I went over to Acura-tl.com and was SHOCKED to find a large number of posts concerning transmission failure. I have had 6 Pontiac's, all automatics, and have had only one transmission failure -- with mileage's ranging from 140,000 to 240,000. Combined with the engine sludge problem with Toyota (including Lexus), and brake problems with both Toyota and Honda, the reports of excellent reliability with Japanese cars appears to be a myth.

Are there any know issues with the automatic in the TSX? Does the TSX use a more reliable automatic transmission than the transmissions used in the Honda and Acura models that have had transmission problems? The postings indicate that some of the vehicles have had several transmissions replaced and that several different models were affected.

Naturally, I don't want to buy a car with a reliable engine and an unreliable transmission -- or vice-versa.

And, please don't tell me to go buy another Pontiac. I am seeking information -- not advice.

 

GM makes some of the best ATs on the planet so I'm not surprised you haven't had any issues.

I don't think we have had enough mileage to fully evaluate the AT on the TSX but so far so good. There have been a few isolated instances but I don't think there have been more than what the industry standard is.

It's not the same transmission as the TL or CL in any case.

 

I think thats the last thing you'll be told here.

What Dan said. I think we've only heard of maybe 1 or 2 Auto tranny failures on this site compared to 4 or 5 MT failures. There was a dealer recall awhile back on AT's but that was only for the tranny case and most if not all cars were fixed before even being sold. I'd say its a non-issue at this point in time. (knocks on wood)

 

Thanks, fellows.

It is good to know that the transmission is a different design.

In addition to buying the TSX, I was also considering a 2001 CL with 24,000 miles that is on the lot at Ed Voyles Acura in Atlanta. But, the reports of transmission problems will probably kill that idea.

 

I've owned 9 Hondas ranging from brand new to over 200k miles and have NEVER experienced any transmission problems to date. No car company is perfect but I would still put my faith in a Honda/Toyota over a GM car anyday. Just look at any of the reliability rankings or the amount of vehicle recalls for each manufacturer and I can guarantee Honda is near the top and GM near the bottom (by the way, I also own a Seville so I speak from experience, not bias).

 

i haven't heard of any transmission problems with the tsx. but i don't really follow the news on the AT either. my parents have owned a 2000 tl and 2003 tl type s, both auto of course, and they have had transmission problems in both, well actually, they haven't had a problem in the type s, but they had to take it in for a second gear recall.

and they don't use the sportshift either, which i think is bad for the tranny if you downshift w/ it, i don't care what honda says.

i guess my post is basically useless, but at least i get another post to my count

 

POSTWHORE!!

 

As many of your posts are.

 

Jim, I'm glad to see you are off the guages and on to more important things

 

it's not a total whore post, it does relate to the topic...

i thought one word posts were illegal? oooo. neg rep for you. haha

 

thank you thank you, i've been tryin to only post to topics that i have some knowledge on

 

I've got 32K+ miles on my TSX and no problems so far with the transmission.

 

The BMW salesman version of the answer: "you're buying a high-performance vehicle, you can expect some reliability problems".

 

 

Now, if I could only get the SportShift to work in the right direction (reversed direction), I would

 

I've never looked at the AT SS assembly but it might be possible to swap the switches around. I'll have to break out my helms and see how it works...

 

Just change the wiring in your head.

 

Might be as simple as swaping a couple of connectors or wires. And, it might be a neat option that Acura could provide.

 

Do you have any extra fuses?

 

You'll get used to it. I recently drove a Mazda 3 which is the other way around and it threw me right off. The TSX's systems seems normal after a few days. And IMO its very unnatural to go back for an upshift. The TSX seems correct.

 

sooner or later you'll get used to it. It took me quite a while and I still get that moment of hesitation (in my head) the first time I use SS after the car's been sitting in the garage for a couple of days. Changing the wiring in your head is cheaper.

 

By the way, in the BMW 3-series they changed the wiring from 2001 to 2002 I believe. They just swapped it around. I can't remember what the current setup is, only test drove it once.

 

You'll get used to the SS after a couple days. I test drove a couple Mazda 6's and I thought it was really awkward on the TSX...just took a couple days to get used to it and now I like it better cause if I need to downshift and accel, I just switch to SS mode and just make a smooth motion all the way back

 

My brain has been programmed from about the age of 15 to pull up on the gearshift on a motorcycle to upshift and push down on it to downshift. I think that is why I find the direction of the SportShift in the TSX to be awkward. But, I love the feature. And, I am sure I will get used to it after a few weeks.

Now, the Mercedes is really weird. It shifts left and right.

 

yeah...that is quite weird...

 

I've got over 35,000 miles and no tranny problems here.