2002 Acura TL Type S from North America - Comments

I have an Acura Type S 2002, and still love this car despite the transmission issue.

The transmission is starting to slip at circa 144,000 miles. The transmission was replaced by an Acura dealership in 2004 at the 38,000 mile mark. I have always maintained this car meticulously (only the second owner).

I recently called the dealership in July 08 to find out the cost to replace the automatic transmission with a re-manufactured unit. The cost would be circa $3,500 with a 36,000 mile / three year warranty included (I would recommend getting the warranty if you decide to keep this car on the road).

Other than the numerous transmissions issues that has followed this year make and model (2002 - 2003 Acura TL Type S), it is a wonderful automobile for the money. The color is blue and I always get the "is that the original color" question from other drivers.

My motivation by posting this comment on-line is to inform other Acura TL owners of what the replacement COST will be for the transmission. What will I do with a 144K car with a slipping transmission (slipping in second and third gear)? Probably replace the trans (plan to keep this car and buy another used 2005 Acura TL in the next year). Hope this helps...

I also have a 2002 tl type s, I have 280,000kms and the transmission went out at 250,000. I have had no other problems!! My 03 accord transmission was also slipping.

I also drive a TL Type 2003 with 61,616 miles with no transmission problems. I did have the local Acura dealer service (change fluid) at 60,000 miles. Probably a good idea to follow Acura's recommendation and change fluid every 30,000 miles.

A local transmission shop will rebuild TL transmissions for around $2,500. Owner did say they are seeing TL's coming in with transmission problems. Material on third gear clutch flakes off and clogs screens. Trans over heats and slips. Repair is to rebuild with new material and use a new type of transission fluid.