from 1G forum.

I am really intrested in getting 2G TL but teh famous transmission failing problem is keeping me from doing it. Just want to know if all years from 1999 to 2003 have transmission problem or its some specific year(s) to look for...

Well here is my current ride....

 

wow...holy hell nice 1st gen...
99s dont have the problem as bad. some 2003 models arent covered under the replacement plan, supposedly have the updated tranny.

 

thanks..

so 99 don't have problem AS BAD but it is still there. 99 is 4 speed if I remember it correct, right.

 

yes, the 99's have a 4 speed. Mine is working fine at 108,000. They are still troublesome compared to other cars.

 

my 99 hasnt ever been changed or had problems...

seems to be a trend of a sort...

some people think 4 speed means its slower...

 

In my honest opinion I think you should only buy one that's had the transmission replaced already. The key is finding one that was replaced after 2/05 because of the re-design internally. I browse ebay/craigslist often and most of the TL's sold by private parties include "New Transmission installed by Acura" You are taking a 50/50 chance with one that wasn't replaced. Acura may goodwill it, go partaial or you may be out of luck totally. It's a shame because these are great cars. So keep an eye out for ones that have already been replaced recently.

 

Yeah just be careful. I bought my 03 TLS over the summer with 130k and no idea of the history. I didnt even know of the tranny problem until I joined here shortly after.

So far, 20k miles later, I have no issues with the tranny and it has been an AWESOME car for getting around. Engine still feels smooth as always.

 

now you've done it!

i personally think it's a big risk to buy a 2G unless you buy it while budgeting for a new transmission...i got very lucky that acura goodwilled mine, but that can't be counted on...but overall the 4 speeds are more reliable....

but given how nice that 1G is....why get rid of it?

 

I'm willing to bet your trans has already been replaced. It's very rare that any original 00-03 TL trans makes it to 100k.

 

My 99 with the 4 speed is going strong after 146,000 km! not sure what that is in miles. My friends parents had a 99 4speed and the tranny failed after 80,000km. they had it replaced under warranty and the 2nd one went at 210,000 km. they replaced it but got rid of it and bought an 06 TL.
he said whenever it shifted into reverse it took like 10 or 15 seconds to actually engage and when it did it jerked hard into reverse. it was green with gold trim

nioce 1g by the way, one of my customers had a real nice 1g same color with some nice 18's on it and a silver grill. he painted the grill himself so it was kinda iffy but it was a nice car. he only got rid of it because he needed a family car.

 

my 02 tl-s is at 126k and never replaced the trans yet.

 

I have 153000 miles on my '99 right now. it does slip some when it is cold but it has been doing that for about 60000 miles...still drives strong. it shifts fine when it is hot

 

Reporting with new pics and same question, How reliable are 99-00 TL transmissions?? Our 1993 Civic is dead as of yesterday, bought it 3 years ago for $1200 and it served its purpose. Need "new" car to replace that and seriously thinking about 2G 99-00 TL. Thoughts..

About the pics of my car....

 

I would look for a nice well maintained 2G. Not all of the cars had the transmission issue. Some members here have gone well over 100K on their original transmission without any issues. Before buying one you should test drive the car and have it inspected. It might cost you some cash up front (usually around $100, maybe less) but it can potentially save you a lot more money down the road. This applies to any car, not just the TL.

 

My 03 TL-S is at 163,000km on its original tranny, and trust me its held its own.

I suggest getting a 02-03

 

Tony I would stay away. Sorry 2G guys.

Finding a 2G without a tranny issue is like finding a needle in a haystack. IMO stay away. You can find another Honda with no issues and no worries. Look into 6GA. They are nice.

 

There was a thread earlier about who had a lot of miles. There were plenty of 99 tls that were on original transmission if I remember correctly. My 99 is at 175,xxx and still on my original tranny.

 

i changed my 99 3 times. the last time was 10k after the previous

 

If you do get one, get one with a trans replaced after 2/05. Otherwise, I wouldn't buy one.

 

Scary shit.. Guess I am not buying TL then.. I love 2nd gen but stupid transmission..

 

my 00 lasted to 142k on the og trans. it didn't really "die" on us but it was having problems and the CEL/TCS lights were on so we decided to rebuild it which cost around 2500.

i think if you can find one for cheap (that is replaced) then go for it.

 

my 99 doesnt have any issues @ 150k miles,but if I could do it all over again I would have waited and found one with the 6-spd manual...

 

That would've been a long wait because the 2G TLs never came with 6 speed manuals. (unfortunately )

You can always do the 6 speed swap though.

 

Sorry, I meant a CL...slight possibility I was under the influence when i typed that post

 

remember problems always look worse on a forum. I know a few people who have never had trans problems.

 

I LOVE MY TL!!! Dont regret buying it one bit. Looking for another one for my cousin. fsttyms1 is right. I remember when i bought my bmw, on the bmw forum everyone was telling me left and right they have tranny issues, stay in the shop 3 weeks out of the month. BLAH BLAH BLAH!!! I didnt know about forums when i got my tl and am happy. I might have listened and not got it. You can go get a car that has the most reliable tranny and have it go out the next day. Anything mechanical is going to break down sooner or later. Just a matter of time.