Problems with 2003 Acura TL POWER TRAIN

Purchased an acura-certified 2003 3.2tl in january 2007. had abrupt shifting failure of transmission from 5th to 2nd gear at 35 mph today, 3/5/07, entirely consistent with other reports on this site. my wife has permanent spinal cord damage; and had she been a passenger in the vehicle, would more than likely have been killed by the unexpected jolt. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura tl. on july 1, 2004, the original transmission was overheating. the vehicle hesitated, and made a grinding and clanking noise when shifting gears from park to drive. the mileage was 28,753. the dealer attempted to repair the transmission by inserting a lube kit. the transmission was replaced on january 24, 2007. however, on february 6, 2007, while shifting gears the vehicle was making excessive noises. on february 14, 2007, a rebuilt transmission was installed in the vehicle. the contact stated that the transmission inserted in this vehicle had the same failure. the dealer advised the contact that although there was noise present the vehicle was operating normally. the noises he was currently hearing from this vehicle was normal. the contact stated that he was currently waiting for a regional manager to test drive the vehicle at the end of march 2007. the current mileage was 31,000. *ak update 4/9 *tr

I was driving my 2003 acura tl type s home from work when i noticed the transmission slipping as my engine revolutions went up and the car would not accelerate. i was in heavy traffic at the time and was able to stop the car, but not maneuver without power. it was a dangerous situation as the other vehicles around my car were unaware of my inability to move out of their way. i drifted to the curb and the car would not back up or move. there was no shoulder area and i had to use my hazard lights to keep other cars from hitting my car. after a few minutes i was able to move the car to a safer location. *jb

On 21 december 2006, i was driving our 2003 acura 3.2tl type s with an automatic transmission when the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly decelerated violently from 50 miles an hour to a full stop. the tires were squealing as if the brakes had been applied. this nearly caused me to be rear ended by the car behind and could have caused a multi-car collision. after the incident, the car had no drive gears available, including reverse. after sitting on the side of the road for approximately 30 minutes, the vehicle could be driven in 1st gear only and i took it directly to the acura dealer where it still sits. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 acura tl. the contact stated that the transmission was replaced four times, including once when it was recalled. the last time the vehicle was taken to the dealer they worked on the transmission and stated that they would no longer warranty the repairs. the powertrain was unknown. the failure mileage was 90,795 and there is no current mileage because the vehicle has been sold.

Immediately following the purchase of my new acura 3.2 tl type-s i began experiencing unusual jerking and shifting while operating my vehicle. i have taken my vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions to be serviced for this as well as due to the check engine light being on. initially they stated they could not duplicate my complaint in comparison to other similar vehicles. i have already had the oil jet kit installed, and have also had the transmission replaced once. as i am filing this complaint my vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting its third transmission. i have purchased three cars manufactured by the honda motor company and am appalled at the continuous problems, inconvenience and safety issues pertaining to my acura tl. in addition to the transmission problems we have experienced we have had problems with our radio code after servicing the transmission and the dealer wanted to charge us $140 to enter the code or reset it. also our on star remote diagnostics appear not to be working; on star is claiming we don't have them when we have utilized this service before. the service attendant and technician i spoke with at the dealer claims they aren't aware of any remote diagnostics being possible, despite the fact i have used this feature before to detect trouble. being able to use this feature would be great considering all the problems i have experienced. i was driving home from vacation the car began to jerk and it appeared to be shifting and slowing while we were on the interstate fwy. i was fearful that the transmission would go out and that i would have an accident, so i proceeded to pull over and waited for assistance to get my family home safe. my car has now been in the shop for over two weeks. yesterday i was told that due to a spilled drink in my car that they need $914 dollars to repair a faulty circuit board and replace the center council with the exception of the shift knob before they can get authorization for a third transmission. *nm

After having my transmission's serviced in my 2003 acura 3.2 tl type-s, i began experiencing various electrical problems in my car. i have had the oil jet kit installed and one replacement transmission. i am awaiting my third transmission. since the work on my transmission various other problems have surfaced. my on-star is claiming i no longer am capable of having remote diagnostics done on my engine. also, my srs light has come on as well as my check engine light paired with more sporadic shifting. i am constantly getting the "error code" reading on my radio and i have heard extremely loud echoing in my car when i attempt to make and receive calls via my on star communication service. i am beginning to question the computer system in my vehicle. i am hoping the there can be an investigation of the electrical circuit boards and the powertrain; transmission communication module to find out if there are computer problems directly correlated with the transmission problems. this is beginning to be quite frustrating. together my girlfriend and i have bought and paid off five vehicles from the honda motor company and are surprised at the way this issue is being handled. *jb

