My 2003 TL-S is now at 141,000 miles and I am the second owner. When I bought at 75,000 miles 5 years back, the owner told me that the VIN is far outside the suspect transmission failure range break point and it is still running with O.E. transmission.

I check transmission oil condition during change and it looks very clean, free of any clutch wear particles.

Is there a way to find out whether transmission is OE or replacement?

I have seen many comments about failures in 30 to 75K miles. How many of Acurazine members have OE trans which have over 150K?
Please share your views.

 

180k OEM. No blue bolts. Mine does have the 3rd gear oil jet recall performed.

 

Hey Nishant11, not all of the 2nd gen TL trannys are doomed for failure, even though the odds are relatively high for issues. If you doubt the original owner's word, simply check with your local dealer....they can run the VIN# and check if any recall work had previously been performed.

Chances are that you're one of the fortunate owners, having about 5 years and nearly 70k troublefree miles of driving from your car's original tranny. Considering that the car is now 10 years old with 141k on the dial, the TL has served you well ! Just keep the fluid clean and cross your fingers.

As with AZsilverTl, our 2000 TL has near 175k on the original tranny. The previous first owner had the oil jet kit installed at the time of the tranny recall. We bought the car a little over 6 years ago at 120k. I've done the drain & fill once a year since then, with no issues to date. "Knock on Wood" or heaven's door !!!

 

You have the 2nd gear oil jet, not 3rd. The oil jet also has nothing to do with, nor will it help the 3rd gear issue.