Check a VIN

Acura TL shudder problems

19 of the 3,117 owner complaints about the Acura TL describe shudder or vibration when accelerating, most of them for the 2003 model year.

owner complaints
19
worst model year
2003
typical mileage
55,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2009
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    4
  • 2003
    5
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 24, 2021 · Transmission · WA

My "D" indicator light is blinking no matter changing the transmission fluid, cleaning the solenoids, etc. the car is not overheating, there are no apparent electrical problems and I do not even have any check engine lights or other codes. The light comes on blinking when I drive for a little while then goes off when I turn the car off and is fine. Then when I start it up it doesn't blink anymore. But then when I drive again for a while it blinks again. I've had transmission shuddering, jerky shifting, delayed shifting, etc.

Filed Jun 21, 2019 · Transmission · GA

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

Filed Apr 23, 2019 · Transmission · 831,100 miles · MA

Radual acceleration elicits the symptoms of shudder and tach hunting the transmission hesitates and shudders when shifting into 2nd and 3rd gears. Driving to work 128 mass highway

Filed May 23, 2017 · Transmission · CA

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

Filed Sep 20, 2016 · Transmission · 36,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Oct 13, 2015 · Transmission · NH

Acura tl 2012, driving with light throttle, suffering jerking and shudder. Coasting with little uphill road shows more jerking and shifting hesitation. When engine rev keeps around 1000-1200, can feel the vibration and shaking from gas pedal and dashboard.

Filed Apr 15, 2013 · Brakes · OR

2005 acura tl. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake malfunction. *smd the consumer stated his wife to the vehicle to the dealer, to determine why it would suddenly brake on its own and loose power while driving in city traffic. The vehicle shuddered, braked harshly and the throttle response was nearly non-existent. The technicians at the dealer, ran a diagnostic test on the vehicle and decided to replace a brake switch. While returning from the dealer, the vsa light once again activated in the same manner as before. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where they drove it for a while, but they were not able to duplicate the problem.

Filed May 16, 2012 · Transmission · 104,530 miles · WA

While driving the car there was a noticable shudder, the d5 light started flashing and it had problems upshifting between gears. This is a known defect for this car's tranmission, (I now know). I contacted accure and was told it was out of warrenty and they would be of no assistance. Very disappointed as I loved this car...

Filed Sep 24, 2011 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · CA

Vehicle sputtering/judders during acceleration at low speeds (around 25-35mph). This problem started sometime after (may be in 2009) I bought a pre-owned vehicle in 2007. When I first complained it to a dealer in 2009, they said it might be due to cold weather. But now I moved to a place which is warmer all year around, but still the problem persists. Recently took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the transmission might need a replacement.

Filed Jul 19, 2011 · Transmission · CA

2001 acura 3.2tl. Consumer states problems with vehicle transmission *tgw the consumer stated he recently noticed a juddering and slipping on d5 while shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd, especially while going on ramps, merging on to freeways and bridges. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, but they were unable to find a problem. Two weeks later, the check engine light illuminated and the consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer. The dealer determined that there was indeed a problem with the p1750-clutch press, which was related to the automatic transmission recall. The consumer believed the replacement should be free of charge as a one time gesture.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported April 15, 2004 · 1,099,796 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage.
Risk
Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear. On vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced if discoloration is not present, the dealer will perform the revision to the oil cooler return line. The recall began on april 21, 2004, for pilot, odyssey, and mdx owners. Owners of the accord vehicles will start receiving letters on june 28, 2004, and on june 29, 2004, for owners of the tl and cl vehicles. Owners should contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009 or acura at 1‑800‑382‑2238.

Recall number 04V176000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported August 19, 1999 · 96,518 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A transmission case bolt can loosen and fall out allowing the transmission to disengage from the differential.
Risk
The vehicle could lose power to the drive wheels without warning. Also, shifting the transmission into the park position would not lock the wheels, and a parked vehicle could move unexpectedly if the parking brake is not set.
Remedy
Dealers will install a redesigned bolt.

Recall number 99V227000 · Recall details

Questions about the Acura TL shudder

Which Acura TL years have shudder or vibration when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2003 (5 complaints), 2004 (4 complaints) and 2002 (2 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Acura TL?

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

Check its history