I have had my 2003 Acura TL Type-S Navi since the beginning of last April. I now have 20,000 miles on the car, and I must say that I am really disappointed with the quality.

I have owned 8 cars, new and used, everything from Jaguars to Cadillacs and Lexus--and even a Buick Riviera in between.

The Acura rattles and makes more annoying noises than any of the cars I've owned--new or used. Some of these noises and rattles have been corrected; some the dealer has not been able to identify and I have begun to lose hope that they ever will.

Most galling of all is this--a familiar tale to many of you: Two weeks ago as I was driving back to New York from Boston, I started to hear a quite, high-pitched whine that sounded like a cross between a turbo and a manual transmission in reverse, only quieter. I thought my ears were going. When I heard the sound the next day--and a passenger confirmed it--I went to my dealer. Guess what? They tell me I need a new transmission.

This is really unacceptable. Where is this much vaunted Honda-Acura quality that I had read so much about? This is certainly not the same caliber of car that friends who owned prior Acuras experienced.

Don't get me wrong--I think the car has a great engine, it looks nice, has tremendous value for the price and can really be fun to drive. But the quality is really just not impressive at all. Indeed, it is very disappointing.

I had great success with Cadillac in 1998 when I leased a new ETC that had all sorts of problems (it was built pre-strike), and wrote to the President of the Division about it. He responded immediately--and personally. And when they determined they could not correct the problems in a timely fashion, they offered me a new ETC, however I wanted it. When they couldn't get what I wanted quickly enough because of inventory shortages due to the strike, they bought me out of the lease, refunding all my up front money and every payment I had made--and giving me $1,000 toward another Cadillac. I was very unhappy with that car, but I was very impressed with how they handled THEIR problem in producing such a screwed up car. And, as a result, after taking a two year hiatus with a Lexus SC400 (which was a great car, btw), I went back and got an STS, which I parted with two years later for the Acura. The STS, I might add, was on balance less annoying than the Acura, although on the subject of balance, it was nearly impossible to balance the tires on that car without it shimmying...

Anyway, I'm rambling now. Bottom line is: Has anyone had any satisfaction in writing to anyone at Honda/Acura about what, based on my reading of these forums, are known and widespread problems with these cars?

Thanks.

 

I also find the rattles and squeaks annoying and unexpected in a car of this category. I am not sure how to explain these rattles at the dealership. They are not too big, but still well audible in some circumstances. I do not want to look like a crazy and paranoid person, but would like to get them fixed, because my other car that is 8 years old and half of the TL-S price does not have any such rattles. So, it is possible to build a rattle-free car.

 

I agree, Jirik. And it's not about the stiffness of the suspension, either, which I have heard used as an excuse. My Lexus had a stiff suspension and easily outhandled the TL, but never made so much as one unwelcome sound.

 

I too, have had an extremely unsatisfying relationship with Acura regarding my 2002 TLS. Who's first tranny died after a trip to Washington, D.C. from Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (about 5 hours trip) and second tranny died after a trip from Poughkeepsie, NY to Tarrytown, NY (about 1 hour trip). I actually discussed a lease buy out with Acura. They declined to accommodate me.

Unfortunately, the saying still remains "you get what you pay for..."

What good is a "great value" if it ends up being worthless?


I should have bought/leased the BMW 330i.

 

I have a TL-S and an MDX. I'm terminating the MDX lease early to get a Volvo V70R and the TL-S lease expires in September. I won't be getting another Acura in it's place. While I really don't have any negative to say about Acura or the cars, there's nothing really positive to say either. The cars represent good value, but, you really do get what you pay for. Overall, ownership has been rather boring as evidenced by my TL being two years old with only 8K miles. The MDX is a little over 2 years old and has 15K miles. Both cars are really driving appliances (although the TL-S is a fast appliance). It will be interesting to see where the Acura brand ends up over the next few years.

 

im more than satisified with my 2000 tl i have 109k on it and the only rattle i have is from the headliner in the winter which i found a way to get rid of that problem. i will go back to acura just because of the honda reliabality and the service that i have recieved from my dealer.

