CarComplaints.com Notes: The 1999-2003 Acura TL has a known & widespread defect with the transmission.

Honda fixed some vehicles with a recall in 2004 by changing the oil cooler return line. To settle a class action lawsuit in 2006, Honda extended the transmission warranty on some of these Acura TL's to 93 months / 109,000 miles.

Now these vehicles are past the warranty limit, so buyer beware.

4.0

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,560 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Acura TL accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Acura TL:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2002 Acura TL Owner Comments

problem #5

Mar 222003

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My trans. Was replaced in 2003 because of a shifting problem. My car was still under warranty, however, I was told that I would have to pay for the repair. I paid for the repair and in 2006 I had the same problem. I was told that it was a recall, but when I informed mcgrath Acura that I should be reimbursed, it was denied. I also complained of a clicking noise in the radio that was never looked in to when I took my car in for trans., apparently this is a common defect where the pins within the 6cd changer go bad, but I have yet to see a recall. I have also experienced problems with the bubbling michelins. I have had three blowouts and have finally replaced the tires with a different brand, which I think is unfair. I have also had problems with the brakes. I have had to replace original rotors for warping. My paint seems to be chipping really bad and it has been since original purchase. I also have had problems with the seat belt not retracting.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #4

Feb 062006

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles
I own an Acura TL type-S and the transmission keeps going out. The dealer keeps replacing the transmission, but the problem is not fix. The transmission has been replace 3 times.

- Baytown, TX, USA

problem #3

Jan 182004

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,800 miles
Two tire blow outs in 4 months. First tire had bubble caused by non level road surface which would not qualify as a divot or pothole. Second tire completely blew out after hitting rough road at 40-50 mph and caused damage to rim totaling over 1000 dollars. Completely inexcusable because tire pressure was adequate, car was serviced previous week and there were no defects at time of service.

- Oceanside, NY, USA

problem #2

Nov 012003

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles
The transmission issues in the 2002 Acura TL type S do not appear to be corrected by replacing the transmission. We purchased a certified pre-owned TL type S less than 3 months ago and found out afterwards (dealer did not disclose) that it had two transmissions replaced prior within 29,000 miles. After driving the car 3,874 miles the transmission began displaying problems. The dealer checked it and determined yet another transmission replacement was necessary. Less than one week after this third replacement, the transmission failed again. This vehicle is not safe for anyone to drive and Acura's attempt to sweep this issue under the rug by offering an extended warranty will do nothing in the event of a major accident.

- Montevallo, AL, USA

problem #1

Apr 202003

TL 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles
Cracked driver's side fog lense on 2002 TL (light still works). Dealer will only replace entire unit instead of lense at a cost of over $220 - ridiculous! other problems that have been fixed under warranty - cup holder lid would not operate correctly, bad shudder when applying brakes, loose sunroof.

- Troy, MI, USA

Not what you are looking for?