i've read alot of reviews about the trany issues and also alot about the car being great with no tranny issues at 150 000 miles. so are all 00-04 acura TLs destined to have tranny failures?

2001 Acura 3.2 TL
3.2 V-6 V-Tec – 5 Speed Automatic
163,000kms (100 000 miles)

2003 Acura 3.2 V6 TL-Sport Automatic
212,000kms (130 000)

both are from a dealership. i don't drive hard or alot. maybe 7000 kms (4400 miles) a year? and i live in a canada where it's fairly chilly for the majority of the year.

should i just go for a new gen?

 

I would even avoid a 2005 TL.... I think, if you have a limited student budget, The last thing you want to buy is a car that you know has a high rate of transmission failures.

Get at least a +05 TL instead or buy a 06 RL which are pretty darn good + AWD..

To answer your question.. Well I dont think ALL 2G TLs have transmission failures... What I do think is the chances of having a bad TL are higher than not having one.... So you are playing against the odds.

 

yeah cause i read alot of bad reviews but also alot of good reviews saying it's the best car they have ever driven... so i was so confused.

it's just that both these acuras i'm looking at have 100 000 miles+. and based on the reviews i read, the tranny usually fail way before 100 000 miles. so a part of me thinks that if it were to fail it would have failed a long time ago and that the newly replaced tranny is a non defective one..

 

also is there a way to foresee a faulty tranny? my friend's dad is a mechanic that says he can help inspect the cars.

 

It is one of the best cars I ever owned and is still my fastest around a track.
The thing is, Reliability wise the transmission F*** the whole package (I guess you cant have it all).

Nothing to do with how it drives as the trans is quite good when it works specially on Sport Shift, The Car also handles like a dream (Type-S)... Also yes some cars failed before the 100K but other like mine failed after.. Mine actually failed at 114K and it seems its on its way out again at 217K... So you are in the "Danger Zone" of my trans failures.

 

There aren`t any signs before it dies specially if you don`t drive hard...
As the trans will start to slip and release debris making the trans un-useable in a matter of 2-5 days...

Once it start slipping is a matter of how long until Drive doesn`t even engages.

 

Opt for a 6 speed manual and the tranny issues are much less of a concern. Originally was going to buy an 03 TL-S but they only came in an auto and was a roll of the dice with the aforementioned tranny issues. I waited and bought an 04 6 speed MT and never had an issue. Traded that in on an 08 TL-S and had the third gear synchro replaced under warranty. So even with the manual tranny there is still an opportunity for issues - but significantly less.

 

Plus 1 on Skirmish's comments. As there are no signs and really most of us initially thought the failures were something else, as they were all unprovoked and without warning. I'm on tranny number 3 and at 200k, I still am in love with my current 2003 TL-S and grin from ear to ear everytime I drive it and plan on running it until the wheels fall off. It hauls ass enough to make me happy and not enough to keep me out of jail. In spite of all that, it has been the most reliable, fun performing, bang for the buck car I have ever owned and I would do it all over again. If I were in the market right now, I would try to find a cherry 2003 TL-S or even a 2003 CL-S with the 6 speed manual, which is what I plan to convert my TL to when number 3 goes. The 2nd gen TL's are well priced, because of the possible tranny issue. If it weren't for the automatic trannies, the Acura TL 2nd generation would be the best used car on the market, in my biased opinion, as these engines and most everything else on the car was pretty well designed and has lasted the time test and a mostly timeless design. (if it weren't for that sybil of tranny) My advise would be buy one and just be prepared and educated with a fix plan, so your not flat footed.

 

thanks guys.
so what would be the next best thing to a TL? I can't really afford a 2005 TL

 

On that price range? Nothing beats the 2G TL-S.

You will have to lower your expectations a big notch because the 2G TL is cheap only because of the trans issues, If the TL didn´t have those issues I think it will hold its value the same as a 3G TL. Your getting too much car for the price of a 2G TL at the expense of the trans issues.