 

I, too, have been disappointed with the quality of my '99 TL. Since day one, it has had rattles in numerous places. Although many have been fixed by the dealer, I'm still not very impressed when I compare it to my family's other cars: Lexus LS400 and ES300. I don't think I'll be getting another Acura after my TL, unless it's the NSX
I'll take one of those ANYDAY!

 

How did you like the Riviera?

 

Mike,

I've also been very disappointed with my tls. This is my first car and I wanted it to be a good experience. It has a great engine but the interior noise is just excessive. My dealership is good about "checking" it out without giving me any attitude as I've gone back multiple times, but sometimes I think they're just humoring me since the rattles are never fixed. I rented an Oldsmobile Alero once and that thing was so quiet. An Olsmobile for crissakes! I doubt I'd ever buy another Acura.

 

Mike --

is your VIN # covered under the 7yr/100K extended tranny warranty? If not, that would definitely give me something to write to Acura about --

When you test drove the Tl-S .. were you aware of any rattles? I recall that when I drove my testdrive vehicle.. there were plenty of rattles in a car w/ only 15 miles on it .. but I enjoyed the car anyways. I was in a '99 GS400 the other day .. and there were JUST as many rattles (sport pkge, w/ the 17'' rims) as my TL-S..

I would write to acura regardless .. see what they say, I'd be very interested if you actually get a personalized response or a copy of a copy of a copy of an apology letter.

 

Hi --

PeterUbers: I did not hear rattles in the car I test drove. I always specifically test drive cars with the radio off so I can listen for rattles, because they drive me crazy. I did get the little postcard telling me that I was included in the group that was getting the extended warranty. Mine was among the first 2003s, so I suspected I'd be in trouble as soon as I started reading about all the problems people here were having with transmissions.

Ruski: The Riviera I had was a 1990. Got it two years old to drive while I was in college. It was really a great, underrated car. The 3800 V6 is tried and true, and quick--lots of torque. The car was very reliable--and rattled less than the Acura! I kept it for nearly four years, which is by far a record for me. Had that after two Jaguar XJ6s--a 1974, which had about 30,000 miles on it when I got it and was awesome, but very hard to maintain because no one knew how to work on it. And then I had my parents' new XJ6 when they got a new car, but that was very COSTLY to maintain, so I went with the Riv while I was in school. It was a solid car. Doubt I'd own another--especially since they don't make it anymore-but I liked it a lot at the time.

 

LOL, that reminds me of the first time I testdrove my TLS. The dealer kept wanting to show me the "power of Bose". This is the same dealer who told me my trade-in had real leather seats when they were fleather

 

I love my TL-S. It has many mods that you'd think contribute to rattles, but I have none except the package tray when the bass is up high with techno music. I find increasing the volume kills it!
I've owned 14 cars in my 15 years of driving. I've kept this longer than any but my last car, a Toyota 4runner Limited 4x4. The Acura is the highest quality car I've had except for the Toyota. I know people compare them all the time to Lexus, but I do not feel Acura even compares to Toyota much less Lexus. The build quality is solid, the performance and price is better, but you give quality to get those things...If Toyota of Lexus built a more performance oriented car for less than $40k, I'd own one instead...

 

While we're all complaining, I forgot to mention that when my car was delivered to me, there was a rip in the leather in the backseat. It was fixed by the dealer promptly and very satisfactorily, but annoying nonetheless!

 

Unfortunately, I also was one of the many that thought Acura built a quality automobile. I have never been more disappointed. The engine is sweet, but that is it's only attribute. The phrase "rattletrap" fits my 02 TLS to a tee. Service from the district office down is dispicable! This is my first and last.

 

I might have to say the same

I bought the TL-S for two main reasons:

1) My first car was a used 1994 Accord EX. The car was very reliable and the quality was really top-notch. Also, my service provider in San Diego, Pacific Honda, was excellent.

2) I liked the idea of having a family sedan with a sporty attitude. The engine does indeed rock and I love it's "go" power.

But after a year and three months, I've realized that I made the wrong choice. About six months ago, the car began to fail. The tranny started slipping (not dead yet), the door handles, seats, and car in general began to squeak, and the handling has dropped a notch. Also, now that I'm living on my own, owning a family sedan just doesn't appeal to me anymore.

I'm currently looking to the RX-8 . Hopefully I can get one before the year is out...

