Two problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2002 Acura TL. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Acura TL based on all problems reported for the 2002 TL.
In fall of 2002, my Acura Tl type s starting having trouble shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. It progressed from there by not shifting at all while accelerating or downshifting into a lower gear while driving 45-50 mph and causing the car to jerk. Finally, the transmission went out completely. I had to have it towed to the dealership where a new transmission was needed. It was fine for the next two years but I did notice it not shifting as smoothly as it had previously. In August 2004, the dealer informed me that a recall was placed on a part in the transmission having to do with 2nd gear. After this was replaced, my transmission was never the same. It began shifting very hard from 2nd to 3rd and then wouldn't go into gear. It would make a horrible grinding noise sometimes and the car would not go. The vsa lights and check engine light had come on also. This all starting occurring two days before our scheduled appt. With the dealer to have the car looked at. It had to be towed to the dealer (which is where it is right now as I type this letter) and it has to have a brand new transmission again! I am very concerned about this, especially since I have read all the other complaints other Acura Tl owners have written and most have missed having serious accidents only by the grace of god. Something seriously needs to be done about this.
Transmission hunting for gear, making noise, bogging down, rpm's go way up, then shifts, loss of power, very dangerous.