I am trying to buy a 2003 TL-s and doing some research about the car itself before I buy. It has 117k on it and I checked the VIN for recalls and this is what I get.

Your Acura is included in the 2002-03 ACURA V6 WATER PUMP Campaign.

Description 2002-03 ACURA V6 WATER PUMP
Type Recall Customer Letter
Status Fixed


Your Acura is included in the 00-04 CL & TL A/T RECALL Campaign.

Description 00-04 CL & TL A/T RECALL
Type Recall Customer Letter
Status Fixed

Based on those, Here are my questions:

1. If water pump/tensioner was on recall and it is fixed, did they replace the timing belt as well at that time? How can I find more information about this service?

2. From my understanding of A/T Recall, the fix that acura does is installing the oiljet on the transmission. Since I don't see the Extended Transmission Warranty open under this VIN, does that mean my transmission is one of the latter model that doesn't have problem?

I'd appreciate some comments and they will be really helpful. I hope to become a TL owner soon. Thanks.

 

t/belt probably not, unless the owner at the time paid extra to also have it done with the water pump and tensioner

the tranny will still probably crap itself one day, the oiljet was only for an overheating 2nd gear clutch pack, tranny still has other issues , but like my 03 has lasted 109k though (with one major problem along the way, but a new honda atf, and a filter fixed that though), so you may get lucky and have it last, depending on it's maintance history and such

 

I found this and according to remedy timing belt is also replaced. If I call acura dealer and give them VIN, can they verify this? I just don't want to spend another major dollars for timing belt service if it has been already replaced.

Recall Date:
AUG 28, 2002

Model Affected:
2003 ACURA TL

Summary:
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SEDANS, COUPES, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, A TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY ON THE WATER PUMP IS MISALIGNED AND COULD CAUSE THE TIMING BELT TO CONTACT A BOLT ON THE CYLINDER HEAD. EVENTUALLY THE BELT COULD BE DAMAGED AND FAIL.

Consequence:
IF THE TIMING BELT BREAKS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WATER PUMP AND IF IT IS ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE PUMPS, THE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 30, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.

Potential Units Affected:
17551

Notes:
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Oh and I am well aware of the tranny problem. I am just hoping that it won't get busted within like 20k. Although I do take a good care of the tranny especially when it comes to maintenance. My previous car was 01 accord v6 and stock tranny is still running fine with 130k on it.

 

and calling up acura should be able to at least verifiy the date the recalled was done on your car, but considering the date of the recall, and that your car is an 03, it would not surprise me if that work had been done before the car had even been sold new, and if so NO the timing belt would not have been replaced, it would have still been "new"


that was only a 4-speed tranny though on the accord, our are much worse

 

go talk with the service MANAGER