3rd Sep 2008, 23:25

We noticed transmission slippage in our 2000 TL at about 100,001 miles - just after the recall notice and well past the warranty. Drove it for an additional 90,000 miles and the original transmission just gave out today. Don't really want to sink $3000 into a car only worth $4000 (in good condition) and am on-line now trying to figure out what to do.

10th Sep 2008, 09:11

Whyyyyyyyyyy!!! Well, looks like I'm yet another unhappy Acura 3.2 TL owner with about 240Ks on the tach. I bought this off the second owner. The car was an absolute dream to drive in the first 6 months. Then my regular maintenance started pilling up, brakes rotors, upper ball joints, lower ball joints, shocks all had to be changed. About 7 months into driving the car I realized that in stop and go traffic the tranny would lock up, RPMs would go up but the car would not move for about 2 seconds. I figured out that once I came off the gas and re-applied the gas it would work fine. So, I figured okay... so it's not perfect but as a recent graduate strapped with all kinds of debt I figured I'd put up with it until I could afford better.

Last night (1 year, 3 months after picking the car up) I got stuck in traffic again but this time the tranny just died completely. I was revving at 4500 rpm but only moving at 40 Kmph.

So now I'm stuck with a car that will cost $3000 to fix the tranny but really, given the terrible gas mileage and the fact that I can barely sell if for $4500 in good condition really just makes me feel screwed.

Readers please do not buy any Mazda 626's or 2000-2003 Acura 3.2 TLs. Their both nightmares... trust me I know!!!

11th Sep 2008, 16:19

I have not posted here before, but join the ranks of those with repeated transmission problems with, at least, the 2000 TL. First transmission was replaced under the recall. The second one was NOT covered by Acura for the stated reason that I had not continued routine service with the dealership. No, I hadn't. I actually maintained the car myself at a more frequent basis that called for in the manual.

I tried to argue, unsuccessfully with national Acura in California, that I was a dedicated Acura customer and that this was my 3rd Acura purchased new. Not good enough apparently. I had to pay about $3000 to have a 3rd transmission installed. Because I was not considered a loyal Acura customer by Acura, I took my business to a transmission shop rather than give Acura my money. Now, at 160,000, I need a new torque converter.

I have since purchased 2 BMWs, and do not plan to set foot in an Acura dealership ever again.

I too would welcome a class action suit against this company. They know full well they have a faulty product and steadfastly refuse to acknowledge it. There are too many other good cars out there. In fact, my son's 1995 Nissan Maxima with 185,000 still runs fine with its original engine, transmission and torque converter.

23rd Oct 2008, 11:32

Another joints the ranks of 2000 TL Transmission problems. All the same symptoms noted from everyone else (check engine light, skipping into third gear, hesitating downshifting from 2nd to 1st, traction control light on). Fluid is burned.

The TL has about 130,000 miles on it. I got it used at about 90,000. I had no idea about the tx problems, serves me right for not doing some research. I don't know if this is the original tx or not.

$3,400 estimate at the Acura dealer in Marietta, GA.

So, what do you do? It's worthless without a Tx and $3,400 is still a lot cheaper than finding another car.

31st Oct 2008, 10:48

I have 1999 Acura 3.2TL, I have 118000 mile on it and sounds like it has a transmission problem. I bought this car second at 107000 miles on it without doing research on transmission problem. Now feel like ripped off. I called Acura regarding this problem and they told me that it is not covered under warranty as it has more mileage. I am looking for any legal action we can take for Acura since so many cars built between 1999 to 2003 has lots of transmission problems.

5th Nov 2008, 14:45

Well, well.well. I can see I'm not the only poor sap out there with a transmission problems in my TL. I bought my 2000 TL brand spanking new. I loved it. Until it hit 40,000 km and the front brake disc was warped like a banana. The dealer stated at the time, that they do that a lot. I asked if they would replace them at no cost. I bet you all know what that answer was. He smirked and said it was wear & tear.

A few months later my transmission went. I again took it to the dealer. Since it was under warranty, there was not a problem and they replaced it free of charge.

I received my recall notice in the mail stating the problem they had with the transmission. I called and they said since it has been replaced already that, it didn't apply to me.

Yesterday I was driving home from work going 110Km/h (60miles/h) and the car jolted and the revs shot upto 7000 rpm then went back to normal. I knew the transmission was going to fail. (same problem as last time) The dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree with the check engine light and the traction control light.

I drove for 5 more minutes and the gears started slipping. within 1 minute I was sitting in the middle of the highway at a dead stop. I tried the "trip tronic" and nothing, "D4" nothing.

The way to get your car to the side of the road in this situation is, turn off your car and let it sit for 10 seconds or so. Then restart and put it in Drive. It won't last for very long, but it will get you to the side of the road.

My transmission place just called and it looks like it going to cost me $3400. He said that there is 1 to 2 of the TL's a week there. I said I hope that they are not repeat customers or I'll take my business elsewhere. Damn, I don't think the car is even worth that much. Other than the transmission, overall I love the car. It's sad to say, but it will be my last Acura.

21st Nov 2008, 20:38

Bought this 2000 TL used a couple of months ago. Today the check engine light and the TCS light came on. Also the transmission indicator on the dash started to blink in the D5 position.

The auto repair shop said it was a code P01750. Transmission clutch pressure control solenoid valve A&B. I called the Acura dealer and they want to check it out for a possible transmission replacement. The dealership service dept. said the recall warranty is 7 years 100,000 miles, which ever comes first. The 7 years was up in March but the car has 91,000 miles.

They said because I am under the 100,000 it is possible that Acura would fix it or maybe pay for half, but they could not say for sure. Price for new trans $5000. I only paid $10,000 for the car. I thought I was buying quality, did not know about this transmission issue. I am just sick about this.