEATHS." THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED, NOR IS IT ON RECALL. MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT IN YOUR SYSTEM WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED. HAS MY CAR BEEN OVERLOOKED. IT HAD THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG FIXED IN 2015, BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS TAKATA AND HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. [XXX] I HAVE TRIED TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO IT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 11, 2017CA
DESPITE REPLACING VERY EXPENSIVE BULB TWICE, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BURNS THE LIGHTS OUT WITHIN MINUTES. THE ELECTRIC CHECK REVEALED THAT IT WILL COST OVER $600 TO REPLACE THIS ENTIRE LIGHT BECAUSE OF THE DESIGN FLAW.
Suspension
Filed Jun 15, 201749,072 milesOH
AUTO HAS ONLY 49,072 MILES ON IT AND THE FRAME BEAM HAS SERIOUS RUST SHOWING.
Power Train
Filed May 9, 2017105,000 milesCO
LOSS OF TRANSMISSION AT ONLY 105,000 MILES.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 29, 2017WA
WHY NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF TAKATA AIRBAG ON PASSENGER'S SIDE AS WELL AS FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE? BOTH WOULD CREATE THE SAME HAZARD THAT STIMULATED THE ORIGINAL CALL TO REPLACE THE INFLATOR FOR THE DRIVER"S SIDE OF THE AUTOMOBILE!
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 11, 2017263,138 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AROUND A CURVE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO BRAKE OR ACCELERATE AND THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE ROAD. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HANDS, WRISTS, HEAD, ANKLE, CHEST, AND SHOULDER. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED AND THE CONTACT VISITED HIS PHYSICIAN AFTER THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 263,138.
Power Train
Filed Mar 27, 201787,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE MADE A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 18, 201734,000 milesOH
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON.D5 LIGHT FLASHING ON TRANSMISSION
Air Bags
Filed Jan 13, 2017146,000 milesVA
TAKATA RECALL, SRS LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR AND MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, I HAVE HAD FUSES CHECKED , AND NOTHING WRONG WITH ANY OF MY SAFETY EQUIPMENT MY LIGHT STILL STAYS ON. CALLED ACURA DEALER JUST GOT THE RUN AROUND AGAIN AND AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN LIGHT CAME ON STREET DRIVING .
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 15, 201690,000 milesMN
SUMMER OF 2014 I CAN TO A STOP LIGHT AT A COMPLETE STOP. MY TL TYPE S KEPT IDLE AT 3500 - 3700 RPM. DROVE THE CAR ABOUT QUARTER OF A MILE BEFORE HAVING TO SHUT OF THE ENGINE. THAT FIX THE PROBLEM FOR THE TIME BEING. THIS WOULD HAPPEN 2-5 TIMES A WEEK FOR THREE WEEKS UNTIL I FIGURED OUT THE CAUSE. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AT THE THROTTLE THAT WAS GETTING STUCK. EVENTUALLY JUST UNHOOKED THE CABLE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. HASN'T BEEN FIX SINCE.
Steering
Filed Sep 23, 201666,000 milesOH
RUST THROUGH CONDITION ON RIGHT SUB-FRAME SUPPORTING ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION. AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER DRAIN TUBE DRIPS CONDENSATION/WATER DIRECTLY ONTO THIS AREA OF THE SUB-FRAME CAUSING SEVERE CORROSION AND EVENTUALLY PART FAILURE LEAVING ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION WITHOUT PROPER ALIGNMENT AND SUPPORT THAT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED. ACURA DENOUNCED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM. LEFT SIDE OF SAME PART IS NOT EFFECTED AT ALL. INTERNET SEARCH HAS DISCOVERED NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM. TSB HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 1999-2002 HONDA ACCORD CARS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. BUT MANUFACTURE'S SOLUTION WAS TO MOVE THE LOCATION OF THE DRAIN TUBE IN FUTURE MODEL YEARS OF THE CAR. I PAID AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP $2,600 TO REPLACE THE REAR SUB-FRAME SECTION. THE DEALERSHIP WANTED TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT AND REAR SUB-FRAMES BUT THE FRONT SECTION WAS NOT EFFECTED AND DID NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THE REPAIR SHOT I TOOK MY CAR TO TO HAVE THE WORK DONE PRAISED THE CAR FOR BEING SPOTLESS UNDERNEATH EXCEPT FOR THE EFFECTED AREA. PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED ON AUGUST 16, 2016.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2016220,000 milesNC
BY ACCIDENT, I AM ABLE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WITH THE TRANSMISSION STILL IN GEAR. CAMPAIGN #10V364000 COVERS HONDA VERSION OF MY CAR, #12V573000 COVERS ACURA MDX ONLY, NOTHING FOR MY ACURA VERSION OF THE HONDA SEDANS.
Complaints 1-50 of 391, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the TL years to avoid: owners filed 391 complaints, 2.6 times as many as a typical TL year. The most common complaint is about the transmission (60%).
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Acura TL?
The transmission: 234 of the 391 complaints (60%) are about it. Owners most often say it slips or will not engage a gear (20%), jerks, lurches or bucks (17%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (13%). The typical report comes at 75,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2003 Acura TL have?
5 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 2003 Acura TL problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 75,900 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 75,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Acura TL?
Yes, 4 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 2003 Acura TL?
The manufacturer filed 187 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the airbags (39), the transmission (35) 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.