Three problems related to vehicle shudder have been reported for the 2003 Acura TL. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Acura TL based on all problems reported for the 2003 TL.
Was driving on interstate 295 at 60mph. Pushed down gas to accelerate past the car on my left and switched lanes. Car made grinding noise and then acted as if in neutral. I checked to ensure the car was still in drive. I kept trying to accelerate but the engine just revved, then the check engine light came on. The car behind me almost hit me due to the sudden lack of acceleration. I pulled to the breakdown lane and experimented with accelerating slowly. Once it shifted to 3rd gear, I lost all acceleration. I would have to turn the car off and back on to utilize 1st and 2nd gear. I had the car towed to my mechanic. The transmission had blown. I called Acura to see if they would be willing to help pay for the cost since they had extended the warranty on the transmission for several years because they must have known it was defective out of the factory. It was about 8 months past the warranty expiration. Acura would not offer to pay for the replacement cost. My mechanic rebuilt the transmission and the car now drives fine.
The contact owns a 2003 Acura Tl. The contact stated while driving 25 mph the vehicle vibrated and the automatic transmission gear was shifting from first to second gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated they had to replace the transmission and pay $4500 for the repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the local dealer could make a decision on how to repair the vehicle. The dealer offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 75,900.
The contact owns a 2003 Acura Tl. While driving about 0-35mph the vehicle began shaking and making a continuous loud noise. When the vehicle came to a stop, he had to restart the vehicle and it began shaking rapidly on three occasions. The reverse gear box and the transmission failed. He was able to drive to the dealer. The current and failure mileage on the vehicle was 96,400. The purchase date was unavailable. Updated 01-11-08. The dealer stated vibration when braking. Updated 12/12/07.