Automatic Transmission problems of the 2003 Acura TL - part 1

The contact owns a 2003 Acura Tl-s. The contact stated that when shifting gears, the vehicle would violently jerk or there would be an abnormal increase in engine rpms before engaging. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where it was diagnosed that the transmission was defective and would need to be replace. The manufacturer was contacted who referred him to the dealer. No further assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 91,000.

I have a 2003 Acura 3. 2 Tl with 75k miles, I am the original owner of this car which I purchase from Acura dealer in may 2002. In January 2011, one day I was driving and I noticed jerking and slipping. Usually between 2 and 3 gears. While pressing down on the accelerator, the engine's rpm woud go up, but car would not accelerate. And then suddenly car would shift to the higher gear with a jerk. When I took the car to Acura dealership for service on Friday, February 4, 2011 and reported this problem, the service center at the Acura dealership responded back in a few hours that my car's transmission needs to be replaced. The lady at the service center told me that it would cost $5000 to replace the transmission and Acura has agreed to cover 80% of the cost. That means I'd have to pay $1230+tax =~ $1345 out of pocket for Acura/ Honda's faulty transmission !!! the dealership would not let me take the car out of dealership as they said that it would be unsafe to drive. They handed me a loaner for the weekend and asked me to confirm if they should proceed with the transmission replacement work by Monday (Feb 7, 2011). Acura should bear the complete cost of transmission replacement and provide lifetime warranty. This transmission problems are a potential safety hazard!.

2003 Acura 3. 2tl-s with only 51,000 miles. Car is immaculate. Transmission began having trouble engaging and would not shift. I took to Honda dealer, who told me tranmission is completely shot and needs to be replaced at a cost of $4,200! the tranny was subject to recall in 2004 and had an oil injection system added. But Acura dealer now tells me there is no extended warranty, even though there are known issues with the transmissions on this vintage Tl.

I was on my way to work. While sitting at a traffic light my car started jumping. When I pulled off from the light I noticed the engine would race but the car would not accelerate over 30 mph. Once I got to the next light I tried to pull off but the car just stalled and would not move any further. I broke down in the middle of the highway during rush hour without any warning or any failure lights showing. The car just stopped working without warning even though it's had all it's required maintenance. Acura recalled the transmission once and it was replaced at approx. 47k miles. I've put approx. 97k miles on the car and the transmission is completely gone for the second time. I've called several local repair shops for estimates and one shop told me that have replaced transmissions in 34 other 2003 Acura Tl's in the last year alone. And, all of these were transmissions that were initially replaced by the manufacturer. The second transmission they put in my car is defective. I was originally told that it was warrantied up to 100k miles. When I called in for service I was told that the warranty on the new transmission was one for 50k by one dealer and then a second dealer told me it was only for 36k. I am not the only person with an Acura Tl 2003 replacement transmission from the Honda motor CO. (Acura) with this issue. Acura has done nothing to try to resolve the issue.

While driving on a major highway, my car died in the middle of traffic. After taking my car to get looked at, it was discovered that my transmission no longer worked. Afterwards, I found out that there was a recall on my particular make and model.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura 3. 2tl. The contact was driving on the highway at 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost transmission power. The contact was driving up a hill when the vehicle began to move backward. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the automatic transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was not included in recall 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission). The current and failure mileages were approximately 86,500.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura 3. 2tl. The contact was driving approximately 70 mph when the vehicle failed to accelerate any further. The engine continued to display a high level of rpms and the contact shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 118,000.

A day before while driving my Acura's vsa light came on and within few miles engine light came on. By the end of the trip the car was having problem shifting gears especially in lower. Next day the problem worsened and the car just stopped while I was trying to make a turn in the middle of the busy intersection. I had to tow it to nearest dealer where they informed me that its the transmission. It has been fixed back in 2004 and it will cost me $4900 to fix it now. I asked them about recall and they said I don't have the warranty anymore so it is not covered. I have talked to Acura case manager about helping us but they only are going to assist with about 500 dollars that's not much.

2003 Acura Tl sudden downshift from 5th to 2nd.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura 3. 2tl. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the vehicle began independently braking. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission would need replacing. The dealer advised that the vehicle could potentially fall under NHTSA campaign id number: 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission). The manufacturer was contacted but it was not confirmed if the vehicle was included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 109,779.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura 3. 2 Tl. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the tcf light illuminated. The vehicle downshifted and began sputtering. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to an authorized dealership for repair. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was not included in recall 04v176000 (power train: automatic transmission) and he would be responsible for repair costs. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 71,000.

