2003 Acura TL Type S from North America - All Comments

It appears that the transmission on the Acura TL is subject to multiple repairs/replacement, having little or no reliability for the long term.

I purchased a 2003 Acura Type S in May of 2002, and experienced the following:

Transmission replacement #1 at 28,149 miles after multiple visits to the Acura dealership. It appears the technicians need to test drive the car and 're-create' the issue in order to diagnose the problem. In most instances, the original transmission would slip in second gear during rapid acceleration, usually when driven for a sustained period of time or on an incline. Burning transmission fluid was not sufficient enough to present a concern as per the dealership. 3 visits later, and a suggestion to drive the car more than 2 miles appeared to facilitate the technicians ability to re-create the problem.

Transmission replacement #2 was at 66,200 miles, after experiencing a high pitch noise from the transmission, burning transmission fluid when accelerating on an incline, in addition to issues when shifting into 2nd & 3rd gear. Replaced due to unquestionable shifting problems.

Transmission replacement #3 was only 3,000 miles later at 69,224 miles. Leaking transmission fluid and unable to shift into reverse appeared to convince the dealership there was a problem.

This amounts to 4 transmissions, including the original. The present transmission replaced at 69,224 miles does not shift quickly & continuous buring transmission fluid when driving up a steep hill.

Although this car is an Acura, I find that I must drive in the slow lane on highways, drive in the truck lane on a steep hill & avoid rapid acceleration at all times in order to preserve the transmission on this car.

It appears the remedy for the recall is insufficient by virtue of replacing the faulty transmission with a re-manufactured one. It's fair to say there is an inherent flaw in the initial design with no apparent ability to replace with a reliable solution.

Its fair to say that American Honda's remedy is to ride it out until all affected cars reach the extended 7 year / 100,000 mile threshold & simply replace with faulty re-manufactured product in the interim.

A class action lawsuit refers owners to www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com to determine eligibility for class membership for 2003 models via class action case 'In re Chris Collins v. American Honda Motor Company' - Case No. RG03099677 filed in the Alameda, CA Superior Court.

This case suggests eligibility of a warranty extension extending the warranty period to 93 months (8 years) or 109,000.

The transmission issue truly diminishes the value of this car. It's unfortunate that American Honda /Acura has produced a product that cannot be used for its specific purpose (driving) and imposes a safety risk should the transmission lock up while driving.

I totally agree with your comment. I haven't had problems with changing the transmission yet, but I'm confused with wether to trade in for another company or do like what you said; driving in the slow lane as a way to conserve the transmission. the noise is extremely loud when going on incline like a steep slope and I don't know when the transmission will fail on me. my warranty has expired and I don't know if it will cost me a fortune to fix the transmission. I've read a lot of good reports about hondas and now I really have second thoughts about it. I really don't what to do.

I don't think you should change companies because I hear the new TL's are good. However I would not rely on driving in the slow lane. The transmission problem is an issue from blockage and overheating around second gear. There is no difference in my opinion of driving slow at 55 Mph or going 90 Mph with that transmission. I believe from my experience with Honda transmissions that in a situation of down shifting it is your best bet to blow the tranny once it starts to down shift while you are slowing down. The thing about the failures is that it probably happens in stop and go conditions because the car is using second gear most often putting more strain on it... Now think about it? Why should it fail more at 70 miles per hour than at 30 miles per hour. In fact the transmission would be more inclined to be in second or third gear at 30 miles per hour thus more likely to fail then being in fifth gear at 70 miles per hour.

Although I have a 2003 TL type S, the VIN is not eligible under the class action range per www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com.

Fortunately, the dealership has replaced the transmission (3) times as indicated in my initial commentary.

I appreciate the insight regarding the 2nd gear issue, hence, driving in the slow lane, etc. is not a solution or preventative measure to prevent any future problems with the transmission.

I have read different theories regarding the cause of the problem, ranging from the recall notice regarding overheating, to a computer issue, to horsepower issues most specifically to the Type S model.

Are there any lemon laws that will offer protection to models falling outside the VIN range? What happens to the owners that are within the VIN range for the class action, when they reach 8 years / 109K miles.

