Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Problems of Acura TL - part 1

Torque converter has difference of 200rpm or greater than causing trans to over heat and fail power steering line allowing air into system. System locked up while driving air bag sensor won't sent code.

See all problems of the 2004 Acura TL 🔎.

There is some jerkiness when car switches gears. Read it could be the torque converter or be fixed with a software update. I had the software update already.

See all problems of the 2012 Acura TL 🔎.

I drove my Acura Tl to duval Acura on 07/13/2019 @73000 miles, due to concerns regarding my transmission. I heard grunting type of dragging vibrations between 1st and 2nd gear going into the 3rd. The mechanic rode with me and advised that's the way the car sounds and talked me into a transmission fluid change. He promised me that nothing was wrong. In my gut I felt something was wrong. Between 07/15/19 -08/30/19 I had a transmission service including changing the fluid the car appeared to be ok. The next day I contacted duval Acura due all of my transmission fluid was on the ground, stained my garage. I had to have my Acura Tl transported by tow to the dealership to be repaired. Not even sure if damage was done to the transmission due to their mistake. Also, I have an email from duval Acura advising my car was under warranty eff 07/17/2019 at the time of concern. Recently, the sounds have returned while driving, currently at 83000 on 08/13/2020 , I emailed Acura to inquire about the torque converter warranty. The advised the 8 yr or 105k miles, also advised the car was never serviced for this which in fact it was on 12/17/2012 at riverside Acura. Acura needs to re-service the torque converter as it is known to be an issue and since they advised it was not done, the car is due its due just service since the car has been serviced faithfully and not one person took the time to advise or research at the time I made the duval Acura aware. The car is still well within the mileage and should he honored since the car has been properly serviced by bringing it to duval Acura and their mistake of service that could have impacted my transmission.

See all problems of the 2011 Acura TL 🔎.

Torque converter shudder/ premature failure. Jerky transmission. Shifting hard. Went to 2 torque converters in a year.

See all problems of the 2013 Acura TL 🔎.

My 2009 Acura Tl stalls for no apparent reason. I can be pulling out from a traffic light, pulling off after pausing at a stop sign, changing gears from drive to reverse, or just simply driving on the highway or a city street. My car can have a full tank of gas or less than half of a tank of gas, it can be cold or hot outside, it can be the first time I move my car for the day or the tenth time, etc. I have not been able to pinpoint the exact issue with my vehicle. I am growing more and more concerned that this stalling could place me in imminent danger but unexpectedly causing an accident in which my vehicle is rear-ended. Prayerfully, this doesn't occur on the highway (in which I drive to work daily!) in which speeds could exceed 80-mph. I initially noticed the problem in late January/February. I just assumed that it was in relation to the cold weather. I took my vehicle to Acura at oxmoor twice in relation to this problem - resulting in almost $700 worth of expenses. They completed a diagnostics and ended up 1. Replacing the crank position sensor; 2. Performing transmission service; and performing fuel induction service. The problem still exists and I am not sure how to proceed. Based on my review of Acura blogs on the internet, it seems that the problem is extremely prevalent amongst other Acura Tl owners and might be related to the torque converter. The problem could be related to Acura TSB #b16033. My car has more than 120k miles on it. But considering the manufacturer, cost, and continued proper maintenance (which has only been performed at Acura of oxmoor), I would expect my car to last at least 10 years without major transmission or engine problems.

See all problems of the 2009 Acura TL 🔎.

2012 Acura Tl. Consumer writes in regards to unsatisfactory customer service with recall 16v-061 and torque converter service bulletin repairs. The consumer also sent in a recall letter for the air bag.

Growling and vibration from the transmission when going 35-40 mph. Was told it's the torque converter again. Have had it replaced twice now, got it back from the dealer last night and it's doing it again. This is the 4th time I have had this car to the dealer for the same issue since I purchased the vehicle new (replaced torque converter twice and updated software twice. ) it's happening like clock work - every 2 years the issue resurfaces.

