Check a VIN

2003 Acura TL transmission complaints

Page 8 of 9: complaints 191 to 220 of 246, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Acura TL transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 5, 2005 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · NY

Dt: consumer states he has an intermittent shuddering when the transmission shifts. The dealer cannot duplicate the problem. He says acura knows there is a transmission problem/ they have extended the warranty to 100,000 miles. He has 66,000 miles on the car. He states this problem started happening around 55, 000 miles. Consumer states he is afraid that the problem will get worse and the car will break down while he is far away from home. *nm the vehicle was recall prior to this failure for the transmission overheating. The dealer installed and addition pump to rectify that problem. The consumer believes this problem is related to the recall repairs made.

Filed May 25, 2005 · Transmission · TX

Consumer complaint regarding a defective acura. The vehicle made a loud roaring sound and all the dashboard warning lights illuminated.***no answer required***. *mr the vehicle was taken to the dealer but no problem was found. The oil jet kit had been install previously under recall 04v1700 and the consumer believes this component may have failed again. The consumer believes the entire transmission should be replaced.

Filed May 6, 2005 · Transmission · 28,039 miles · CA

Vehicle hesitated before shifting gear prior to the automatic transmission recall 04v176000 repairs being performed. But after repairs were done the problem became worse. Dealership has been notified.*ak the dealer installed the oil jet kit per the recall. After leaving the dealer, the problem continued and became worse in a few weeks. The dealer was notified, but refused to fix the problem. The vehicle no longer drives in third gear.

Filed Apr 26, 2005 · Transmission · NY

'recall campaign' issued for 2003 acura tl transmission failure. *bf the consumer is upset that the dealer knowingly sold him a vehicle that had a recall and did not disclose the information, however the dealer stated they did not find out about the recall until nov 2004. The consumer contacted acura client service and was told the dealer knew about the recall 2 months prior to the consumer purchasing the vehicle. (recall 04v176000). *jb the consumer requested reimbursement for the out of pocket expenses for improvements, interest and payments. *sc

Filed Apr 7, 2005 · Fuel system, Transmission · 42,000 miles · NC · fire · 1 injury

I started the acura 3.2tl type s at 6:45am, the acura had not been started or driven the previous 14 hours. Engaged transmission in reverse, the gear locked up and rapidly accelerated backward and at the same time a fire started in the engine compartment, I managed to stop the acura after 30 feet where I was on and off my parking area at my house. By the time I had stopped the car flames, smoke & fumes were filling the passenger compartment, I could not get the drivers side door opened, my neighbor noticing the large amount of smoke coming from under the hood rushed to my aid for he could see that I was in the car and I was pushing on the door with my feet in an effiort to escape the burning acura. I was overcome from the fumes and smoke when he pulled me out of the now the rapidly burning acura, the flames having advanced to the front seat. He pulled me out with my heavy jacket on fire and the bottom of my pants aflame. He managed to get my jacket off and the flames out on my pants and we managed to get away from the burning acura then in thirty to fourty seconds the fire had progressed to the rear of the acura and the gas tank exploded and the whole car was a fireball. I suffered 2nd & 3rd degree burns on my legs. Appletree acura, fletcher, nc had performed recall (campaign id #: 04v176000) on december 8th, 2004 at 42,000 miles in which they did not replace transmission but performed a revision to the oil cooler return line. The acura was a total loss.

Filed Mar 26, 2005 · Transmission · 31,992 miles · MI

I own a 2003 acura tl type-s. On several occasions, while merging into highway traffic, I've experienced moments when the transmission wouldn't respond to acceleration (I.e. Wouldn't down shift). The car just seem to coast slowly into traffic, causing me to almost get into vehicle accidents. The first transmission I had was replaced due to burnt transmission fluid, I'm just upset that I was allowed to drive a vehicle that had a defective transmission. I had mentioned on several occassions to the dealer where I originally leased the vehicle (acura of troy), about times when the car just seemed to get stuck in second gear. I was told by dealer that nothing was wrong. However, I feel I no longer can depend on the dealer to give me accurate information. This is a very critical problem and dangerous. I'm afraid for my loved ones and myself when driving this vehicle. I took car into another dealer (suburban acura) where they replaced my first transmission under warranty because it was defective, now I'm having even more problems with the second one. I'm starting to get a burning odor from the vehicle now. I've taken the vehicle back in for service but was told nothing was wrong with it. How can someone check a transmission in about 30 minutes or less? I want out of this vehicle for safety reasons. This is not what I paid for, and now I'm driving a vehicle that has reduced performance and a burning odor. Again, I'm afraid for my well-being and those of my family.

