25th May 2009, 18:42

I purchased a 03 TL last year with 110k on it, and two weeks ago while accelerating the RPMs shot up and it felt like the car dropped from 4th to 2nd. The engine light came on, I pulled over, shut down and restarted. When I got home I disconnected the battery overnight and the engine light stayed off. Next time I took it out it did the same thing! I have been driving it in the "sports shift" mode now for the last two weeks and the transmission has been working normal! I'm wondering that maybe that transmission is fine, but the computer control is the problem. I will be using the sports shift from now on so I will keep you posted.

26th May 2009, 20:37

To the May 23rd 10:10 poster, I've often wondered what I'll do when the trans fails on my 01 TL again. I have my money saved to go either direction - new trans or new car. If you replace the trans I'd certainly get a warranty on the new trans and drive the car as long as that was under warranty - at least you'll get something for your money.

I doubt you'll get much on a trade in with a bad trans. Then again you may just want to get rid of it and be done with the car. Can't blame you there. It's ultimately your decision what to do, but as old as these cars are now we can't keep expecting Acura to replace the trans. We're all aware of the defect and as mad as we get there isn't much we can do about it. Sorry for the pessimism, but that's the way I see it. Good luck with your decision.

7th Jun 2009, 09:42

I have a 2002 TL-S, and had the transmission replaced in July 2008 at 87K miles under warranty because it was slipping and making a lot of noise.

The 93 month class action warranty expired on May 29th, and I find myself becoming a little paranoid. The idea that if the trans were to fail at high speed, it would shift into 2nd takes the fun out of 260HP. (As well as considering the expen$e if it were to fail.)

On the other hand, I've read that in 2006 Honda redesigned the transmission case for better lubrication, and that remanufactured transmissions installed after that time should be a lot more reliable.

Does anyone have any data about this? Has anyone had a transmission installed after 2006 fail prematurely?

8th Jun 2009, 09:09

I've read the same information as you about the redesign of replaced transmissions. I believe I read it on wikipedia, and the sourcing information was not complete and did not satisfy me. However it gave me some hope. My transmission was replaced in Jan 06 (55k miles) and would fit this redesign as apparently it happened in early 2005. I'm at 93k miles now and haven't had any problems. I don't drive like a grandmother and I've lived in large cities the entire length of owning this car (meaning it gets a lot of stop and go wear and tear). I, too, would be interested in any information someone might have about the redesign.

8th Jun 2009, 17:49

I have driven an Acura since 2000 and loved the car. I turned in my 2000 for similar reasons (Transmission issues). I was told that the 2004 transmissions were corrected and purchased the 2004 model in June of 2003. Needless to say, I noticed problems after 40,000 miles. They put a fix??? What ever that means and it lasted to 103,000 miles. Acura put in a new transmission. I now have 176.000 on the car and seems to be running great. Hopefully I will get over 200,000!!! I cannot complain when American cars deteriorate after 50,000.

I think I WILL STICK WITH HONDA PRODUCTS.

14th Jun 2009, 01:28

My son's 2002 TL Type S transmission went out on 114K. Called Honda and they refused to correct the problem. A new transmission was installed on 74K. I pleaded with the dealer with no success. Spent $3K from AAMCO to repair... Getting a 36mths/36K limited warranty. Not sure I'm paying too much to AAMCO. Acura is not a responsible company as it does not correct the issues it created. This is my 2nd Acura and won't be buying any Acura in the future.

26th Jun 2009, 21:46

I purchased my 2003 TL-S in 2005 with already replaced tranny on 59k miles - under warranty - done by the previous owner. I thought I'm good now and don't have to worry about the transmission anymore. I was wrong. Now the car has 75k miles the tranny started to jerk and hesitates when going in reverse. The local acura dealer said it needs a new tranny - quoted me $4800, and they said nothing can be done under warranty - I have to pay for everything.

Called Acura Headquarters, explained the situation, and they called the acura dealer to charge me "only" $2800 for replacement of the transmission - they will pay the rest, not that there is a warranty or recall for my VIN, but just because of the low mileage on the car.

Still thinking whether I should continue investing in this car or sell it and get something else - not TL. I have 2 Integras too - never had any problems with them - but the TL is different story.

27th Jun 2009, 06:58

I bought my Acura with 55k.

At 75k the transmission failed, at 128k the transmission failed, and now at 135k the transmission failed. It only has 9k on the transmission. Acura says my last transmission was a"goodwill replacement", now they are giving me a hard time about fixing it, not to mention I'm in the shop every 3k and in between.

Right now my cars in the shop; I left it there until someone solves my case in a respectful manner. If they give me a hard time, I'll never drive Acura again. I'll keep you posted.

27th Jun 2009, 09:03

My tranny is also failing. The car is a 2003 TL. I am at 103000 miles. My extended warranty is up and my VIN number is not covered under the settlement. I'm a single mother with two kids and I don't have 4000 for a new tranny. I contacted the dealership and asked about goodwill assistance to get it covered. The service rep said they probably wouldn't pay for much. I told him it was sad because the car cost too much money for tranny failure at 103000 miles. He told me to bring it in on Monday.