In September 2012, Acura issued product update for torque converter saying the transmission software update needed to prevent damage to the transmission. I received the notification on August 2016. This is 6 years after original notification and beyond the extended warranty. I have called Acura about the unfairness of their product software update warranty limitations to no avail.

See all problems of the 2010 Acura TL 🔎.

Appears to be transmission related problem. I currently have approximately 47,xxx miles on my vehicle which I had purchased brand new. I've taken my vehicle into the dealer multiple times for the same concern but they have not been able to fix the problem. The first couple of times I took the vehicle in, I was advised there's nothing wrong with the vehicle. I took it in again and Acura stated the computer needs to be updated. Once they updated the computer it still did not fix the problem. Then Acura stated it was a torque converter and they replaced it with a new one. Instead of fixing the problem, my vehicle have gotten worst due to the whole car vibrating when the a/c is on. The problem still exist, vehicle hesitates and clunking noise and vibration comes from the engine are when driving approximately between 20-45 mph. I purchased this vehicle new and I know how it drove from day one, now it does not drive the way it did. Acura stated they are aware of the problem but they do not have a solution for the problem. All the work was done under warranty which is four years or 50,000 miles. My vehicle is few thousand miles away from being out of manufacture warranty and I am afraid my vehicle will break down or the problem will get worst and I will be stuck with a broken car. Acura also stated there is a bulletin for this problem and Acura is working on finding a solution.

Transmission/torque converter issue. In lower speed car jerks. Really bad in stop and go traffic. This issue is with 2013/2014 Tl. On slow speed from 0 -40. Dealer say they aware of the issue but dont have a fix. They have a release (s/b #16046) from manufacture regarding the problem judder from torque converter lock-up clutch.

See all problems of the 2014 Acura TL 🔎.

I have recieved recall on torque converter . So I took in for service but all they(Acura service)did was flush transmission . My car running horible it had no power had no acceleration it judder between 35-45mph noise on bumpy road not safe if you try to pass other. I have taken in for service 5 times two differrent dralership90.

Drive axle broke in side torque convertor while I was driving 45 speed I had no trans when axle broke steer car over to side of road so another vehicle didnot hit me.

Torque converter failure. Stall when passing at 35-40 mph. Widespread problem.

I have experienced tach hunting when you're driving and the vehicle shifts into the highest gear and the rpms should be steady, you're going at a steady speed down a city street and the tachometer starts jumping around it will not stay steady. It first started happening when the car had around 36,000 miles on it we brought it in and the dealer reprogrammed/ flushed the transmission that fixed it for roughly 36,000 miles . In 2018 it stated again when the car had 73,000 mi they updated the computer again apparently there was another update and they flushed the transmission and it operated normally for about 27,000 miles this time. Now the car has just over 100,000 mi on it and it's doing it again apparently from what I've learned and heard you can have the transmission flushed and put some lube guard shutter fix in it and it will help it and maybe even cure the issue on some cars but others it's too late and the transmission will need to be replaced or overhauled. At the very least the torque converter will need to be replaced! this is absolutely ridiculous Honda knew they had a problem and they pretty much put a patch on it until you're past the warrant I believe that the warranty should be extended to 150,000 miles!.

There has to be a recall on 4th generation Acura Tl's with the 6 speed auto transmission (mine is a 2012 sh-awd tech package). My car produces the tachometer jumping approximately 300-500 rpm when cruising in 5th gear around 35-45 mph. The tach jump is so large I actually have looked at it while driving, it's distracting and needs to be fixed, I am willing to bet it¿s the torque converter. Car is going to Acura dealer on 12/3/2015 for "diagnostic testing:". Below is a link to a youtube video which is almost identical to the video on my cell phone that the service manager will see this coming Thursday (around 19 seconds in, the car is in fifth gear and does exactly what mine does). Read the Acurazine. Com forums, this is a huge problem and Acura is hoping their customers ignore it or just plain don¿t notice it. . Read more...

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Acura Tl. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the vehicle started to exhibit problems shifting where it would hesitate and then go into the next gear very hard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter clutch circuit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000. Wh.