 

The IS 300. True it's not a straight-line champ but it is no slouch. I think the next IS will be much better, considering they had this model to "practice" on.

 

I know there are better cars for more money, but I have to stand up for the TL Type S, as it is both a good value and good car. Mine (and maybe I'm in the minority on this post) has been quiet and reliable.
While I wouldn't call the stereo "high-end", it is adequate for casual listening, at least to me. I have heard plenty of high end stuff in the audio salons (Magnepan, B & W, Krell, etc.) but for driving the Bose is okay...after all, the idea isn't to blow a little reefer, get in the car, and blast the stereo. . . :p
My tranny has been shifting well, but with all the failures I've heard, I am sure I could be one of the next victims of Failed-Tranny Man. When it is working, the transmission is a smooth and shifts quickly for a slush-box, and mated to the 260 horse mill, the car does get up and go.
No, it doesn't out-do Lexus in build-quality, and it won't outhandle the BMW 3 or IS300, but it is a competent sedan. I am happy to own one. If I had 50 grand to spend, I'd buy something else--perhaps an AMG32, M3, or S4. But I didn't, so this for me is the next best thing. . .

 

I'll stand up for the TL, too (though mine isn't a TL-S). OK, except for the tranny, that's got me steamed. It's really funny that I just posted a similar message in the "other forum" about how good my TL has been.

I've now driven 26,300 miles in 16 months and I've had the obligatory moonroof squeak and loose center console, both fixed. The only rattles I have are (1) dash rattle after my XM radio was installed--resolved on its own before I could get it fixed; and (2) Comptech springs squeak lightly when it's cool or cold out. I am impressed with the build quality of the car. I've never owned a Toyota or Lexus and therefore can't compare. I'm very happy with the car when I'm not freaking about whether the tranny's going to crap out on me at 80 mph (I keep my hand on the shifter in case I need to urgently shift to "neutral" in such a situation. ).

Would I buy another Acura? Based on this current experience, I'd consider it because of the excellent value my TL represents and the good experience I've had so far. Of course, you get what you pay for. Realistically, I'll probably buy up, likely to a BMW 5-series, when I buy my next car in another year or two.

 

It's funny how it takes one negative post and then everybody and their mother decides to put their two cents in.

Anyways, I don't know what world you guys are living in but every car have rattles. Some might have more than others but you guys make it seem like it is only Acura.

FYI, I have a 99 TL and yes I do have my share of rattles but it has been fixed. Sure I might hear a rattle here and there but I don't let it get to me. I will say it again, for the $$$, there is nothing better out there.

 

I have 25K miles on my TLs. Every time I drive it I completely and utterly love it. When I get out of it and think about it, all of this negativity kicks in and I think about selling it. Then I get back in it and that washes away. I’ve have a few problems here and there and the dealer has fixed most of them. I’ve been in the competition and they are just the same if not worse. I love my TLs... 25K miles going strong. My problems are created because I have lowered springs and wheels.

Next time you get in your TLs, think about this.

The only reason I want to sell my TLs is to get away from all the *****ing and complaining owners before they ruin my resale value.

 

After two years of ownership, I've got no complaints.

The trouble with these boards, is that only the negativity is really ever voiced. People come here looking for answers to their problems. You hear less from the people that have no problems.

For reference, go here, and type in "rattles" and see what comes up- http://www.is300.net/forum/search.php?

 

I have put 40,000 miles on my TL-S (Got it in April 2001), and I still LOVE every mile. I, for one, am a very critical person when it comes to my TL-S. It has some very minor rattles when I hit bumps in the road, but I think it mostly has to do with the very tight suspension of the TL-S which really beats on the car after a while. Bottom line is that every car is going to have minor rattles. My beater car is a 2001 Cavalier Coupe that I drive to work everyday, and you have NO IDEA what rattles are till you drive that thing!!! Sometimes you have to drive something alot crappier than your car to really appreciate what a great car the TL-S really is.

 

Yes, this is very true. I also didn't post any message saying that my transmission works well even if it does, but people whose transmissions die do voice their opinions loudly for an understandable reason.

Anyway, I think it is just fine when people voice their problems and look for solutions. It does not mean that the car is bad, it means that it is not perfect, but nothing in the world is perfect.

Generally, I often find some very good advice on this board.