3.2TLc

Yeah, with the proper tools ....it's not an overly difficult job. But, the dealers will take ya to the cleaners for big $$$$.

This side will rust prematurely due to the drainage keeping the area moist, a damp condition combined with corrosive salt = an ideal environment for killer rust. Simple physics !

dashur

I found a report by ABC news about the 1999-2002 Accords that have the exact same problem. I guess the apple doesnt fall far from the tree.
http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/loc...e-in-sub-frame

If you have this issue and read this post, make a complaint at the following websites:
http://www.autosafety.org/

http://www.nhtsa.gov/

Diva 4 Life

Just checked my accord 99 v6 shes good to go.

toyotabeck

We live south of Syracuse NY. We bought a used 2000 Acura TL with 80k from a dealer in Auburn NY Nov 2012. We had the same issue! We took it to our local mechanic to look it over 1 week from purchase (1st avail). First thing he found was a totally rotted front sub frame (This car was "Just" inspected and had the 30 Day limited Warr) We had to fight with the dealer to repair (Over $1,200 to fix). Had to place a complaint with NYS DMV, not much was done about, but they did fix the Sub Frame. This car was for our 19 yr old daughter! Nice car, but there have been issues...

3.2TLc

Good stuff to know....check your TL's subframe today !!!

iamayak

I've got the same rust problem. 2003 TL-S. It has spent its time in the Chicago area. It's bad and I need to find a replacement part.

3.2TLc

Any 2nd Gen TL ('99>'03) or Accord V6 ('98>'02) subframe parts will interchange with your '03 TL.
But, just make sure that the parts are not rusted like yours. Also, may want to use a rust preventative on the replacement part.

Check some previous threads on the subject for more details.

BuffaloGreek

Glad to see that this thread was of some use to people with the same problem. I remember when I first posted, the amount of comments I received making me believe that my issue was some rare exception. Looking back, 1200.00 was a great price for all that had to be done.

Again here is the parts list/prices:

Entire Subframe (including the rear beam) from a 2003 TL
210.00

Napa
Front motor mount: 64.00 (with 20% discount)
Rear motor mount: 99.00 (with 20% discount)

Carquest( the only ones who had this!)
Rear Tranny mount 14.54

Napa (these parts the my mechanic got on his own)
2 Sway bar links 64.00
Honda/Acura power steering fluid 18.00

Mechanic Labor
645.00

Total: $1200.00 ( including tax)

Be sure to get Acura power steering fluid. The steering rack needs to be pulled down, and you will need replace your fluid. You should anyways.

I picked up all my parts myself except the sway bar links and steering fluid. I had the tranny mount sent there when he discovered it was broken.

* Don't skip doing your front and rear mounts on this job. The subframe will be off, replace them! Check the tranny mounts too.

Here is the link to the parts recycler I used. They are local here, but I'm sure they ship. http://www.lkqcorp.com/us/en/auto-li...-keystone.aspx

Best of luck to those who are seeking this repair.

KyleT

Were actually replacing one of these at my work. I believe its on a 99 that only has 40k miles on it. Most of the car is pretty clean but that same part of the subframe posted in the pictures is rotted out, which is a huge safety concern. The subframe was just shy of $1000 from acura and its about 6 hours of labor time.

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

yep going through the exact same thing right now. $1000 repair. car has spent 12 yrs in eastern canada where salt is used on roads. other than this issue car is mint.

3.2TLc

^^^ Keep us posted on the details and how things work out. thanks !

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

repair is done. had to get a piece from texas. Took a while!! you should have witnessed the old piece! LOL. massive hole in the passenger side area. and where it mounts it was all cracked to shit. drivers side was fine though. Very strange that the rust is isolated in the same area in ALL cases here.

3.2TLc

Consider re-routing the AC vent hose which is right above that area. It drains down onto the recessed spot in the crossmember where salt lays and then forms rust. With the new part, use a rust preventative coating before exposure to the ravaging elements.

This is a safety issue with "Rust-belt" cars. Think what could happen if the subframe actually broke due to the rusted stress cracks. Could get ugly.