What is your current budget?

 

maybe 7 grand?

 

I have an '03 TL-P. My trans died at ~96K. I picked the car up around ~45K miles and it had a shudder from 1st -> 2nd. I was naive at the time and didn't think anything of it but whatever caused the shudder led to eventual failure. So not all failures are without warning.

If you could get your hands on it before buying it I'd check the trans fluid - see if it's burnt, varnished, or dark colored. If they let you and you have a mechanic with you, I'd have them pull off and test the Shift solenoids A/B/C. If the little screens in them are clogged at all then I'd stay away, or if you love the car, squirrel away ~$1500 into savings for a new transmission ('06-'07 Honda Accord AV6 trans, lots of info around here about that).

The TL-S has so many subtle improvements over the TL-P (TL) that I'd do the TL-S or nothing. It seems that statistically the '03 is (slightly) less likely to fail transmission-wise than other years.

As for my car, it has 164K miles and some maintenance issues that have crept up. With that said, I basically have not maintained my car aside from tires/oil over the life of the car. Despite my neglect it has been very faithful to me. It is the best car I've ever owned, and that includes my (outrageously expensive) transmission rebuild. I plan to fix it up and keep it, I think I can get another 100K miles out of it, which will easily get it through all my kids.

Now, the transmission in these cars have an inherent design flaw which means it's not really an IF, but a WHEN the trans will fail. I'd test drive the car and really see how it does in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. If you get ANY slip or flare when shifting (especially when pushing it somewhat hard) then I'd talk the dealer down $1k on it.

 

I would not call "Subtle Improvements" to this:
All Speed Traction Control, Tighter Turn Radius and Steering Feel, ABS 4 Channel, Stiffer Suspension and Sway Bars, Different Trans Ratios, Higher Redline, More powah!!! Bigger Exhaust, Different Exhaust Sound Note, Bigger wheels and Tires, Different Dashboard, Type-S Interior... In short the TL-S is a whole different animal, I might be Biased but the things I mentioned are Facts...

With 7K I would take a look at the 06 RL

 

Found a mint condition 07 RL with Tech Pkg for 7900 bucks if you could only save a little more you would get an Awesome Car with shit load more tech than you could dream of.

 

For $7k you should be able to find a 3G TL- say an 06 with some miles on it that was cared for for that price. As mentioned, the 2G TLs are great cars but their Achilles heal is the trans. But, as also mentioned, their value is low because of it and you should be able to find a nice one private party for around $3500. You can go into it with the mindset of if/when the trans dies you do the AV6 swap for under $2k and drive it to the wheels fall off.
My 02 TLs has had a failing torque converter for about the last 15-20k miles but I still routinely take it on long trips without much worry

 

Ah okay, I was under the impression that the type S only had a bigger IM, VSA, steering rack, redline, and different trans ratios.

 

at 100kmiles + you are looking for cars with documented timing belt and water pump replacement recently!!
That job alone is going to cost you $1000 easy! to get it up to good running shape-- with new fluids everywhere and a full tune up

Driving where its cold doesnt fix the lack of cooling oil flow to 3rd gear clutch packs!
There is a specific test drive that varies with P or S model and year, to put the trans in a hot and stressed condition- if its going to slip it will do it then
Not 1st and 2nd but going into 3rd is where it slips

A 3 ounce sample of atf to blackstone labs will reveal what is happening inside the trans and getting into its fluid! ie: clutch particulate matter

WHEN the trans fails- often between 51kmiles and 200kmiles...you can install a used accord trans from a few years, mostly bolts right in and gives you a 6 speed manual trans!

Much as we love our gen2 TL most are hard pressed to think of buying another one today- unless you have 2 or 3 grand sitting in reserve for the major service repairs and that trans!
If you can pick up the car for 4 grand, maybe we can talk~

 

I too am looking and heard the same thing about the trannys but as concerning to me is the amount of clearcoat failures I have seen on the 2nd gen cars. Of the 5 i have seen in anthracite all 5 have been affected with as little as 59k looking like it was left out in AZ sun for years and dash was fubar too.