See all problems of the 2003 Acura TL 🔎.

This is a *well documented* problem with Acura torque converters affecting the 4th generation Tl with the 5-speed auto--so much so that a TSB letter was sent out. When leisurely accelerating (light throttle application), the vehicle exhibits a characteristic "low growl" and sort of rhythmically surges forward as power is alternately applied and reduced by the torque converter; this symptom is also visible on the tachometer, as the revs oscillate up and down a couple hundred rpm. On my 2012 Tl, this mostly occurs between 1st/2nd gear (this is the 6-speed auto), but also between 2nd/3rd. Based on only cursory searching of owner forums, this is also becoming commonplace on the 2012 models. Failing torque converters in these cases have also led to failures in the transmission itself, a much costlier repair. . Read more...

Vehicle was driving at 65 miles on highway and suddenly shifted to lower gear withot prior warning. Looks to be a trans torque converter .

I have been complaining to Acura about the transmission "tach hunting" and car vibrations since the car was between 1-2 years old. No one could figure out the problem. They did find and repair a leak on the drive shaft that they said might have been the cause of my complaints. That did not fix it and I was told that Honda/Acura transmissions were abrupt in their changes, and tended to favor lower gears, as a method of increasing fuel economy. Progressively the problem has gotten worse and now the Acura dealer is telling me that the problem is the torque converter.

Dear safercar. Gov, I have a 2003 Acura 3. 2 Tl navi. It has approximately 132,800 miles on it as of 30 November 2013 (car is in shop, so I can't verify exact mileage). On Saturday, 30 Nov 2013, I took it in to Acura, because the engine check light is on. I also asked that the transmission be checked, because it didn't seem to be engaging correctly. This model as well as other Acura model vehicles, etc, had a previous recall on the transmission (2004). I also previously had to have the car towed (26 Aug 2004) to Acura because the transmission failed while driving and the car broke down. The car has been well-maintained - body and mechanically, I had the 120k service performed on 22 October 2012, where mileage was 125,226. On 11 March 2011, I had the transmission fluid flush service performed. The service record states "flush entire unit of all old and suspended debris using a safe and effective cleaner to dissolve the varnish and gums in the transmission & torque converter. Install new transmission fluid to factory specification. Today (01 Dec 2013), I was told that the entire transmission and some associated parts need to be replaced and will cost me between $4000 to $5000 (estimated now, but could go up). It's difficult for me to fathom that this transmission was verified to manufacturer specs in 2011 and now a complete failure at 132800. I believe this transmission failure is the result of the previous problems, as stated in the recall. The recall I'm citing is from NHTSA in April 2004. The NHTSA campaign id number 04v176000; recall date: 13 April 2004; component: power train: automatic transmission; potential number of units affected: 1,099,796. As a result of the history of problems with this transmission, and the recall, I'm requesting assistance in having this transmission replaced by Acura at no cost to me. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2005 Acura Tl. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the vehicle stopped accelerating. The vehicle was towed to an independent transmission shop and the contact was informed that the torque converter failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

See all problems of the 2005 Acura TL 🔎.

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) 2003 Acura Tl 3. 2, [xxx] mileage: 55,189 after driving for a few minutes, auto transmission does not pull, similar to the transmission being placed in "neutral". Acura taken to leith Acura, cary, nc on 4/14/10. Dealer service dept identified the following computer codes: p0740-torque converter clutch, p0730-gear incorrect ratio, & p0700-shift malfunction. Based on these codes, dealer recommended transmission & torque converter to be replaced (total cost approx $ 3400). Dealer contacted the regional Acura office, which provided a 45% adjustment to the original cost. Net charge by dealer $ 1,783. 19. This vehicle was subject to a recall in 2003-04 (NHTSA campaign id # 04v176000). The modification to this safety recall was completed on 9/10/2004 by tischer Acura, laurel, MD with mileage @ 8,426. Per the invoice from tischer & since the mileage was less than 15,000, the recall instructed the dealer to "install an oil jet kit", which was completed. Note, if the vehicle had more than 15,000 miles, the safety recall instructed the dealer to "replace the transmission". Based upon the history of this particular Acura, I believe the dealer in 2004 should have replaced the transmission instead of installing an oil jet kit. Many Acuras manufactured prior to the 2004 model had serious "transmission problems" which were included in other "recalls".

