Hey guys, i just joined the forum. This is my 1st Acura, ive had 3 accords and a civic so I'm a huge Honda fan. I bought a 2000 Acura TL 3.2 with 181k for $1800. The only thing wrong is it needs a new exhaust and the check engine light is on and it pulls up 3 codes all pertaining to evap control. I was told to get a new EGR canister. The car was up north for a while so thats why the exhaust is rusted as well as the EGR canister but ive checked it over and rust isnt a problem anywhere else on the car. It came with all service records and at 145k the owner paid 4k for a new torque converter and transmission overhaul. She drives like a champ, shifts smooth and doesn't slip at all. Just wondering what the common problems are on these cars and what i can do proactively to extend the life of the car. Thanks guys for your help.

 

HI welcome,

Just browse in this subforum (Problems & Fixes) and you'll see all the common issues the car has. (Transmission was #1)

 

The transmission on my 2G ('99) TL crapped out. When I started looking around for info, I found out that this gen TL is notorious for this; design flaws with this one. That said, your previous owner hopefully preemptively sorted that out...though maintenance does not negate a major design snag. I paid $1500 for mine and drove it for 2 years with minor issues, so a reasonable amount of money and sweat is just fine by me...love the car. Now, I just need to see if an Odessey tranny will work in a TL.

 

Appreciate your input guys. Yeah ive heard a lot about the tranny problems, so i hope it maintains in the long run seeing as it has around 40k since the rebuild, but im probably going to buy an ody trans here soon just in case.

 

I have two AT TLs, one 2G and one 3G. Here's are some things I've experienced:

• torque convertor failure. 2g is going at 220k miles and 3G is going after just 160k
• carrier bearing failure on 2g. I mention this because of how intensive it is to replace.
• 2g TL gets stuck in 2nd occassionally while driving in "manual"
• wheel bearings don't seem to last long. Keep in mind that both of my vehicles are lowered and I corner aggressively.
• Please replace your alternator at the first sign of electrical gremlins. I spent about $1000 trying to track down an engine retard command error on my 2g when it turns out some sensor in the TCS wasn't getting the right voltage. Replaced the alternator and that resolved it. My 3G kept thinking it was being stolen due to voltage irregularities. I also had problems with interior lights and switches until I replaced the alternator. Same thing on my wife's MDX. All were replaced between 140-210k miles.
• My A pillar drainage holes have clogged repeatedly on the driver side on both vehicles.
• Got OEM navi?...get ready to upgrade. Those DVD decks in the trunk burn out. The 2G I ripped out myself and upgraded to a double DIN Pioneer. They make retro fit kits on crutchfield that make the 2G install easy and clean. The 3G is another story...it has this custom molded dash that houses the head unit and AC/etc. This replacement is pretty costly whether you go OEM or aftermarket.

Ive also had multiple suspension setups on both vehicles. If you'd like my experiences with any of that, just let me know.

 

I have a black an a white 2000 TL. Black one has 237,000 an trans. just started acting up. White one had trans. rebuild at 90,000 with the recall now has 143,000 an still runs fine. Shop in my area wanted between$2500 -$2800 to rebuild mine. LoL Just bought the white car for $1900 in great shape.