My questions are:

1. is anthracite more prone to the failure and if so what other colors?
2. if you found a TL that has been repainted would you pick it up? (im told paint is not show quality but its very good and on the full car)
3. would you pickup one with a tranny fix already done less than 5k miles ago or run away? there are no records for any of the repairs just notes on carfax but all regular maintenance has been done and t-belt too

 

Sorry not to thread jack, but a related question regarding the transmission is that I'm noticing that the car shudders/shakes when it shifts from 2nd-3rd gear. Is this the early stages of a tranny failure?

I don't really want to deal with the inevitable future, so I have already made plans to sell the car..

 

Shudder in any car when shifting is not normal. Clutches repeatedly and quickly slamming together is NOT good for them. Try changing the fluid (3x3) and remove/clean/inspect/reinstall the shift solenoids. You might get longer life out of it, or at the very least be able to sell it with the hope that the buyer will get some useful life out of it.

@08KBP_VA My car is Charcoal grey and from what I understand it's one of the less-common colors for this model. Mine has clearcoat failure on the hood and roof (in front of and behind the sunroof). There's a black TL in my neighborhood with clearcoat failure in similar areas. There are a couple of white TLs in my neighborhood that are mint (white may be the way to go). I saw a blue TL-S in a parking lot somewhere and it had minor failure on the roof.

 

Thanks Chojun anthracite is the color I prefer and been looking for as you said the clear failure was in those exact spots plus the trunk and along the window trim moulding on the doors. I walked away from a very low mileage one in CA as it had the beginnings of it on the doors but awesome maintenance. I guess Ill focus on aegean blue but problem is these cars are coming in at over 100k mi. Ill keep looking and wait I guess for the right one not like im in any hurry just have a factory lip kit ready to put on and would like it off the floor painted (if its not anthracite)and on my car soon.

Would folks buy a car with trans replaced per carfax and other extensive maintenance done but no records available?

 

Lighter colors are typically longer lasting so far as clearcoat goes- ESP for darker color Hondas they don't seem to hold up as well especially if not cared for. The champagne color TLs also seem to get clearcoat failure. My 02 TL-s has lived pretty much it's whole life outside and I know if it were are dark color it would probably look like hell. And the previous owner to me didn't take great care of the exterior. The Pearl white on mine still looks great despite this.

 

I have had my 2000tl for about 6 years now. It has been my frist car and now i use it to commute back and fourth to the city, and to college. I replaced the tranny at around 97k, i now have 130,000 on it. I bought the car for 2500, Acura paid for half of the tranny so i only had to pay 2500 out of pocket for the transmission. I think its a great car and even though they have tranny issues i would still consider one. Theres nothing like driving an acura. I swear by them. Next car will be an 06-08rl.

 

Seriously, don't get a 2G TL if you are on a college budget. The transmission WILL most likely take a dump soon no matter how well it was cared for.

For 7k, you could get a high mileage 3rd gen TL which will be quite a bit better reliability wise. But the best bet would be to get a 8th gen + Civic or something.

 

Find a 2003 CL Type S 6MT. They are kind of rare but they do pop up from time to time. It is incredibly reliable. I really enjoy it. So much so that I bought 2!

 

Might also want to look into a 1st gen TSX. Those are pretty trouble free from what I've seen.

 

There is a 2003 TL-S w/ 96k, that said has a dying tranny at 1k right now w/ 12 hrs. left. If i was TLs less right now, I would consider scoring this and putting an accord tranny and be good to go. These cars with less than 100k are rare anymore. I have silver one and luv it.