D light was flashing, check engine light came on, very loud whining noise, transmission was slipping, rdi was on, problem occurs when driving. To correct the problem, removed overhauled and replaced transmission. Complete overhaul package, with, clutches, seals, rings, gaskets, bands, bushings, thrust washers, bearings, steel plates, fluid and filter. Recondition of torque converter, recondition solenoid. Customer paid for repairs out of own pocket, customer wants reimbursement, for repairs.

See all problems of the 2000 Acura TL 🔎.

The contact owns a 2000 Acura Tl. The drive gear on the warning panel flashed before the transmission locked and the engine stalled. He did not depress the brakes nor the accelerator pedal to cause the vehicle to skid. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the transmission failed. The torque converter was reconditioned and repairs were made to other elements of the transmission. Later, the contact found a recall campaign similar to the failures he experienced (NHTSA campaign id number 04v176000, power train: automatic transmission). The manufacturer was contacted to seek reimbursement, however they stated that they were not liable for the failure or repairs made at the owner's expense because the previous owner already had recall repairs performed on the vehicle. He also stated that intermittently, while placing the vehicle in drive, any low gear or the park position, the gears would flash across the instrument console. The failure mileage was approximately 188,656 and the current mileage was 211,000.

I was driving on the highway (684south), and my car's automatic transmission failed on my 2005 Acura Tl. As I stepped on the accelerator, the car had no motion. I pulled over immediately, and I called aaa to tow my car. The company that towed my car had inspected my car the following day and informed me that I was in need of a new transmission. I had then called aamco in mahopac, NY, that specializes in transmissions, to get a second opinion. After making a transcan, they informed me that the torque converter failed, where it caused a great amount of heat affecting the turbine assembly causing the gears and converter clutch to break down. I was informed that this was a common problem in many cars made by Honda and Acura. Therefore, I am respectfully asking your organization to investigate if there are other complaints similar to mine. I am the second owner of the car, which I purchased at 25,000 miles, and when this problem occurred, it happened at 75,000, where I was driving for approximately for about one hour on the highway.

My automatic transmission was slipping into 3rd gear on my 2003 Tl-s. I had it rebuilt at 73,900 miles. The torque converter had failed and was loosing hydraulic pressure & overheating. I bought this car new in 2003. It's a late 2003 VIN and Acura would not cover it under warranty. My dealership wanted $3,750 plus tax to replace it. An independent shop did the work for $2,600 incl tax with a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty.

Check engine light came on code reading po470 which Acura says its means transmission torque converter. This is the second failure and only 12k miles from a recheck up by Acura on the transmission saying the metal flakes in the case are normal. I think there is a cover up to these bad transmissions. There are numerous posts from consumers with the same issues. Acura capped the transmission warranty even though the replacement fails the same way and the same gear.

See all problems of the 2002 Acura TL 🔎.

: the contact stated the transmission was replaced three times by the dealer. The first time, the transmission was replaced by the dealer due to a recall, after the transmission seized. The dealer also replaced the torque converter, control module tcm, and fuel pressure regulator. The recall campaign id #04v176000 was on the NHTSA website. The manufacturer was notified and the contact had not heard back from them yet. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for a third time for the same problem.

2003 Acura 3. 2tl type s transmission fell out of gear on the highway at 17,014 miles. The consumer's vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty because Acura limited the warranty to certain vins. The consumer had the transmission and torque converter replaced at his expense.

2003 Acura 3. 2 Tl fell out of gear four times while driving on the highway. The consumer's vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty because Acura limited the warranty to certain vins. The consumer had the transmission and torque converter replaced at his expense.

