2002 Acura TL Type S from North America

Summary:

This car is not safe

Faults:

My Acura has 163,500 and needs a new transmission -- this is the second time this car has had this problem. The first time I was under warrenty (27000 miles) and it was at no cost to me. This time the dealer has told me they would only cover 50% of the cost.

The upsetting part on this is I noticed the car's transmission was slipping and I bought it to the dealer before any engine lights were on. They checked it out and said nothing was wrong -- I then drove the car home and I almost got into an accident because the transmission failed.

I needed to get towed back to the dealer. They told me that because the engine light is on they could perform a test to see what the problem was. Surprise, surprise, they told me the tranmission was bad and I would need a new one. I was very upset because I feel like they should have figured out the problem and fixed it when I bought the car in, and not let me drive out with a car that was unsafe.

I'm going to write a letter to Acura Corp and also to the newspaper. Acura should cover 100% of this cost!!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th June, 2006

12th Jul 2006, 09:04

I own a 2003 TL2 S also. My car had less than 20,000 miles on it when the transmission went. Mine, fortunately, was under warranty and was fixed at no charge to me. I was almost in an accident, but managed to pull off to the side of the highway.

When the police responded, along with my tow truck, the police actually caused an accident because he had passed me and had to back up (instead of getting off at nearest exit and coming back again). There was 1 truck and 3 cars involved in the accident. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Acura should be responsible for any future repairs to the transmissions of these faulty vehicles. My car is ALWAYS serviced at the Acura dealership. I bought this car with the understanding that they had corrected all these transmission problems.

23rd Jun 2010, 20:54

You have an Acura with 163,000 miles, and the Acura dealer agrees to cover 50% of the repair. Actually, that is very good. How many other auto manufacturers will cover any repair on such a high mileage car?

24th Jun 2010, 13:21

I sold mine when less than 3 years old over this very issue. No doubt paid a lot less than I did all these years later. Just pay the 4k you saved likely 3 times over, and buy a trans for this old car.

18th Sep 2010, 21:06

Transmission on my 2002 TL-S just started to fail at 74,000 miles. I was hoping my car would escape the fate of so many other TL-Ses. This is too bad since the $4,200 cost to fix is half the value of the car... and the 7yr/100k warranty is gone.

2002 Acura TL -S from North America

Summary:

I'd buy it again if the transmission gets fixed

Faults:

My transmission first slipped while I was turning left in front of traffic. Went to get the car accelerated and it wouldn't catch 2nd gear. I was able to coast by traffic before the gears kicked in again. Luckily no one was injured.

Then it happened again then next day trying to merge in highway traffic. I think it missed 3rd or 4th.

Trying to park the car it then failed in ALL gears including reverse. I pushed it into the garage and called Roadside Assistance.

They picked up the car and before lunch the next day, the Acura dealership said the transmission needed to be replaced and it would be fixed by the next day or the day after. We will see. Does that mean it will be a rebuilt engine with the same basic flaws as the original?

The car only has 40K miles. Wow. Too bad because I love the car otherwise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2006

28th Jun 2006, 13:34

They will replace the transmission with a rebuilt one which will have the same defect. I have already gone through 5 on my 2001 TL. I love the car so I keep having them replace it. I've just decided to go with a Lexus because of their reliability record. My TL has 175,000 miles so I have gotten good use out of the car. I would sell the TL and perhaps try something new like the Lexus.