10th Mar 2010, 12:16

Good Afternoon.

I have a 2003 3.2 TL Acura. Just over this past weekend the transmission failed again. This will be my 3rd transmission in the last 4 years. I bought this car due to reliability and service. This my 3rd Acura I have owned, and my two previous Acuras never gave any problems.

Now I purchase this 2003 and the transmission has failed for the 3rd time. I am outside my warranty coverage, and am waiting for Acura to respond to see if they would cover any expense.

The first time my transmission went out, it was at 75k, then again at 85k, and now again at 192k. Acura is a Honda and should last a long time without having 3 transmissions within the last 4 years.

Mileage, yes there is a lot, but I travel a lot for business. One main reason I purchase Acura's. They last a long time and are very reliable cars. This is crazy. I haven't had any problems with my car, only this transmission.

Regular things, yes, oil changes, brakes, rotors yes. I have even changed all the drive belts, water pump, timing belts etc... I am waiting on Acura to respond. If not I will be calling Channel 7 on my side to make this worldwide. I refuse to pay for a 3rd transmission.

22nd Apr 2010, 14:40

Hi all, just wanted to say I have a 2002 Acura TL 92K miles, I do love it. It had the jet recall on the transmission. So I had it down to the dealer for the airbag recall this week. They called to say it was ready and said BTW they noticed the transmission delaying going into gear and could be start of some issues, but just wanted to let me know.

I told them I had JUST brought it down in Oct while still under extended warranty because I had noticed a little delay in going into gear, but nothing I was overtly worried about. They didn't see anything wrong then, changed the fluid. And now, magically they see a potential issue? Not playing that game. He said Acura probably wouldn't do anything about it since it was now just out of warranty. I said "try them". :)

Well, he called back a couple hours later, and had talked with Acura. Since I had brought it down while still under warranty, Acura was willing to offer this time only: that they would cover 90% of the cost of a new one, complete with new computer, new upgraded software etc. with a new 3 year, 36K warranty. I'm only out $500, new one is about $4700.

I'm not sure if it was the start of an eventually bigger problem, or if it would get worse in 6 months, or a year.

I said I'll take it. I'd be stupid not to. Love the car.

26th Oct 2010, 10:08

Honda is still paying for 2003 TL bad trans. My 2003 TL was not in the VIN range for 100,000 warranty, and needed new trans at 98000. Initially, the dealer wanted 4900.00 for a rebuilt. I had them call Honda Client rep and ask for assistance. They agreed to cover all cost except 200.00. Also, the rebuilt comes with 3year/36K warranty. I have taken this car to this dealer for all regular maintenance, and I'll bet that helped.

20th Dec 2010, 00:35

The 2002 TL threw the transmission at about 88,000, replaced the oil line and it went again. The dealer in Sarasota put a new one in with extended warranty for zero cost (the bill showed some $3700 that I signed but they took the whole thing). I believe that the type of clientele that they have demand better service and we get it. Mercedes used to operate this way; I have owned several but they were diesels and have no problem with the older ones. I am hesitant to buy another one at any price that has not had the tranny replaced. Negotiation skills are necessary; anger is not an option. It was just a design defect from the blueprint in Japan, I believe.