chewie

I am thinking of purchasing a used 2003 TL...has 71k miles.

Currently, I am not sure if it is a early or late 2003 TL.

From what I've read/heard, VIN numbers less than XXXXXX19000 are affected.
http://www1.epinions.com/content_134361616004

I recently asked for the VIN number from the owner...so I'm crossing my fingers...or should I be worried if it is a late 2003 since the tranny isn't under the warranty?


So, here's my question...do late 2003 TL owners have tranny problems?

chewie

Just got the VIN info...plugged into the VIN number checker:

http://www.hondatransmissionsettleme.../php/login.php


And it reports that the car is not covered under the settlement.

It has a VIN number higher than 19000.

I hope this means that the tranny will last.


So, my question still stands...has any late 2003 TL owners had transmission failures?

Trackruner228

iTrader: (1)

Yes they do. If you are going to get that car thats fine, but invest in an extended warranty just in case. CR said about 25% of all trannys fail so its your call if the risk is worth it.

Bob_F

The TL transmissions not covered by the extended warranty still have significant reliability problems. There are many reports of late 2003 TL owners with transmission failures.

See the massive Tranny Failure thread for additional information:

https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/leather-conditioner-help-106818/

Acura did make some design changes in February of 2005 that may have addressed the major reliability issues. But a 2003 TL with the original transmission will not have those changes.

Be aware that a non-warranty transmission replacement can cost well in excess of $3,000. If you decide to buy that car, I would seriously take a look at adding a warranty.

bass222000

I just bought a 2003 TL Type-S with last few numbers of Vin being 43XXX, and the trans shifts like butter. No slippage of any sorts... I bought a 100K mile warranty with it when I purchased it at 73k miles so it's good to 173K miles. Im gonna put a trans cooler on it so that will help. I put one on my 2006 Trailblazer SS and it kept temps 25* lower than stock. Plus the previous owner took it in and had the trans serviced when they found out about the TL's trans problems. It was made in may of 03 I believe.

I think the later 03 type-s's are fine as far as tranny's go. but if it does go, I got the warranty so im not worried in the least bit.

TLSFNATIC

my tranny just failed a few days ago at 45k miles and its a late 03 tl-s. luckily its being covered. its HIGHLY recommended that you invest in some kind of warranty for the tranny.

bass222000

I paid $1,000 for a 100K mile warranty covering engine, trans, and drivetrain. I would have been a fool to pass that up...lol!

TLSFNATIC

how much did you pay for the 100k warranty? I'm thinking about getting that instead of the 3/36k for $300.

chewie

I'm buying the car used from a private seller.

How do I go about getting a warranty for the tranny?

Trackruner228

iTrader: (1)

A lot of insurance companys off them have you tried yours? If not call the Acura dealer and see what they can do.

cmarcfellows

I bought a late model 03 tl and my tranny went out at 98k miles. Luckily, acura had some mess ups in there paper work and took my car in to instal the oil jet, only to tell me that it was already installing. With in a week of getting my car back supposedly untouched my tranny died bringing me to a screeching stop going from 65-0 very suddenly. Acura replaced my tranny as a goodwill. It might have had to do with me telling them my aunt was an attorney, but Superior Acura in Fairfield Ohio have been extremely nice to me. But be careful.

01tl4tl

read the regualar Tranny Failure thread it has ALLLLLLL the info- The prob was not fixed in 03 or 04 or 05
If it was there would be no reason for Goodwill!
The COURT CASE needed a number for paperwork- people had been PAYING to replace their dead transmissions at early miles-- so they used whatever car was last off the line the day before and BINGO there is your limit

Do not buy insurance company warranty-where you have to pay and get a chek back from them
go to an acura dealer and ask to buy the 100k warranty coverage

It is different than the 3/36 for 300 that should be purchased with the goodwill trans
Its 300 versus 1000-1500 for the 100k coveerage.
You also have to check if that an additional 100k- or a total on the odometer....

When someone changes the trans fluid at high miles for the first time- disaster often results
Have a read of acurazine for details--some shops use the wrong fluid
The acura is VERY picky about a few of its fluid needs- use whatever brake fliud, but only honda ZR1 trans fluid

bass222000

I bought the warranty through the dealership I bought the car from. It had 73K miles so the warranty is good to 173K miles for $1,000.00 and some change. I researched the company the warranty is through and was very satisfied with their service reviews by customers who used them... I had done ALOT of research on the TL's and their crappy trannies so this offer was TO GOOD to pass up... now I don't worry about it. If it goes I'll just get a new one through warranty.

01tl4tl

Enjoy your new ride- we all love ours!
Read the seafoam DIY- skip to the end for correct pics- and make your car like new!

TLSFNATIC

is it an official acura dealership? because i talk to my service consultant today and they said the extended warranty is offered only when my vehicle is still under factory warranty in which case it is not.

sorry didnt mean to hijack

JDM Inspired

So was this Tranny issue resolved in or after 2006? and are the Trannys that were built and installed after 2006 on our 2nd gens stronger? and longer lasting?