2003 Acura TL 3.2

Summary:

Horrible experience with a 2003 Acura 3.2 TL transmission on an otherwise nice car

Faults:

My 2003 Acura 3.2 TL transmission failed at 40,000 miles. Replaced by the dealer.

My 2003 Acura 3.2 TL transmission failed again at 134,000 miles. Dealer says the warranty is over.

CD player only works on occasion.

General Comments:

Transmission is scary when it fails. Actually downshifts while you are driving at normal speed. Almost pulls you backwards in the middle of the highway.

I have never owned a vehicle with only 40,000 miles that has had to have the transmission replaced, and then only lasts another 90,000 miles. Honda/Acura should stand behind this transmission.

Received a quote from an Acura dealer of $4500 to replace the transmission. No support whatsoever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th March, 2013

29th Oct 2023, 22:13

Same problem here. Very scary, very upset. I would love to hear more about the issues you were having with your transmission. Please contact me at patrizianoelle@gmail.com

I might be able to help, even if it goes back few years.

2003 Acura TL

Summary:

Poor transmission, do not buy

Faults:

Nothing wrong, except the transmission.

General Comments:

I bought the car, thinking that Acura, since it's owned by Honda, is reliable. I was excited about the car, until I started reading reviews online about the transmission. I did all the required maintenance, such as changing the timing belt, transmission flush and fill, etc. I was disappointed after my tranny started to shudder. I bought the vehicle for $5100, and I have had Toyota's that were less expensive last me longer without tranny issues.

Sad to say I will stay away from Acura and Honda vehicles altogether. I was in the market for new car, so I will keep on with Toyota. Please do your research before buying a vehicle. I feel suckered by Acura.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st September, 2012

29th Oct 2023, 22:14

Same problem here. Very scary, very upset. I would love to hear more about the issues you were having with your transmission. Please contact me at patrizianoelle@gmail.com

I might be able to help, even if it goes back few years.

2003 Acura TL Base 3.2L VTEC

Summary:

Still on the original transmission!!!

Faults:

Shocks (normal wear and tear).

CV driveshafts.

Bose stereo (CD player).

Seat belts don't retract properly (no lifetime warranty in Canada!!).

The paint seems to chip very easily.

General Comments:

This is a comfortable, quick car that handles very well.

It is still on the original transmission, but it takes a few seconds to engage when put in drive, so I am a bit worried.

The Bose stereo sounds awesome, when it works. The CD player sticks all the time.

The A/C works well, but the heater isn't hot enough for Alberta winters.

It requires premium gas at $1.22 per litre.

I'm not terribly impressed with the overall quality of this car, considering it's an Acura, but it is a nice car to drive. I may get a domestic car, since the parts are WAY cheaper, and I can fix most things myself.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd March, 2011

24th Mar 2011, 10:37

That engine is good for 300,000 to 400,000 miles easy... wrecking yards that specialize in parts for Acuras and Hondas are filled with all types of parts to keep that car running for years and years to come... and since you won't get rich selling it... hang on to it... park it in the driveway and cover it up... buy your new dream car.. but you will come back to that Acura as time goes on...

2003 Acura TL Type S V6

Summary:

Beautiful piece of crap!

Faults:

This car ran fine and had no problems. LOVED it.

But then... right under 70K miles, the transmission went out without warning. Dealer said this model is not covered under replacement. Already paid $800 just to see what was wrong with the transmission. I WILL NOT pay to have it replaced after reading all these reports. For what? Just to have the same problem again? The dealer should pay for everything, and some.

Looking to get enough owners that have had this same problem to file a class action lawsuit. A dealer should NOT be able to get away with this amount of fraud. There is no reason so many people should get so screwed on a luxury car like this. Just completely wrong.

I have owned Honda's my entire life, and have NEVER experienced something like this. And I took care of this car the best of them all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th April, 2010

8th Apr 2010, 17:30

You can contact me at nina_nichole@yahoo.com or 480-241-5434

Since they deny 2003 have the same problems and most don't qualify under the warranty or lawsuit... we need to advocate for a new lawsuit. There is no way all of these late 2003's are just a coincidence.

9th Apr 2010, 15:27

Original writer failed to say if car was purchased from an Acura dealer and what warranty came with car. Or if transmission was serviced following Acura's maintenance schedule.

After all, the car is seven years old.

In reply to 9th Apr 2010, 15:27

29th Oct 2023, 22:54

It doesn't matter how old. Look at the miles. And look at the 500 plus people, not just from this site, commenting about the same issue, over and over. Also, do you know who is in charge of taking VINS off of a recall list? Do you know who decides which VIN is going to be on a recall? The manufacturer. There is no 3rd party that would verify this. It is just between Acura dealership, and Acura manufacturer. Info sourced from NHTSA.