Filed Mar 2, 2005 · Transmission · NY · crash · 1 injury

While driving approximately 45 MPH transmission locked, causing vehicle to crash into a wall. The cause of why this happened was undetermined.

Filed Feb 18, 2005 · Transmission · 49,000 miles · SC

Vehicle is a 2003 acura3.2 tl. The engine accelerates at random and while in park or in gear.

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Transmission · 38,414 miles · IN

The transmission on my 2003 acura tl type s failed at approximately 38000 miles. The transmission was recently serviced pursuant to a notice by acura. This is the third acura that I have owned that has had transmission failure. The first vehicle (2002) was replaced within two weeks. The second vehicle had two failures and was eventually replaced with a 2003 model after negotiation with their mediation group. It is very apparent that the transmissions are in fact defective, given the fact that honda motor co. Ltd did finally issue a recall notice. Based on my personal experience I am very concerned as to the safety of the vehicle, even with another transmission. I also fear for my safety as well as my family?s safety when operating the vehicle. This is amended information provided over the phone.

Filed Feb 4, 2005 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · IN

While going through an intersection, pausing to let another vehicle pass. Then, transmission failed. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that transmission failed.

Filed Jan 11, 2005 · Transmission · 37,000 miles · FL

I own a 2003 acura tl type s. Recently I have been having transmission problems. I took the car into the cealership and they told me that I need a recall done. What they did was install an oil jet to lubricate the 2nd gear better.(2nd gear is the supposed cause of failure) . After the oil jet was installed the dealership informed me that I would need a transmission replacement. I was outraged. I have to pay out of my pocket because they have a design flaw. On the way home from the dealership the transmission flat out died. The car wouldnt shift gears and I have to drive it home in 2nd gear. I dont know what to do, I am in no financial position to replace the transmission.

Filed Jan 6, 2005 · Transmission · CA

Within 1 week of taking delivery of the vehicle, the transmission started showing signs of a problem. *nm recall campaign : 04v176000. While driving in fifth gear the transmission would hesitate and feel like it was hunting between gears causing the vehicle to shutter. The second incident was the same as the first and included the engine revving as the transmission slipped into neutral even though the vehicle was in d5 in automatic mode. The vehicle coasted to the shoulder and stopped. Regardless of what gear the transmission was in no power went to the front wheels. The consumer smelled a burning smell coming from the vehicle. After the transmission was replaced the problem still existed. The transmission was replaced again and the problem still existed. *tc

Filed Nov 26, 2004 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · GA

The federal safety agency recall 04v176000 concerning transmission failure. After having revising the oil cooler return line consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the transmission. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, but cause could not be determined.

Filed Nov 8, 2004 · Transmission · 31,000 miles · TX

I took my acura tl-s 2003 in for the 30,000 mile service on october 27, 2004. At this time I was informed that the automatic transmission would be examined for damage due to incorrect lubrication. I was not aware of the recall before this. The examination was done, and I was told that the transmission looked fine and they had installed an oil jet kit. On november4, 2004 my transmission failed as I was driving in traffic home. The transmission appeared to lock causing a sudden deceleration then alternated between slipping and locking. Luckily I was not on the highway where if this had happened, I am convinced I would have had a bad accident. As it was I nearly was rear ended by an unsuspecting motorist behind me (it was dark outside and of course my brake lights did not alert that motorist). The check engine light also came on, and the traction control system vsa off light lit up. I had the vehicle towed to acura where they "condemned" the transmission. They told me they will be putting a refurbished transmission in the vehicle. This is very concerning since they looked at my previous one, made the changes that they believe will fix the problem, and then my transmission still failed. Someone is going to get killed by this problem, sooner or later!

Filed Oct 23, 2004 · Transmission · 34,900 miles · CA

Twice, my acura tl has slowed drastically as I was driving at high speed in the freeway fast lane. Both times I pulled into the right lane, and by then the car seemed to be functioning normally. I was lucky I wasn't in heavy traffic. I called the car dealer after the second incident and was told they had "never heard of anything like that." my internet research found the federal safety agency investigation of acura tl transmissions. I called the dealer again, and they have agreed to inpsect the transmission.

Filed Oct 14, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · 27,000 miles · IL

The transmission failed on the highway. The vehicle just stopped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. After picking the vehicle up, the timing chain broke.

