Hi I am thinking about buying a used 2012 Acura TL with 80,000 miles and was wondering about the reliability of the transmission and the types of flaws it has. Should I be concerned about the transmission? What are the problems with this year's transmission and what does it cost to fix the problems? And are these problems one time fixes or are continuous problems?

 

I thought it was only 2nd gen and early 3rd gens that had the transmission issues. They were resolved for the 2007 model. Although I had an 04 for several years and never had any transmission problems with it so I think the issue is way over blown. Where did you hear that the 2012 model was still having transmission problems?

 

No problems here but I change my fluid often along with the in-line filter.

 

my 2012 has 99.5k on it now and to date I have had ZERO issues. However I do a drain and fill every other oil change, and did a flush at 75k. So far I've had no issues. In fact I've had no issues aside from the airbag recall and torque converter replacement at 40k. Solid car. I love mine.

 

i dont think he's heard anything about the 4G, but Honda in general.
it's also still TOO early to know about the 4G trannies, as the 3G's started to fail at 100k+ without proper maintenance.

 

I purchased mine at 58k and now have 111k. I was out of work and drove for Uber and Lyft for 7 months during that time. I put 50k miles on it pretty quick - so a lot of city driving. Not the most economical car for rideshare driving but I earned enough to pay it off twice and I don't think I could drive 10 hours a day in a Prius or Nissan Versa. The 4th gen TL styling is still growing on me but I can't argue that it's fun to drive and very comfortable, even being in it 10+ hours a day. Anyway, I've had zero problems with exception to the torque converter software update which fixed the shudder and goofy shifting. I did that the very next day after purchasing it. I'm over the top about how I treat the transmission though. Honda isn't know for stalwart automatic transmissions. I swore I'd never own one, especially paired to a V6 but the 6AT has a pretty good track record in the RL over the last 10 years (not exactly the same as the current TL but similar) and I was very leery of the sh-awd due to all the issues it has, namely oil consumption and propeller shaft issues. Ain't got time for that noise. Unfortunately the fwd model doesn't have the option for the 6MT so here I am. I change the fluid every 15k and use the sport mode to reduce unnecessary shifts (ie. Staying in a higher gear when driving up a hill rather than shifting up and down continually, locking in the highest gear on the freeway to prevent the transmission downshifting if I press down on the accelerator too much, keeping the transmission from upshifting if driving in the inner city and having to stop at traffic lights every 100 yards, etc, etc.). That's also partially due to all my past vehicles having had manuals so I'm used to micromanaging shifting.

Keep in mind that the AT shifts a little rough, which Acura claims is "sporty". It makes a little sense considering the tranny is tuned to lock the torque converter quickly to improve economy. I actually love that feature but it sometimes results in less "smoothness". Compared to our 5AT 2009 pilot, it's definitely a rougher shifting transmission. However, it's been like that for 60k miles now and doesn't alarm me.

I anticipate it will be good for a long time. I still think the engine would easily outlast the transmission if it were driven long enough since the J35 seems to go forever with little to no problems. Even the J37 is fine as long as you add oil all the time :P I'm betting I can get over 200k or longer before any major problems which won't be too soon since I have a day job again

Just take really good care of it and you should be fine.

 

What intervals do they recommend for trans fluid change?

 

I do a 1x3 every other oil change.

 

2012 TL got a transmission update halfway through production year. (exact model/serial can be pulled up via Honda Diagnostic System by a dealer) This upgrade was a 2 stage Torque converter that is supposed to be more robust than the older units 09-12. The 2 stage torque converters can be a bit jerky due to it's locking mechanism (from what I understand) but is more "robust".

With that said, the 4G TL's transmission's weak spot is the torque converter. Low RPM's is a killer of torque converters (sub 1400RPM). If you frequently drive at those engine speeds, change the fluid out more often. A 1x3 every oil change is what I end up doing for piece of mind with Acura/Honda DW1.

 

Csmeance, do you happen to remember where you read the information about the change to a different TC, midway thru the production of the 2012 TL? I think it's great information for folks thinking about buying a '12 TL, and onward, as well.

If you don't remember the source, or where there's a download, no worries.

TIA!

 

 

 

Yeah, I've noticed that the TQ doesn't lock until at about 1500 RPM or so. It's stupid because the car will attempt to stay in 3rd at all costs, even if it should really be in 2nd or even 1st. I sometimes manually downshift if going slow in 3rd so it's not riding the TQ instead of locking up.

 

Hey everyone new to the group as I just purchased a 12 TL today. it has 62k and seems well cared for. I did notice it had a little weird grabbing around 2k when starting out. The dealer I bought from which is not an acura put it in writing they would take care going to schedule service appt monday. I was thinking a possible software update and reading here see there is one. under hard acceleration you don't notice except when starting from a stop, is this normal? and I did buy a full powertrain warranty which i normally don't do but thought what the hell.
I have to say for 280hp this thing feels so much stronger than my 07 maxima with the crappy cvt which is crapping out on a second tranny.

Thanks
Bill

 

Right in the middle it state's 2012's got 2 different torque converters

 

Bill, if the place you bought your car from refuses to pay, good news!!!! Acura extended the warranty for 8yrs/100k miles for most 2012's. more info here:

https://acurazine.com/forums/fourth-...letins-945428/

and tsb:
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/B16-040.PDF

 

 

I just grabbed my vin and I am covered woohoo!

 

I purchased a new key and had to have cut and programmed so had them check and it needed the software update. they also suggested changing the fluid out so I said go ahead even though the dealer I bought from did change. I figured if something does go bad and it's covered under extended warranty it would be hard for them to argue. Big difference, tranny shifts much smoother and the judder was gone and it didn't seem to be hunting for gears. Service manager said should changed every 30k which I will do that myself, not their $199! Do you all use the acura atf or another brand and who has best prices? Thanks again for the links to the tsb's when you are armed with that info they can't BS you.

 

Honda dealer had the ATF fluid called DW1 for $6.50/quart. You'll need about 12 quarts to do a full 3x3 transmission fluid change like the TSB states. Dealership fluid exchanges are usually 1x3 if done by the manual and the fluid MIGHT be completely replaced using a suction+pressure machine to pump in new fluid and take out old fluid. HOWEVER THAT IS NOT RECOMMENDED BY HONDA/ACURA!!!!!!!! The 3x3 is the proper way for a full fluid change.

 

Thanks the honda fluid is much cheaper than the nissan cvt fluid, that will be refreshing although i was using the valvoline on cvt with no issues.

 

Does the 2013 model have this same warranty extension? i recently bought this car with 90k and Im having issues with the car jerking into 2nd or 3rd sometimes.. it wont do it all the time though..
I have had the software update recently and the 3x3 tranny drain/refill with the inline filter change. im at about 99k miles right now and will keep going up. anyone know if the 13 has this same warranty extension?

 

nope, the 13 TL only had the software update and flush procedure since they switched the design of the TQ converter halfway through 2012.