Twenty03 Type-S

Okay, there's enough threads about trannies and warped brakes but it doesn't see to be with the 2003 model year.

Anyone with a 2003 having problem(s) ????

Thanks.

rickman00

None so far.. and hopefully it stays this way. I am going to have my 6k check-up this friday.

Plucky

I also hope there is nothing wrong with the late 2003 models. I've been reading the threads about the tranny and the rotors, squeaky this and squeaky that. It kind of scares me that my perfectly running TL will some day turn into a lemon. It's an Acura for heaven's sakes, worth over 30k. You figure it would be a decent car.

Type S Lady

Yep, 03" TLS warped rotors which the dealer shaved down at 7400 miles I think.

JD7

I think my tranny is starting to act up...

EmuMessenger

11,000 miles, three transmissions, no brake problems, squeaky driver's seat, moonroof and rear deck.

Sometimes OK, sometimes not working driver's window and tilt-down when in the mood passenger side mirror.

On the bright side, I get superb gas mileage. 30+MPG on the hwy and 25-27 with mixed driving.

03 TLS-Navi

LiQiCE

Just recently broke 10,000 miles on my '03 TL-S (produced in June 2002). I have the first 2 mods on my tranny and so far its still running strong (*knock on wood*).

Haven't had any problems with my brakes, but I don't ride too hard on them to begin with. (Although now with mods, I've been riding a little harder on them, especially through the twisties).

I have the driver's seat squeak problem, but otherwise no other squeaks.

FugittiveTLS`03

Purchased MAY 1, 2002, Close to the 20,000 mark and, only have had little stuff wrong except for the rotors at about 8-9k miles.. They said that they put different pads on....it hasn't done it since.

As for the squeaky sunroof, I had that problem, it was driving me crazy! Then about a month ago i got this bright idea to put Armor All around as much of the seal as possible...It hasn't done it since.

Only major thing that went wrong was my TPS (throttle positioning sensor) It actually felt like the Tranny was take a $hit right there...Bad idiling, Tranny would not shift out of 1st unless i put it in SS mode and manully shifted it, but problem solved....It hasn't done it since

But I Still LOVE my Baby!!!

Twenty03 Type-S

Well, I just got my 03. Only have 1200 miles on her.

It's disappointing to read about the 03's still having the problems - especially the rotors.

Ajay_RENAMED

My 2003 TLS was purchased in August 2002 with June 2002 build date. 15,000 miles later and no problems at all other than the rotor thing.

AznPlayR99

Hehe...No Tranny problems yet but with 1200 miles on my 03 TL-S i got scratch on the bumper about 2-3 inches and scratched my damn rims and i dunno how that happened... When you scratch your rims is it supposed to look orange where the rims were scratched....I have stock rims.....Or is it maybe the thing i hit with the rims orange....?? thanks for any answers i can get...

GreatSmile

Knock on wood. Mine was produced on Oct 02. No problem so far. I do ride it hard, but no mod on mine.

PeterUbers

iTrader: (1)

problems with the TypeS?

1) not RWD
2) not fast enough
3) not enough low end torque
4) not RWD
5) no 6-spd...

KCTLS

New Transmission at 15K miles...warped rotors at 12k miles....otherwise I'm good.

GreatSmile

Oh, one problem with 03 TLS....

What happened to the tweeters? I believe 02 have them, but disappeared in 03.

Plucky

That's why you have to install your own tweeters. What a difference they make in terms of sound quality!!!

You have to remember that there are 03 models that were purchased in 02 and 03 models purchased this year. You know, more recent 03 models after a certain VIN number don't qualify for that 100k warranty because supposedly they have fixed the problem. Hopefully, those newer models will also not have rotor problems or other issues relating to models built last year.

bassplayer

Read on another post that the fixes were supposed to be done by 3/03. mine was built in 4/03 and keeping my fingers crossed...

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

8,000 miles on the odometer, no major problems here. I'm quite happy with my car.

TubbysTL-S

14,893 miles and counting--No Issues other than hole in d/s Carpet.-Going in for 15 k next Friday !

Twenty03 Type-S

So who held the gun to your head when you got your TL ???

Or didn't you do any research/test drive before getting it ???




:p

A418t81

iTrader: (1)

We have a late '03 model. Its used to pull a 1000 lb Waverunner/Trailer combo on the weekends (Pulls it like a champion too, I sometimes forget the dang waverunner is back there!). 8k miles and not a single glitch, hiccup, or squeak

...and now I've jinxed myself....

krnsleeper

I got mine april 14, 2002 and i have had my rotors worped

CatchaWave

Got my TL-S in late April. It was built in 02/03.
Here are my complaints with the car so far...