It appears the only solution is to sell the car or risk having to repeatedly replace the transmission. In this instance, American Honda will gain sales revenue on the transmissions and dealerships with gain additional labor income. It almost appears that the faulty transmission issue enables American Honda to make a substantial amount of money in future transmission sales and labor for its dealerships. Some incentive after creating a faulty product.

I sold my 2002 Type S it was and will be my very last import... took a real beating. It was garaged, immaculate and under 50,000 miles. I got a third of its orig. price last fall. But I now have no regrets. I bought a new 2007 Trailblazer and with small children no longer fear multiple sudden trans failures that jeopardized all our safety. Just unacceptable for a Honda.

My 2002 TLS has had 3 transmissions and is near the now extended warranty limit of 175,000km. The car shakes going up hills at 80km/hr and the dealer told me it was either the tires or needed a complete tune up. No mention of the transmission. After a $1500 tune up its not a lot better. Try to get a response from Honda when you need them. Their only interest is selling you another car and offering about $6,000 for the old one. Its my last Honda even though I know the new Acuras are better although when you get in the $40,000 range there are lots of better choices, like Lexus.

I would do your homework on Lexus as well on transmissions... I also had a TL myself as well.

My Acura is also on it's 3rd transmission. The current transmission is slipping between 2nd & 3rd gear. The dealership could only suggest changing the transmission fluid for $240.00. This is strange as new transmission fluid was included with the most recent transmission replacement, only 4K miles previous.

I empathize with you in regards to your service experience at an Acura dealership. It looks like Acura has lost the quality reputation they once had.

The transmission is a safety issue to say the least, yet, Acura's approach seems to be one of 'change the fluid & that will fix the problem.'

This approach is not well received by Acura clients.

It's almost like going to a Doctor with a sprained ankle, just to have the Doctor suggest 'drink a bottle of vodka & that will fix the problem,' paying no mind to the problem.

Just because one model of car has a transmission problem the whole line of cars is bad and still bad? I mean you only owned a TL from between 2001-2003. I hear the new ones are great just like the older ones. Fine go out and buy your Hyundai, but while you head is in the hole about Honda they will come back like they always do and surprise everyone again like their newer models have. So the guy with the Trailblazer SS will be too shocked and you too!

Upon researching the newer Acura's, specifically the 2005 & 2006 models, there are similar problems. Most likely these problems will become more apparent as these vehicles increase in years and mileage. Its too early to determine the quality of the 2007 models. It truly looks like Honda and Acura have lost their competitive position as being reliable cars. After owning several Honda's and an Acura for almost 20 years, I am finding it necessary to take my business elsewhere.

I would actually buy a Hyundai with a better mfr. warranty than buying another new Honda at this point in time. If I were import only oriented. I do not know what my shock is supposed to be with the new Honda as being shocked in the service dept. was enough last year.

For one thing did you do your research on this site? And did you also look into facts about your favorite domestics? If you actually did your homework you would find people having problems with any car... anything that has moving parts. As far as our society goes about ditching something if it does not go like they want it to take in mind that Honda is the seventh largest auto maker and Ford, GM, and Toyota are the top three. By ditching Honda we now have this Lowes, Walmart, and Home Depot market and the little ma and pa places will suffer. Seems like that is what you want... or have you not thought of that?

I wish I knew of this site in 2002 when I bought my 2002 Acura TL Type S I based my purchase on previous Hondas and prior Acuras I bought new. So no I did not do my homework until it failed repeatedly. I did research and bought new domestics however since and have not had any remorse. The fault is my own, but if the product quality had been evident they would have retained me as a repeat customer for life.

I agree with Walmart comment however I do not feel Home Depot and Lowes has hurt our building supply business. If anything their over expansion has removed business from their other stores. How your comments have anything to do with Honda I would like to know.

The greatest concern is the safety issue. I compare the Acura transmission issue with the Ford Explorer tire situation. I question an automobile manufacturer that places their customers at risk like this. Even the safety recall indicated a crash can occur in the event the transmission overheats and the gear breaks.