Filed Oct 3, 2004 · Transmission · 36,960 miles · SC

2003 acura tl type-s, 36960 miles: recurring transmission slippage when shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear (automatic 5-speed transmission) and nearly caused car crash when driving on highway during rush hour traffic three times. Currently driving a rental waiting to have replacement transmission installed. ("oil jet kit" was installed by dealer 2 months ago in response to recent recall by acura.)

Filed Aug 18, 2004 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · CA

Recall was found on the internet. After contacting the manufacturer about not receiving recall letter, consumer was told they could not send him the letter again, their obligation was fulfilled with recall 04-v176000 concening transmission failure. However, transmission was still defective.

Filed Aug 4, 2004 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · FL · crash · 2 injuries

Acura 2003 tl transmission defect. First failure transmission locked up at speed of 70 MPH happened 6 times . Transmission replaced.second failure transmission locked up going 55 car following behind me crashed into me . Signifigant injurie's resulted from this crash that involved 3 vehicles.*ak I have reported this info to "this" site 3 times and go back to find my submission and it mysteriously dissapears! Honda acura's recent safety recall for this transmission defect keeps claiming there are no crashes or injurys' as a result of this defect . This is false !!!! I know of atleast 3 other incidences that involve injury's due to the severe defect that causes the transmission to lock up with out warning!

Filed Aug 4, 2004 · Transmission · 32,000 miles · NC

I brought frist tl in 2002 and at 2003 the car's transmission broke and I traded the tl and bought new 03 tl type-s in 2003. Then july of 2004, the transmission broke again with my new 03tl again. I almost got accident becase the car just shift it's gear itself.

Filed Jul 30, 2004 · Transmission · 22,870 miles · FL

Car was driven on the interstate highway and sudden transmission failure. Car surge and transmission went out, no shifting in any gear at all. Mil check engine light comes on. Owned to the dealership and diagnosis show tranny failure. New transmission is replaced.

Filed Jul 26, 2004 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · MD

Bucking and front wheels locked up momentarily. Highway speeds, very dangerous. 2003 acura and now the dealers says they will replace the transmission. I was lied to when I bought this car, dealer said all 2003's were not inflicted. Now I found out different. My experience was scary. Recall now!

Filed Jun 29, 2004 · Transmission · 22,000 miles · NJ

While driving our 2003 tl-s on the hwy, the car suddenly violently jerked and the transmission seemed to be failing. Sure enough I had the car towed to the dealer who informed me that the transmission needs to be replaced. I am extremely upset that my pre-owned vehicle with only 22000 miles has to have the transmission replaced. The car was very dangerous and could have caused an accident with the way it was causing whiplash. The company should do a recall on the transmission not just an extension of the warranty. So far we have experienced many of the complaints listed on the federal safety agency website. We have had the tire sidewall bulge, which I had to pay to have the new tire replaced once it blew out on the hwy. We had to have the radio missfire fixed and now the transmission replaced within the last 6 months. This car is definitely not reliable.

Filed Jun 10, 2004 · Transmission · 20,134 miles · FL

Transmission failure on acura 3.2tls.

Filed Jun 10, 2004 · Transmission · 18,434 miles · CA

I own a 2003 acura tl type s. At 18,434 miles, the transmission failed. It was replaced, but this transmission is exhibiting the same symptoms the original transmission did before it failed. The symptoms are hesitation and jerking at highway speeds. Some acura tl owners were given an extended drivetrain warranty. I was told mine was not part of that offering even after my transmission failed, so I am not covered by the warranty. Based on the fact that the replacement transmission is having the same problems, in addition to all of the acura tl owners who have had two and three replacement transmissions, I feel there should be a recall for these transmissions.

Filed May 16, 2004 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failure.

Filed May 12, 2004 · Transmission · NJ

The transmission in my 2003 acura 3.2tl type s has been replaced twice and is going back in on monday for another check.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Transmission · 3,000 miles · CA

While having an oil change performed, the dealership noticed an oil leak. The oil was leaking through the transmission casing. The dealership indicated that the casing was faulty and replaced it with a previous manufactured part. This was a common problem in these vehicles. *ak 20% of the cast transmission casing was defective. The consumer felt that he did not need a new transmission with less than 3k miles. The consumers extended warranty was excluded. *sc

Filed Apr 22, 2004 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · OR

Transmission failed at 30,000 miles in my 2003 acura tl-s, leaving me going 30mph trying to merge onto a freeway.

Filed Apr 21, 2004 · Transmission · 4,000 miles · CA

Transmission problems with sudden harsh jerk. Transmission is on its second replacement also front brake caliper bolt sheared off at 75 miles per hour resulting tin the front tire locking up. Ventilation problems with mold in the recirculation system.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2003 Acura TL?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history