My 2003 Acura Tl-s transmission, 83,000 miles. Based on the research I've done online. It seems that there are major problems with this model.

Was traveling on I-20 with family and transmission in 2003 Acura type s just blew out with no warning traveling seventy miles an hour. Coasted to side of interstate and had to get out and push car further out of harms way. Hot transmission fluid created smoke from engine compartment and left us stranded sixty miles from home. New transmission was installed in this vehicle in 2007 at dealership with 50,000 miles on it and now it goes out again with about 50,000 miles on it. Dealer would only give ten percent towards goodwill fix paid thirty two hundred out of pocket. This year and model was involved in a lawsuit in California but the VIN number on my car as well as numerous others was not included but should well have been. Acura service manager told me this is a weak product but that was putting it mildly after getting on the internet and reading all the consumer complaints on this exact model and year across the country. These transmissions are still defective and should be replace by Honda for free. Consumers are trading and getting rid of the cars because they feel they are a safety threat to their family. My daughter was driving us to a graduation when this happened and it scared her to death happening at that speed on the interstate. This product is well documented as being a piece of crap but consumers like me have no recourse but suffer the loss and hope for the best out of the next transmission. When people have to put three and four transmissions in a car with a hundred thousand miles on it somebody needs to step in and protect the consumers. I would like to know what difference was made during the VIN number on my car and same models before it that were covered under the lawsuit. Evidently the same transmission problems still existed in all these models. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2003 Acura Tl. The contact stated while driving at approximate speeds of 60 mph, the vehicle shifted from drive to neutral without driver intent, causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic and testing. The dealer advised the transmission would need to be replaced. The dealer would not offer any assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure and current mileages were 72,000.

Complete failure of the automatic transmission in my 2003 Acura Tl 3. 2 with only 70,000 miles.

I already filed a claim, but have further information. My husband and I own a 2003 Acura 3. 2tl there is a recall on the transmissions of these cars (both in age and make and model), but our VIN # is not in the lot of VIN's under the recall. Three days after I filed the complaint with you the transmission seized while my husband was driving 40 mph. Luckily he avoided an accident. He stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to the Acura dealership. We had them replace the transmission. Their original bid was for $4,600. We had bids from transmission shops to do the job for $2,000. The dealership negotiated and did the work for $2,000. I spoke with robert from the NHTSA and he said that the recall was for transmissions seizing when the vehicles were being operated. I feel that it is important to add this information to my original complaint.

When I shift gear I notice the car pulling forward. It's becoming more of a problem it happens constantly.

My 2003 Acura Tl has accelerator problems similar to the Toyota problem. Two years ago it stuck twice and the vehicle reached speeds up to 90 mph before I could stop it by putting both feet on the brake and downshifting it. I really thought I was going to die. I took it to the dealership, they tested it and said it was probably a bad transmission so they replaced the transmission. The car had about 50,000 miles on it at that time. A month ago the same thing occurred. Again I took it to the dealer. They said it was probably the transmission however they would not replace it without the warranty people actually seeing it malfunction. They charged my $110 and sent me on my way. I am afraid to ride in the vehicle, my wife and CO-workers will not ride in the vehicle. I had to buy a replacement vehicle and now cannot sell this one in good conscience. I am going to ask the dealer to take it back and give me fair market value for the vehicle. They can do with it what they want. What other alternatives do I have?.

Out of the blue transmission is starting to slip from 2nd to 3rd gear. Car was brought in for a transmission recall in 2006 with 36000 miles. Dealer installed oil injector said transmission was fine. Car has 82000 miles now and dealer says need new transmission. Of course VIN number is 5000 over the limit of the transmission extended warranty.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura Tl. While driving 45 mph the vehicle had suddenly stopped on its own and could not be driven past the second gear without stopping. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings and the transmission was replaced by a local mechanic. The current and failure mileages were 107,000.