1) The Sun Roof is TOO BIG, it lets in WAY TO MUCH SUN to shine on my face which usually has a "Kool-Aid Smile" on it.

2) The sound of the V-Tech kicking in when I punch it is TOO LOUD and thus disturbing to those around me.

3) My ABP color is much TOO OBNOXIOUS. If one more COMPLETE STRANGER compliments me on the beautiful color, I think I'm going to scream!

4) The seats are much too comfortable. I spent about 8 1/2 hours sitting in traffic this weekend @ the Jersey Shore. And I think that a SPORTS SEDAN needs something harder and more uncomfortable so that you stay awake better.

5) Ummm, no more complaints at the present time.

By the way, I AM Kidding. I am extremely happy with my TL-S.
I do wish it was available with AWD & 325 HP though...
maybe the next one.

smoogdog

I am still under 900 miles on my TL-S, and I too am feeling really worried about the road ahead. I should have joined this forum before buying the car. I might have made a different decision about my purchase. It just never occured to me that an Acura would have reliability and build quality problems. I guess you should never take anything for granted.

DrunkenMaster

I have a NHB 2003 TL-S and I just took in the car because of the rotors. So, yes... rotors may also be a problem for the 2003. What a drag.

yield2s

"I am still under 900 miles on my TL-S, and I too am feeling really worried about the road ahead. I should have joined this forum before buying the car. I might have made a different decision about my purchase. It just never occured to me that an Acura would have reliability and build quality problems. I guess you should never take anything for granted."


do yourseft a favor and browse the forums of the other cars you would have considered buying. I'm sure you'll find gripes from them also.

smoogdog

I'm an avid automotive enthusiast. I've been a part of many forums. Most recently I owned a Miata and was part of their group. No one ever griped about the Miata. The demographics where clearly different for the Miata, since it seems that there where few or no "parents bought me a TLS, and now I'm a boy racer" types. Rather, the group was built around car people who wanted to modify their cars to enhance their own driving experience. Even people who ran 225 RWHP Turbo Miatas never bragged about crushing a BMW from a stop light. A lot of what I see here seems to be about impressing other 16 year olds.

Anyway, I'm a little off point now. IS 300 forum seems to have the same demographics, but the only quality issues I see revolve around CDs jamming in the changer. Major, systemic transmission problems are no just gripes to me. This is a really serious problem with the car's design. Other than the the M3s that where losing engines left and right, I can't remember the last time I heard of a car with such bad durability. BMW had trouble hiding there problems, but Acura has done a better job. They kept me in the dark.

Before you tell me to go back and get a Miata, I have a child now. Miata doesn't work, or I would still have it. It is a great driver with great upgrades available. I got the TLS because it is a sensible car with a good motor.

Desiboy98

Bought my TL-S Navi in Mid March 2003 - brand new. No major problems yet...
I am experiencing hard downshifts and had the Acura technician drive it around the block and determined that it was normal. Also makes a loud clicking noise and a bump (or forceful push) when engaging the gear from Park to D5 (tech. claims that is normal also)...taking it for a first oil change this week...5k miles...

2003 tl-s

Almost 7,000 miles on my 2003 TL Type S - bought in November 2002. Problems so far:

1. Squeaky driver seat belt buckle
2. Sunroof rattle
3. Hard downshifts
4. Misaligned passenger air bag cover

Dealer fixed the first two, said the third is normal. The fourth they actually changed the entire passenger air bag! Brakes and transmission seem fine so far. Keeping fingers crossed. Otherwise, I love this car!

TurboTrix

My car came off the assembly 05/03 just broke 1700 mile mark no problems so far knock on wood !! anyone in NJ if you have problems i can help i know a owner of Springfield acura pretty well he hooks me up i might be able to help you guys out

Bear2Day

Built Date 8/02, Bought date 8/02. 11000, miles on it. 10 coats of wax on it! Gets treated better than my wife. I rub it down every night before pulling it into the garage. Leather seats get treated every two weeks. I race it every weekend on the interstate 95 north of Jax.

The following is a list of problems;

1. NONE!

The following problems I had with dealership:

1. Stripping out a screew, that holds one of the mud flaps. Instead of removing it they left it in. I found it ready to fall out and into my tires.
2. Having my oil change and putting in 10-30W oil, when I requested 5-20 IAW the manual.
3. Keeping the spare quart of red line 5-20W oil, instead of giving it back.

matt19hsc

Bought my 03 Tl-S in June of 03. Lately the tranny has been a little rougher and jerkier in city traffic. Getting nervous.

Any one will SS brake lines notice a difference after install?