23rd May 2007, 16:53

I have a 2000 3.2TL. It has been in and out the repair shop (more in than out) for the past two months. The TCS and engine light have been on since March 15, 2007.

Intermittently, it down shifts and will not go above 20MPH. I simply come off the accelerator and wait until it corrects itself. I have had the computer replaced, sensors, and I had some work done on the transmission. The transmission shop that did the work on the transmission said that it looked good and he simply replaced some parts. He swears that the problem is electrical. Today I took it to an auto electric shop. He said the code does not pinpoint exactly where the problem is, but that the problem is definitely electrical. He suggests taking it back to Acura.

I love my car and want to keep it. But after reading so many negative comments regarding the transmission, I don't know. It has 139,000 miles on it. Any tips on what is the real problem?

25th May 2007, 10:00

Acura 3.2 Tl.

This is perhaps the worst car I have ever owned. For the individuals who have posted comments about how great the cars is, I just pray that you will not encounter any of the known problems with this car. I have 173,000 miles on my TL. It seems like the more mileage I put car on this car the more things go wrong. You can service your TL according to the maintenance schedule and I'll bet you that you still will have transmission, EGR, TCS, brake and lets not for get bad valve trouble. This car is just poorly built car. Looks great, but poor built. I'm on my third transmission, which is about to go out again. I hoping to trade it in before it goes out.

20th Jun 2007, 15:46

I have a 2000 ACURA 3.2TL and I too am amazed at all the problems I have experienced with this vehicle. I owned a 1990 Honda Accord for 200,000 miles and it amazes me as to how I need a Transmission replacement at 120,333 miles on a 2000 Acura. There were a couple of recall items such as the SRS (air bag) sensor light would not go out. Acura also did some work on my 2nd gear shift. I took it into a Honda Repair shop and all the readings were astronomical considering I take great care of my vehicle. The readings were P0700-Shift Malfunction P0730- incorrect gear ratio P0740-Torque converter clutch fault. P1740 undocumented. I heard there were a great deal of transmission problems with 2000-2004 Acuras. I have to have mine replaced, but the dealer agreed to pay 75% of the cost I guess with so many complaints it probably would be in their best interest. I thrive on reliability in a vehicle, I travel a great deal with the military and I need a good running vehicle. No wonder I have been eyeing Volkswagens lately.--end--

1st Oct 2007, 19:26

Hello! I purchased a 2000 Acura TL with 69000 Miles on it in June of 2005. The car now has 97500 Miles and 2 days ago the transmission started jerking between 3rd and 4th gear, and the rpm would randomly go up sometimes. I drove the car 40 miles since that to my mechanics, who told me to take it to the dealer. I had it towed :( (The dealer is going to talk to me tommorrow morning about the car, I love my car and it really pains me to hear about these horror stories, because my car has been great until now. I will post everything that happens.

4th Oct 2007, 19:55

I purchased my first Acura new and within a few thousand miles my transmission went out. I took it to the dealership and they accused me of wrecking the car. I was infuriated and went straight to the Acura company. They replaced my Acura with the one I have now. They put a jet oil kit in my Acura trans at some point, but now at a 130k miles my transmission is going out. It revs high shifting from 2nd gear. I take very, very good care of my car and I am disappointed with the big 3200$ expense to fix the problem. Yes I understand that cars and parts don't last forever, but this seems to be a repetitive and significant defect with the transmission.

19th Oct 2007, 10:13

Great car. Brought a 2000 TL in 2005 with 67K miles. Have made numerous trips from Denver to Mesquite and no problems. Love the mileage on the open road. I have been averaging 34.5 miles per gallon at 80 MPH. Today, yes I have to get a new transmission (Car has 109404 miles and the dealer is replacing at no cost to me). This will be the first major work done to the car. Also have a 90 accord with 415K miles and still running strong.

29th Oct 2007, 20:52

I have a 2003 Acura TL, I just bought the car 8 months ago and I'm having problems with the transmissions; same problems as the other people here.

I actually got the car towed to the nearest Acura dealer and they showed me that it's a recall, but then I just found out today that the recall was done, so now they said I have to pay $4200 for the new trans.

Guys, if you all have some good insight on what I should do, next please don't hesitate. Thanks.

30th Oct 2007, 20:39

$4200 for a transmission are you kidding me?! Is there such a transmission that expensive?

8th Mar 2008, 01:14

I have an Acura TL 2000 and I am the second owner. The transmission and engine is original and the car is currently 248,000 miles and running strong. I have owned Jeep, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota's, Plymouth, Honda and GM cars, but my Honda and Acura by far are the most quality vehicles.

I had to change my transmission on the Caravan 2 times. I would bet on Japanese engineering over american and european overpriced cars any day.