Ltr regarding problems she is experiencing with her 2003 Acura 3. 2tl. She would like a thorough investigation into this matter. The consumer stated the vehicle would hesitate when accelerating. On August 14, 2009, the vehicle stalled. The consumer was able to get the vehicle to the dealer. The problem was thought to be the battery and timing belt and the consumer was charged $ 1,371. 49. On December 12, the vehicle started jerking into gear. The vehicle was dropped off at the dealer. The consumer received a call from the dealer stating the vehicle needed a new transmission.

Transmission caused veh to jumped or jerked forward.

We have a 2003 Acura 3. 2 Tl purchased in September of 2002. There was a recall issued for our model and our car was brought in to our dealer to have it checked in January of 2005. The dealer stated the automatic transmission was updated (an oil jet kit was installed) and we continued to drive the car until August 2009. There was a sudden jerk while driving on the NJ turnpike and the car suddenly stopped. We had to have the car towed and it started driving again a couple hours later. We brought it in to the Acura dealership and they stated that the transmission had to be replaced. We ended up paying almost $4000. 00 to have the transmission replaced. . Read more...

Driving the car one afternoon, when suddenly the cars rpm rapidly went up, nearly touching the red line part of the rpm. Looking at the meters on the dash the check engine light come on. To my understanding the 3rd gear was not working correctly. Had it check at an local auto part store and was told "something is wrong with the gear ratios. " it was a problem that never went away. Bring it in for an inspection I was told that the transmission needs to be replace. So with the amount to replace it being about $3700 I declined the service. Looking online for issue involving the cars transmission I found out that the car had a recall that was issue in April 2004 so I called the dealership and ask them about the recall and was told the it had already been done and fix in 2004. Which I wouldn't had know about because the car was brought in 2007. The car not being under warranty I am left with the cost to replace it. Im complaining because I did have the car in 2004 and the car never got a recall replacement and now that I am the new owner of the car I experience the failure and is left with no other option but to pay for something that could of been fix at the time.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura 3. 2tl. The contact stated that the transmission does not shift and the rpms rinse when the vehicle is not traveling at high speeds. The vehicle jerks when the transmission stalls and the instrument panel lights flash. The contact was concerned that the jerking could cause a crash. The dealer offered to pay 50% of the repair cost, but the contact feels that the manufacturer should pay for the entire repair since the vehicle has 68,880 miles and the cause of the failure cannot be determined. The current and failure mileages were 68,880.

Transmission in my 2003 Acura Tls had been recalled oct, 5th, 2004 for an oil jet install. I bought the vehicle used from a certified Acura dealership in franklin, TN. On June 3rd, 2006. Was never disclosed of this issue. I learned of this problem on NHTSA web site. Recently in March of 2009 and with 95,000 miles on the car, I noticed a hesitation while accelerating. I took the car to my dealer and they said the transmission had to be replaced. My warranty was up at 100,000 miles. They replaced the transmission, or so they say, and it had the same problems as I drove it off the dealer lot. Upon returning the car to the dealer the next day, they assured me they would replace that 2nd transmission with a 3rd. However, the warranty would only cover to the original 100,000 mile extension leaving me with 5 thousand miles to test this 3rd transmission. The known failure rate on these(check NHTSA) is astounding. What is wrong with these transmissions? are they putting these same known defective parts into these remanufactored transmissions? why doesn't Acura stand behind each one with a new separate warranty?.

Replaced transmission 20,000 miles ago with the dealer and now is acting up again. I have a surging problem with the rpm's in which it goes up to 4,000 rpm's at times. This problems often occurs everyday while im driving in heavy traffic. I've had an accident in the past but nobody was injured , and almost hit a pedestrian on the streets. I replaced a couple of parts and have done work to the car so the problem could go away but has continued often and everyday and I still have the old parts with me. I've had service appointments with the dealer. The dealer replaced the transmission and gave me a lifetime warranty on the new one . I believe they don't want to put a new one in , but I am concerned with my safety and others who I put in my car .