I have the above vehicle, purchased new on 1/27/2003. at 55000 miles the car was recalled to add a second pump (at least that what i was told) in the transmission. from then on i have had a shuddering problem with my transmission when it up-shifted at low speeds. i was able to finally prove to the acura dealer that there was something wrong with the transmission after 3 visits to the service department (curry acura in westchester county, new york). they claimed that the transmission was replaced and that all was well. this was in 9/21/2005. however, after another 20k miles, i am having the same problem at a lesser level and i am sure that the dealer will claim that i am imagining the symptoms because they cannot duplicate them. in addition, i was told that the car will only be covered up to 100k miles. i now have 99k miles. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle violently jerked as the automatic transmission shifted gears. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the automatic transmission needed to be replaced. after the initial replacement, the problem persisted and the vehicle was returned to the dealer for further inspection. the dealer determined the automatic transmission needed to be replaced again. the manufacturer was alerted.

On 8/16/06 while driving my 03 acura 3.2tl at 55 mph i accelerated to app 60 mph to pass a car. my car slammed from 5th gear to 2nd gear resulting in a violent jerk. it was so violent i thought i could have been rammed from behind by another vehicle. no warning lights. app 1 mile later going 45 mph the car violently jerked several more times as it apparently shifted from 4th or 5th gear to 2nd gear or neutral. again quite violent and no warning lights present so i slowed down and continued on toward home. i traveled 2 more miles at 30 mph and experienced almost 12 more jerks before my warning lights started flashing. i then pulled over and sat for a moment. then the warning lights stopped flashing and stayed on. i was only a couple of blocks from home so i waited for a break in traffic and pulled back onto the road. my car did not want to accelerate and continued jerking violently in and out of gears until i reached home. my car had previously (a couple of years earlier-july 2004) had a recall to place a oil spray jet on my transmission. i received no notice from acura about another transmission problem or recall until i had this major problem and took my car in. my husband dealt with the service dept at southern motors acura in savannah, ga. they replaced the transmission at no expense. my husband told the service mgr that he feared what happened could have caused an accident. he was assured that the people having 3 and 4 transmissions replaced was before honda engineers figured out the problem and that i should not have another problem. he was told that they would extend my warranty to 100k miles or 7 years (not in writing). since getting my car back with its "new" transmission, i believe my car has "slipped" out of gear once more but at a much lower speed. i am not confident that this problem has been adequately resolved and am concerned for my safety while driving this vehicle. i feel that acura is covering up an issue that could cost lives. *nm

The car lost power, the engine rpm red lined but the car would not go. it left me stranded in the left lane of a 5 lane highway. i coasted into the center lane. the car would not go. fortunately the police pulled behind me and turned on their flashers. i turned off the engine, after a few minutes restarted the car and was able to slowly pull the car off the road. i was within a mile of my home and was able to get the car home and had it towed to the dealer. i found websites about 2002 and 2003 acura tl transmissions failing and being covered under service bulletin 04-020. almost every entry described the exact problem i had. acura extended the warranty to 100,000 miles for certain vin numbers and was replacing the transmission free of charge under warranty. unfortunately my vin was not within the required recall. acura said it was because they fixed the problem. obviously they did not. the safety issue continues and i suspect you are receiving other complaints. *jb

Acura claims my 2003 acura 3.2tl type s is out of the vin# range that is covered by the extended 7/100k power train warranty to cover the defect in transmissions. i find out that the 03 i purchased a few months ago has had three different transmission replacements by acura and now needs its fourth. they claim that since its not included in the vin range of the warranty they won't cover it all and want me to pay $1200. clearly the service history shows a defect with this car and transmissions. the acura dealer diagnosed it and agrees i shouldn't have to pay, but the manufacturer doesn't agree. they still won't acknowledge that this vehicle should have been included in the vin range of the tsb. *jb

Faulty transmission. acura recalled vehicle, but my vehicle did not fall under the "vin" recall. *nm

Complete transmission failure resulting in disengagement of drive train. acura help line requested vin number for car, so i exited vehicle to get the number from the window. car was in park, however car rolled backwards down hill into path of oncoming vehicle. i was able to run after it and jump in to apply brake just before collision would have occurred. this is similar to the issue under pe02081. acura is replacing the transmission, and claim that this issue as highlighted in pe02081 has been resolved and that my vehicle is not covered in the extended warranty program. my concern is that acura know about this potential problem, they have not contacted any owner to alert them of a problem, there is no indication such as engine warning light on the vehicle to indicate transmission overheating they are waiting to get some one killed... thank heavens it wasn't me. *jb

