So I bought my TL in August of 2005, within the first year of owning the car, I began to notice that I was losing pressure in the brake pedal, took the car to the dealer and had the lines flushed, which took care of the problem for about 2 weeks, when I began experiencing the issue again, I brought it back and they diagnosed the problem as a faulty master cylinder which they then supposedly replaced.

Fast forward about 6 months, I had 2 wheels stolen from my passenger side, the car was brought to a body shop for repair, and then sent to the dealer (different dealer) to be checked out for any other damage caused by the theives, I was told that there was no further damage, but they did find a problem with the brakes, the master cylinder needed to be replaced (yes again) due to fading pressure in the brake pedal. If you're keeping score, that's 2 master cylinders in a little over a year.

Yesterday I brought my car to Devan Acura in CT for a recall, and asked them to take a look at the brakes as I had been having a problem with a lack of pressure in the brake pedal ( I would have to "pump" the pedal twice to build up adequate pressure) I received a call late in the afternoon and was told that the VSA modulator-control unit was allowing air into the brake line, which would require replacement of the module at a cost of $1,400.

The car is out of warranty, having commuted from the Bronx to Fairfield for over a year and a half, I'm now at 73,000 miles, but I have a problem with a car that's not even 3 years old yet having needed 2 master cylinder replacements and now requiring a VSA Modulator. Granted the mileage is high, but the fact is they're all highway miles and I've become quite adept at using the brakes sparingly ( jsut replaced the pads about 6 months ago and even then there was life left in the original pads.

What I'd like to know is if there would be any chance I could get some kind of assistance from Acura Customer Service, or if calling them would just be a waste of time? I really try not to bitch about repairs, I know it goes with the terrirtory of owning a car, but jeez, $1,400 is a ton of money.

 

Hi, sorry about your troubles.

Definitely call Acura Customer Service... Tell them your story. Fax over the paperwork. Convince them that if you'll be driving and brakes fail, do they want a fatality on their hands? (extreme? yes)

I would not drive a car with faulty brakes. I think it will be cheaper for you to already get a complete new aftermarket brake system...

Or it's time to look for another car. Do not drive this car if you feel you will not be able to stop in an emergency!

I hope everything goes well. Good luck.

 

I think it would be worth a try. It seems like your brake problem has been ongoing. As long as the issues and repairs have been documented, you have some leverage to work with. If they won't help. perhaps your states attorney general office can let you know what your options are (lemon law?) Bottom line - if you don't ask, you already know what the answer is.