So, the report for pe02081 says that the transmission problem for the 2000-2003 Acura Tl / cl is rare and erroneous and isn't realistic, but I've done a lot of research and I am a member of Acurazine. Com. But I am having the same issues as was listed (I. E. Slipping of gears, sudden harsh downshift from 65mph to redline limit at 50mph on freeway nearly causing an accident). After the incident I had taken my vehicle to dealership because I was told there had been an extended warranty on the vehicle to 109,000 miles. I was at nearly 108,000 miles when my car was at the dealership. That was when the service gentleman told me I needed to replace my transmission which would cost about $3800 because I had been after the cut-off point for the extended warranty. That service was denied and they sent me on my way even though I was having the exact same problems as the vehicles that were before the VIN # cut-off. I have since, then, replaced my transmission with another shop for $3500 but only after losing my job and failing my college classes for the semester because I could not afford to repair my car at the time. I wish someone would hold the Acura corporation responsible for their mistake and for the safety of every other driver on the road. If you look on Acurazine. Com, there is a transmission (tranny) failure thread that goes on for 64 pages with other owners of the same vehicle having the same problems and not receiving help from Acura just like me. I know there was a class action law-suit in 2006 for this issue and I feel there will be another law-suit against them if this problem is not treated correctly. I also know that Acura/Honda manufactures their own transmissions, unlike a lot if not all of the other car makers whom use universal transmissions. I hope this complaint will help persuade the NHTSA, bbb, and consumer protection agencies to act on the problem at hand. Even if I am not helped personally, I just don't think anyone else should have to experience this.

My 2003 3. 2 Tl Acura started to jerk so I took it to my dealership to have it fix they just said that I needed my oil changed and a tune up I got all of that done then it still continued to jerk again. It seemed that my car was having a hard time getting into gear. So I took it to get put on a machine and they said I just needed another tune up. Well two months after that my transmission light went off so I pulled on the side of the road and read my Acura's manual book I read the instructions and followed them. Turned around and went back home the manual said wait and let the car cool off. The next day I drove it and my car broke down on the side of the road. I got it toad home and then I started to call around to try to get it fix. I did some research and found out that my 2003 3. 2 Tl Acura's transmission had a recall that I was not informed by my dealership. Ever since I purchased this car I have been having problem. The dealership put my life at risk to sell me a lemon I really do not appreciate that. I have called Acura corp. Numerous of times and my car still have not been fixed it has been over a month. I need my car I am a homehealth care assistant I have been missing work and I have lost two of my clients because lack of transportation.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura 3. 2tl. While driving and initially accelerating at 10-20 mph, the rpm's increase on the instrument panel. The vehicle does not respond immediately and then jerks into gear and goes the proper speed. The vehicle was previously repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission); however, the failure persists. The current mileage was 103,000 and failure mileage was 102,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura Tl. While driving approximately 55 mph in fifth gear, the transmission automatically shifted into second gear without assistance. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was related to the transmission. The VIN was not included in the recall, although the failures were identical. The vehicle has not been repaired. The NHTSA campaign id number was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 105,722.

I purchased my 2003 Acura Tls brand new. I had to have my first transmission replaced two years ago when driving at 40 mphs, the car slipped into first. Just three months ago, I had problems with the car surging and the dealer replaced the transmission again. Just last week (3 months after the last transmission was installed), a third transmission was installed because the car would not accelerate while trying to merge onto the freeway (pretty scary). I purchased an extended warranty when I bought the car even then my car is covered under the recall. My car has 83,000 miles on it and I'm not thrilled about having to buy another car. I sure don't want to sell this to anyone knowing it has a problem that can't be fixed or may possibly kill someone.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura Tl. While driving approximately 35 mph with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle stopped and surged forward without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 104,000. Updated 7/3/08 the consumer stated the transmission had been replaced previously. Updated 07/03/08.

The contact owns a 2003 Acura 3. 2tl. While driving 40 mph, the contact experienced difficulty when shifting gears. The vehicle would also automatically brake while his foot was depressing the accelerator pedal. He has to drive with the hazard lights activated in order to prevent a rear end crash. He took the vehicle to the dealer when the traction control indicator light illuminated. The light gave no indication as to whether or not the feature would disengage. The dealer stated that they could not inspect the vehicle due to warranty issues. The dealer stated that this was a common failure and the contact would be able to drive the vehicle. While driving to his residence, the vehicle would not exceed 40 mph. The vehicle then began to gradually downshift to 20, 15, and finally 10 mph until it automatically braked. He returned to the dealer and was informed of NHTSA campaign id number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission) and NHTSA action number pe02081, in which his VIN and warranty were not included. The dealer also stated that they would provide him with a rental car due to incorrectly informing him that the vehicle could be driven home. The failure and current mileages were 72,000.

2003 Acura Tl transmission locked during driving. Car is non operational need of a new transmission,car has only 30,000 miles.