With 17,014 miles on my garage kept 2003 acura 3.2tl type s the transmission failed leaving me stranded on the side of the road at night. the dealer replaced it but i a still having trouble with it shifting improperly i cannot trust my car on a long trip or at night. the dealer will not extend my warranty. *jb

When accelerating onto the freeway the transmission malfunctioned leaving no power and creating a rapid decel while merging into traffic. car was towed to the dealer and the transmission was found to be faulty. further investigation indicates this is a common occurrence on acura 3.2 tl, but the dealer denies any warranty coverage. *jb

2003 acura 3.2tl type s transmission fell out of gear on the highway at 17,014 miles. *kb 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. *nm

2003 acura 3.2 tl fell out of gear four times while driving on the highway. *ts 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. *nm *nm

Currently own a 2003 acura 3.2tl with 31,000 miles on it. transmission problem. racing at 65 miles an hour without pressing gas pedal. *jb

I had my 2003 acura tl transmission fail. while traviling at highway speed the car suddenly downshifted very hard. this occured no less than 3 times before getting the vehicle to a place where it could be towed. i see that nhtsa has opened and closed an investigation about these transmission failures. my car was not included in the 7year/100,000 mile extended transmission. the mileage at time of failure was 34500 miles. i called acura customer service to ask that my car be covered by the extended warranty, and at first was told i would have to purchase an extended warranty because my vin was not covered under the extended warranty. i stated that i was not going to pay for acura's problem and asked to be contacted by a supervisior. i was called back by a service rep who told me acura would grant me the extended warranty, but because i live in florida i would have to sign a waiver that excludes me for persuing any lemon law violations against acura for the transmission failure. i have lost faith in the safety of my car, and know of many owners who have had multiple replacement transmissions installed on the same vehicle. installing a rebuilt transmission does not seem to cure this issue. acura/honda needs to address this failure with a widespread recall to fix this problem once and for all. *nm

Transmission failure at 45,747 mi no previous problems transmission was replaced. *nm

Multiple issues over a 2.5 year period with a new 2003 acura 3.2 tl type s. i have had a transmission replaced after receiving a safety recall. secondly, the car has had an idling issue for 2.5 years that was just recently resolved with the replacement of an engine control valve. third, the a/c was not working properly and the compressor was replaced. fourth, the idle air control system was bad and had to be replaced. fifth, and most worrisome, is that i have had white smoke come from under my hood on 3 separate occasions. the acura dealership has told me they are unable to reproduce the problem and cannot assist me in resolving the issue.*jb

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.*nm

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 acura tl. while driving approximately 25 mph, the transmission began to slip gears without warning. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer three separate times where the transmission was replaced each time. on november 5, 2012, the failure recurred with both the vsa and engine warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact was able to drive cautiously with the transmission responding at a reduced speed. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 44,619.

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. *nm

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.*ak

Fourth transmission and today started making noises again and my acura extended care extended warranty expires in 4000 miles. *nm

'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 *jb

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

While driving approximately 45 mph transmission locked, causing vehicle to crash into a wall. the cause of why this happened was undetermined.*ak

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. *ak

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.*ak

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. *ak

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.*ak

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. *bf

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!*ak

Nhtsa 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. *ak

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 nhtsa investigation of acura tl transmissions. i called the dealer again, and they have agreed to inpsect the transmission.*ak

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.)*ak

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. *ak

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. *jb

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. *ak

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. *ak

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!*ak

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 nhtsa 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.*ak

2003 acura has vibration in lower gears when shifting and a humming noise. *ts the dealer found internal transmission component failure. the transmission and torque converter was replaced. *jb

Dt: transmission failed twice. in 06-2004 the first time transmission failed. the consumer could feel that the gear shift did not shift smoothly. the consumer found out that there had been a recall on the transmission. the transmission had been replaced in 7-2004. the second time the transmission failed was on 8-15-05. the dealership replaced the transmission again. the vehicle was still under warranty. when she contacted the manufacturer, they told her that if she did not feel safe she should sell the vehicle. *ak

Transmission failure. *ak

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

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 acura 3.2tl. while driving 55 mph, the gear shift indicator shifted into neutral without warning. the dealer replaced the transmission gear shift. approximately two years later, while driving 55 mph, the vehicle shut off without warning. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that there was a failure in the transmission. as of august 16, 2007, the dealer has not repaired the vehicle. nhtsa campaign number 04v176000 (power train:automatic transmission) was referenced. the failure mileage was 2,000 and current mileage was 51,000.