2003 Acura TL Type S from North America - Comments

Just bought a 2003 Acura TL S, second owner, always serviced by the same dealer. We checked the records before we bought it. Not covered by the tranny recall, our VIN didn't qualify, but had a new tranny in 2006. Two weeks after purchase, before we even made the first payment, the tranny blows and we have to pay $3800 for a new tranny and to replace an engine mount. So this is the third tranny in this car in 110,000 miles. I don't see how that's acceptable and how I'm not supposed to be mad about that. I'm not blasting Acura, those are the facts and I can't help thinking I should be dumping this vehicle before it starts causing me more problems.

I have owned my 2003 Acura TL Type S for nearly 2 years now. I thoroughly enjoy this car. I read a review once about this car that referred to the car as an arrow. Just point and shoot. They sure are right about that! This car has great acceleration and is a fun drive.

Acura has replaced the transmission, at 105,000 miles. There were no out of pocket expenses for me. I was given a new TL as a loaner and was very impressed with the service I received. The timing belt, water pump and drive belts were all changed during this time, as that service came due. I was given a discount due to the inconvenience of the transmission problems. WOW.

I find this particular model TL to be one of the sharpest body styles. I chose the dark grey/gunmetal color which, of course, has black interior. The car is gorgeous and still gets looks.

Every car will have problems, on this you can bet! It is much like they say about people. It's not the fact you make a mistake that is the issue. The issue is how/if you address and correct the mistake. Acura has certainly addressed the issues with this car and made a lifelong customer out of me.

I bought a 2003 Acura TL Type S with 95k on it. I love the car, it runs good. I had Acura change the timing belt, water pump, all the belts, and spark plugs at 103k.

The tranny was changed before I got it due to the recall on it, it really isn't giving me a problem, but only when I accelerate fast it sometimes hits second hard, but on regular driving it's smooth.

I will say the paint on the car isn't too great easily scratched... other than that, great car, great looks, speed, drive... definitely recommended.

I recently traded in my '03 TL Type-S on a Lincoln. At 104,000 miles my TL was stuttering between shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. I know the tranny was on it's way out again. I couldn't take the constant anticipation of another tranny failure after mine was first replaced at 74,000 miles (at my expense). I will never buy another Acura/Honda. There are too many better vehicles available today.

I have 2003 Acura TL Type S with 52K miles, never had trouble with it, suddenly it started to give up yesterday. I was going on 40 mph when the transmission seemed to slip, I was 2 miles from my home, kept on driving and the transmission started to slip real bad. Check engine, VSA and one other light came on, I somehow reached home and called Acura dealership today, dropped the car and got a new loaner. I still have warranty on it and it expires in 2010 March. I am sure they will replace the transmission but worried as my warranty expires soon. I don't drive crazy, I use it for work which is 2 miles away and some small trips for the weekend.

Anyone has suggestions on any extended warranty? or any other options after this is fixed? I cannot afford to have a car which will break real bad all of a sudden. Also, it feels very scary when the transmission slips.

You can sell. It's a great option. I sold mine and no more trans worries.

I have a black over black 2003 TL Type S with with only 64,000 miles. It is a great car. Just put 225/50R17 Dunlop SP Sport Signature tires on, and they look and handle great.

Paid the extra dollars to have transmission serviced by dealer at 60,000. Shift sometimes is little firm, but my mechanic says that is fine. I read on one site that transmissions rebuild by Honda/Acura after March 2005 have corrected the original problem, which was some bad material in third gear clutches. Anyone had problems with tranny rebuild after 3-05 by Honda/Acura?

I bought a 2003 TL-S Type in 2006. I put a lot of miles on my car and I absolutely love this car!

The only worry I had when I first got it is there's a spot when if I'm cruising (not accelerating at around 45 mph, the rpm goes down and can have a moment of a skip. But I don't know if it still does it or I forgot about it).

I love this damn car and now I have to sell it and find an older model to pull some money out to survive this market. I've only owned Acuras for several years now, and will never buy anything but an Acura. I'm sure there are lemons, but you can't worry about it, they come in every car.

We have an 2003 Acura TL Type S, and the transmission let go last year at 76000 miles. Acura replaced it, and all was right with the world, and now not even 10,000 miles later, we are having the same problem, and Acura does not want to be good for the product they put into our car.

Had my transmission replaced under recall at 105K. I have a 2000 TL. I have 119K on car and everything is fine. If I did notice the transmission starting to slip, I would sell the car.

I am the original owner of a 03 Acura 3.2 TL and I have 145,000 miles. I have taken it for all scheduled services to the local Acura dealership.

The first thing to go at 100,000 miles was the engine mounts. I complained to the dealership and Acura, but I was denied by both of them to pay to replace the mounts. I cannot understand how an engine mount goes bad and not covered with an Acura, especially since I was told that the car would last 200,000 plus miles. I guess they forgot to tell me that at 100K plus it would start costing a lot!

The second thing to go, and I just learned about it today, is the transmission. $3800 plus labor - the car is not even worth that. I'll never buy an Acura again.

My worst resale ever was this car I bought new. I was happy to get 10K for it when I hit 41000 miles. Am glad our headache ended. It was wise I felt.

Bought '03 Type S... LOVE THIS CAR...but like everybody else on this forum, tranny died on me. As we speak, the car is sitting at the dealership getting a remanufactured transmission put in it. I was not supposed to be involved in the recall because my car was past the production date (warranty covers up to around 19K in Type S, but my car is 26K off the line) but Acura is still covering the cost of 60% of the remanufactured transmission. Needless to say, I'm stoked since I don't have to pay the entire amount. The good news is that since I'm involved financially in the repair, they are giving me the 3 year/36 month warranty on the transmission.

Anyway...I love the car... hate that I'm spending any money at all, but really happy that they are making an effort anyway. It seems to me they value their customers.

I bought a used 03 TL-S in 06, and drove it hard for over 3 years now with ZERO problems other than normal maintenance and a set of tires.

2 months ago I took it to a specialist to have it "checked" and he informed me I had 3 broken motor mounts, which I agreed to replace. (Not cheap! But this is to be expected on a performance machine.)

No problem whatsoever with the transmission (knock-on-wood) Perhaps mine is a later model 03 or was fixed before I acquired at 45K. I now have 87K and going strong.

Yes, I have to say this is the best overall car I've ever owned, (well, tied with my 86CRX) blending luxury, performance and reliability at a price.