2000 Acura TL TL review from North America
"Fun to drive until the transmission failed @ 88,000 miles"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I bought my 2000 Acura TL in 2005 from the original owner with 68,000 miles. The car was in great shape and ran well. Last year I noticed the car was shifting hard and sometimes skipping gears. I brought it to my local Acura dealer in NYC and explained the problem. They ran a diagnostic test on the car and stated that there was nothing wrong with the transmission. I asked them to check again because there was DEFINITELY something wrong with it. Again, they denied any problems with the transmission and I asked for them to confirm in writing that there was no problems and I would be on my way. The extended warranty on the transmission still applied on my car.
At approximately 88,000 mile the transmission went. I brought it back to the same dealer and explained. The rep I dealt with said they would replace the transmission under warranty, however he was waiting for his Supervisor to approve it. I patiently waited for a week and finally spoke to the same rep. He stated that the timing belt needed to be replaced and it needed a tuneup. I agreed to the the other work as long as the transmission was replaced at no cost to me as he promised. After 8 days the same person called and said that Acura would only cover 25% of the transmission replacement. After contacting Honda Corp. they decided that the offer was fair and they couldn't do anything else to satisfy me. I am now going to have the transmission replaced by a local mechanic and will NEVER buy an Acura again. Acura does not stand behind their product knowing the transmission problems exist.
General comments?
Transmission recall. Stay away!
Recommended reviews
| 2000 - TL (not Type S) 6 cylinder Poor customer support makes this a poor choice |
| Very solid, comfortable, reliable car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 68000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 88000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 10th February, 2009 |