 

Been reading through these forums a lot last few weeks. My '95 Cirrus (definitely a problem vehicle) finally threw something at me I'm not willing to mess with: the rear unibody frame has rotted/rusted to where the suspension crossmember is due to break loose any day now. Not much of a choice it desires a date with a crusher and I shall oblige. I really liked the car (style,size,performance,handling,mileage) but would never under any circumstance buy another one. My budget and tastes put me squarely into an early-mid 2000s small-mid size V-6 performance sedan (AT). I'm not sure anybody made a good one in that era. You have to go newer, or stay older. 2nd gen TL (the first car I gravitated to): can't be trusted. ES330 (second choice): unresponsive/unruly drivetrain behavior (potentially dangerous in certain conditions), Infinity: terrible fuel economy, VW too cramped (I'm 6'2"), Chrysler - if they put the 3.2 in the Stratus or Avenger I might consider - but no... GM/Cadillac: those things are butt ugly. Ford/Lincoln: we'll not go there! Everything else is either underpowered, a spiritless base model, or too big. The only workable option seems to be pick up a 2G TL and swap the trans from an Accord - but that certainly presses out of my budget (and if I wanted to spend that much I'd just buy a '06+ and be done with it. Early 2000's just seems to be a bad time for this segment.

 

I love my 2003 Acura TL Type-S... Lowered on ST springs with an OEM underbody kit...



I am on my 2nd transmission... If the transmission were to go out again, I would seriously consider replacing it again (but truth be told, I would probably try and move over to a V6 Accord tranny)...

 

Hi,

Regarding the 2003 TLs trans concerns, I had a replacement from Acura right at 100k which lasted to 177k. I had Aamco rebuild it last year with Sonnax end plugs and regulator, low gear sprag, torque converter, trans warmer and assembly kit. Is this setup reliable? It's still warranteed for 21 months and 23k miles...I'm trying to decide if I should keep the car and let my kids run it into the ground.

 

Supposedly the sonnax kit solves a lot of the problems with these trans. But the case still has the problem of restricted oil flow to the 3rd gear clutch pack.

So I'm inclined to say that your car is probably worth keeping with your investment but you'll want to keep up on the ATF changes. I'd do a 3 quart drain & fill every 15K miles (every other oil change) with DW-1. It should keep your transmission going forever but if you get burnt fluid at all within this 15K window then it's time to dump it.

 

Thanks for the reassurance Chojun. When the original trans went at just over 100k, I spoke with the guys at Aamco and I thought they mentioned something about the case and restricted flow to 2nd gear but maybe it was 3rd. I thought he also said they enlarged whatever was restricting the flow? My extended warranty had just expired but Acura did cover the cost of a new trans, I had to pay for the labor so I had the dealer fix it that time. Replacement trans had the same problem. Ironically the original trans let go right after doing the Acura recommended fluid change which they did.

 

That's strange.. Did they flush the trans? That destroys these transmissions.

 

I don't know if they flushed it or not. The invoice only shows Acura performed a transmission fluid change at 109,927 for $67.49. The service manual says to change at 120,000 or 6 years...I was at 6 years. By 110,123 it was throwing P0730 and P0740 codes for internal transmission failure and fluid pressure loss/slippage.

 

I'll bet that they flushed it using one of their high-pressure machines. If you had any clogged screens internally or any sort of debris then flushing it though would definitely have bricked your transmission I would think.

Also it's sort-of amusing that the service manual recommends 120K fluid changes when the mechanics on the ground dealing with these cars were themselves recommending 30K intervals.

Honda got egg all over their face on this whole issue.

 

You would think Acura techs would know better and yeah the 120k seems excessive but if thats what engineers recommend, thats what I go with. Thanks again for confirming the sonnax parts SHOULD last. Time will tell

 

If those cars are from Acura dealer, tranny failures issue should have been fixed.

 

Hi

Can I put a 2003 TL TRANNY IN my 2003 TLs with no problems

Please help I'm new to the Acura world but it's a nice clean car but tranny is shot !!

 

Consider using the transmission from an 06/07 Accord. There are a lot of thread and info regarding the "AV6" swap in this forum. I myself is looking into getting a decently low mileage accord transmission...