I have a 2004 Acura Tl with 2000 miles on it. It has been at the dealer twice for 7 total days, trying to correct a vibration between 45 and 60. It is also evident at 75-80. Vibration is felt in seat, steering wheel and pedals dealer replaced front tires twice and front rims once. We still experience the vibration frequently. I contacted Honda of America. The representative informed me that this was a torque converter problem known for approximatel 4 months. I asked about returning the car and was told I was not going to get my money back. He stated that engineering is looking at modifying engine mounts. I told him that was only masking the problem. He stated all 04 and 05 models have the problem! I was floored they knew it and were still pushing cars out the door and the dealership was blaming the problem on tires. I asked about inherent vibration impact on the life expectancy to the driver train seals and bearings. The Honda of America representative became very rude. I got his name and hung up. Not what you would expect from Honda or a $35k car! the dealership service centerwas appalled that Honda America stated there was widespread problems with the torque converter, stated they never heard of it and insisted this is a tire issue! it is desheartening to get two different stories. I believe the tire story gives the Honda corporate offices some relief of liability by leveraging off of firestone for defects. Should the torque converter be openly pursued as the culprit and johnq. Public knowing about it, this could be a drive a costly recall funded from the pockets of Honda of America!.

I have a 2000 Acura Tl. While driving on the delway memorial bridge doing about 70 mph I noticed smoke in my rear view mirror, then the car started reving and not going anywhere. I pulled over and noticed tranmission fluid at the side of the car behind the car and underneath the car. I took the car to a gas station only to find out that its a possibility that the torque converter in the transmission must have overheated and exploded because the guy could not find a leak nowhere. When he opened the bolt on the transmission it smelled like something burning and smoke came out. I can recall about 6 months ago I took it into the dealership to have them check out the car because of the drive five light, the hard jerk from park to reverse and the thump from reverse to drive, the engine light was also on. All they did was replace some sensor. Now I brought it back to them and they told me that I have an internal transmission failure. When I bought the car it had 80k miles on it, this was last may. When I took it to Acura it had 95k now it has 139k on it and it constantly jumps, jerks, rev's and stalls on a regular basis especially when it gets hot.

2003 Acura has vibration in lower gears when shifting and a humming noise. The dealer found internal transmission component failure. The transmission and torque converter was replaced.

The engine light went on suddenly at 11,000 miles making a clunking noise. Was in repair 15 days. Rebuilt automatic transmission & torque converter was replaced as well as broken engine mount. At 19,713 engine light went on again failure vsa & ecm units replaced. At 25,596 miles engine light goes on,transmission does not go into reverse due to internal failure, replaced pcm & transmission (rebuilt)lock-up control solinoid assembly, replaced lost transmission fluid. Left dealer's service dept & upon reaching home, engine light came on, had to return back to service dept. On the way, the vehicle suddenly & without notice locked 6 times at 50 mph, decelerated down to 30 mph making booming noises, car behind almost crashed into my vehicle, had to pull over, slowly driving to dealer scared to death as the vehicle was so erratic & making booming noises. My son was driving, called me on his cell phone as to his experience, finally made it to the service dept. Honda/Acura voluntarily extended warranty in 2002 on the transmissions due to defects as well as in 2003 offered enhanced pcm powertrain service due to defects in another notification. Nhtsa conducted investigation & should have recalled the 3. 2tl type s vehicles as well as other models as they can potentially cause serious injuries and/or death to everyone concerned without notice at highway speeds especially. These transmission defects were known by Honda/Acura yet vehicles were being sold to the public anyway. Honda/Acura now claims the 2004 models will be redesigned. Does this include their faulty transmissions? who can you ask if nhsta allows this to occur year after year. Leasing this vehicle requires prayers that no one gets killed. Yes, I'm angry!! a vehicle should be enjoyed & not a hazard that cannot be corrected.

Transmission on my 2002 acuta Tl-s has been replaced on two occassions. I have no reason to beleive that this problem has been corrected, the 3rd replacement transmission is now mis-shifing at highway speeds. Dealer nor Acura has provided any explanation as to why this model vehicle needs so many transmission replacements.