Does every TL out there have transmission problems??
06-23-2004, 01:19 PM
#41
Now watch this drive
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2002 TL-P, 51k miles
No transmission problems. Only a swapped stereo so far, which was a win-win situation. Not only was the part replaced under warranty, but I also got to beat the hell out of a 2004 TSX for my troubles. (Nobody told me that the SS didn't automatically shift from 1 > 2 - Oops)
No transmission problems. Only a swapped stereo so far, which was a win-win situation. Not only was the part replaced under warranty, but I also got to beat the hell out of a 2004 TSX for my troubles. (Nobody told me that the SS didn't automatically shift from 1 > 2 - Oops)
06-23-2004, 02:40 PM
#43
Three Wheelin'
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I have a 2000TL with 5 speed auto trans purchased 12/28/99 I now have 49,000 miles with no trans problems in the 4yrs of ownership. Depending on what year TL & the mileage on the car that you may purchase it may still have a Transmission Warrnanty Extension on it.
The warranty is from American Honda & it covers all 2000-2002 3.2TLs with automatic transmission.
It covers the transmission & torque converter for 7yrs or 100,000 miles whatever comes first from original date of sale. This warranty also covers some 2003 3.2TLs & 3.2CLs & all 2001-2002CLs
The warranty is from American Honda & it covers all 2000-2002 3.2TLs with automatic transmission.
It covers the transmission & torque converter for 7yrs or 100,000 miles whatever comes first from original date of sale. This warranty also covers some 2003 3.2TLs & 3.2CLs & all 2001-2002CLs
06-23-2004, 02:47 PM
#44
Burning Brakes
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Originally Posted by LiQiCE
The actual number of transmissions that have failed is relatively low. Its still a high number for Honda/Acura, but the number of failed transmissions is under 3% failed (even though the numbers increase every day)..
The transmission problem is a design flaw in the transmission, so every transmission has the potential to fail the same way. However, not all transmissions will fail. Additionally, if you buy a 2002 or earlier it has a 7year/100k warranty on the transmission.
But if it bothers you that much, then you should probably be buying a Camry or ES300 if you're looking for luxury. They have rock solid reliability. Personally, I'm not going to worry about it.
The transmission problem is a design flaw in the transmission, so every transmission has the potential to fail the same way. However, not all transmissions will fail. Additionally, if you buy a 2002 or earlier it has a 7year/100k warranty on the transmission.
But if it bothers you that much, then you should probably be buying a Camry or ES300 if you're looking for luxury. They have rock solid reliability. Personally, I'm not going to worry about it.
FYI the ES300 also had their share of tranny and other problems to deal with. It's not just the TL. Honda / Acura is just one company experiencing problems with auto trannies, but their not the only ones. Chrysler had it for years and still does, GM is well known for it. Nissan also had tranny problems with their manual trannies on their 350Zs. If you want the car, then get it. The 2nd Gens (99 to 03) have extended tranny warranties even if bought used as long as the mileage is reasonable.
06-23-2004, 04:34 PM
#45
Liquid Ice
Originally Posted by vicman17
FYI the ES300 also had their share of tranny and other problems to deal with. It's not just the TL. Honda / Acura is just one company experiencing problems with auto trannies, but their not the only ones. Chrysler had it for years and still does, GM is well known for it. Nissan also had tranny problems with their manual trannies on their 350Zs. If you want the car, then get it. The 2nd Gens (99 to 03) have extended tranny warranties even if bought used as long as the mileage is reasonable.
06-23-2004, 04:59 PM
#46
6G TLX-S
Originally Posted by dands99tl
So to fix the problem you could "simply" widen the ducts? That sounds like a fairly simple fix. When the trannies go, what exactly breaks on them? Is it something that is repairable? Thanks for the info!
Cooling duct widening was one of the many mod. revisions. Among them, there are new 3rd gear clutch pack with better tolerance, new PCM to reduce engine output during gear shifts, etc, etc.
However, rebuilt trannies, even with the latest revisions, still failed as reported by some TL/CL members.
http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=126
The above link will have all the lengthy information you'll ever need to understand the whole story, especially inside the Honda investigation report submitted to NHTSA.
To sum it up, according to the report, extreme heat was generated during WOT 2nd-to-3rd and 5th-to-2rd gear shifts. This heat could not be dissipated effectively resulting that the 3rd gear clutch pack started to fall apart. The disintegrated junks clotted up the transmission fluid filter, thereby restricting the fluid flow even more. Terminal tranny failure resulted.
10-24-2004, 11:44 AM
#47
Intermediate
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TLs have fantastic reliability overall. They didn't gain the popularity and service ratings for nothing.
There have been a lot of them produced, being one of the most popular sports sedans in north america from 99-03.
Some TLs do have their issues, but the larger majority don't. If you're not experiencing unusual problems on a test-drive, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a TL at all. There is an extended warranty replacement on them anyway.
I have 120kkms on it with no problems. I know people up at the 250 without issues.
There have been a lot of them produced, being one of the most popular sports sedans in north america from 99-03.
Some TLs do have their issues, but the larger majority don't. If you're not experiencing unusual problems on a test-drive, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a TL at all. There is an extended warranty replacement on them anyway.
I have 120kkms on it with no problems. I know people up at the 250 without issues.
10-24-2004, 12:43 PM
#48
I'd still say buy a TL they're great cars, I think its just a bad batch that came off of the tranny production line. Acura is at least attempting to fix half of the problem, so you have to give them credit for that. Also, buy new or certified from a dealer I learned the hard way and bought my TL from a mechanic who fucked it up pretty bad. It wasn't apparent to me when I bought it just how much stuff he did wrong on the car and its a mess now. SO my TL has problems, but its my fault for buying it from some crazy mechanic guy and not a dealership or someone who would have taken care of their car. And this is a forum...so people are going to be either showing off their mods or bitching about things going wrong with their car. Just my 
I woke up opinionated this morning guys
I woke up opinionated this morning guys
10-24-2004, 01:56 PM
#49
Still sluggin' it out
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This is a GREAT car no matter what. Even though there are tranny issues, it shouldn't stop you from buying one.
And for the love of God, PLEASE DON'T BUY A BMW INSTEAD!! (especially a 3-series) They are sooo overpriced compared to the TL.
GOOD LUCK!!
And for the love of God, PLEASE DON'T BUY A BMW INSTEAD!! (especially a 3-series) They are sooo overpriced compared to the TL.
GOOD LUCK!!
10-24-2004, 08:33 PM
#52
Racer
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Originally Posted by erdoc48
I have a 2000 TL which needed a new transmission at 32.5K. I had it replaced as well as the ECU for the transmission. The car now has 62K on it and runs flawlessly. I would recommend the car as a great pre-owned car. I think it all depends on how it's maintained and if it's driven hard. Mine is my daily driver, and I drive it reasonably (I do get on it at times, but don't abuse it). I also have the fluid changed at a reasonable interval (I think it was changed when the car had ~ 24K miles on the new transmission). I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but I hope to have my car for at least as many miles as another poster to the forum, fsttyms 1, who has > 140K on the car. I think these can be high mileage cars with just a little care and maintenance.
Just my $0.02
Just my $0.02
I think he is on his fourth tranny! Not GOOD!
I have a 2002 TL-S. First tranny went at 38k (original owner did this and shortly after that sold the car to me. I purchased it with 38.6k)
I have almost 60k and have had some tranny "scares." as in one time the engine bogged down and the LCD started flashing 5 or 2 for a couple of seconds. Also I noticed it is taking more time to shift into third.
I cannot say I am impressed. I feel like I should have just bought a used Accord V6.
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