Ask the Car People.SM


Acura TL 1999-2003

111 messages,  Last post on Jul 22, 2012 at 12:08 PM

You are in the Acura TL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 11

#1 of 111 1999-2003 TLs by hpmctorque

Feb 01, 2008 (7:04 am)

I'm adding this discussion because most of the messages in the "Older Tls" discussion are about the '04-'08 generation.
 
I'm the original owner of a '99 with 108,000 miles. It's been a very satisfying, low maintenance ride. I'd be interested in hearing about the experience of other owners of this (second) generation TL.

#2 of 111 Re: 1999-2003 TLs [hpmctorque] by pat

Feb 01, 2008 (7:27 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Feb 01, 2008 7:04 am)
Actually, the "Older TLs" discussion started with the second generation and progressed to the third when it became available.
 
But it is reasonable to split them up, so let's go with this one. Just keep in mind that the first third or half or so of the original discussion is indeed about the second generation.

#3 of 111 Re: 1999-2003 TLs (pat HOST) by hpmctorque

Feb 02, 2008 (7:41 pm)

"keep in mind that the first third or half or so of the original discussion is indeed about the second generation."
 
Thanks for clarifying this. Do you think you should transfer the first third or so of the messages to this discussion, then?

#4 of 111 Re: 1999-2003 TLs (pat HOST) [hpmctorque] by pat

Feb 03, 2008 (2:50 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Feb 02, 2008 7:41 pm)
Would if I could, but I can't. Sorry.

#5 of 111 Re: 1999-2003 TLs [hpmctorque] by u151208

Feb 07, 2008 (12:16 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Feb 01, 2008 7:04 am)
I own a 2002 TL-S with 101,000 miles on it. The only issue I had with this car was the transmission which went out on me on the freeway at around 80 mph. Scary ride. I had about 86,000 miles on it. I wasn't the original owner so I was never informed about the recall for this. Thankfully I didn't have to pay for a whole new transmission. Other than that I think this car is drives great. Smooth and powerful. Unfortunately there is a preventative service recommended (105k mile service) that Acura is charging an arm and a leg for.
 
There are some cosmetic defects to this car. Like the tape that tears off around all the windows and the blistering of the left and right garnishes (that black shiny thing between the front and rear windows)... Costs a grip to have it re-done.
 
Question.... Anyone know why other TL transmissions keep getting replaced? I mean I read somewhere this guy had to have his transmission replaced like 4 times! What gives? What are the chances that will happen to me? I do not want to relive that freeway experience again.
 
Leon

#6 of 111 1999 3.2TL just stopped when driving - tranny? by shiva70

Jul 09, 2008 (9:59 am)

I got off the interstate this morning, and made a left at the bottom of the ramp after a stop sign, and my 1999 3.2 TL (82k miles, bought in sep'98) just stopped.
 
Any thoughts?
 
I moved 5-10 feet after giving gas. After doing this 10-times - I shifted to park and back to drive, all was well.
 
Engine never shut off, but it is scary that it would just stop like that.
 
P L E A S E advise !

#7 of 111 Re: 1999 3.2TL just stopped when driving - tranny? [shiva70] by u151208

Jul 09, 2008 (10:47 pm)

Replying to: shiva70 (Jul 09, 2008 9:59 am)
Sounds like you need a new transmission. Everything you just said happened to me. Luckily for me, you and others, we have warranties on our transmissions. (the transmissions on all our model acura tl's have a defect). There are thousands of reported cases just like ours. Google it and you may have already stumbled on tons of articles and blogs.
 
Take it into your nearest Acura dealership and they will replace your tranny for free plus give you a loaner for a few days. So long as the miles not over 109k you will be fine.
My TL drive like new.
 
Best of luck!

#8 of 111 Re: 1999 3.2TL just stopped when driving - tranny? [shiva70] by u151208

Jul 09, 2008 (11:29 pm)

Replying to: shiva70 (Jul 09, 2008 9:59 am)
Oh BTW, just an FYI,
 
This link may help in case it is a transmission problem....
 
http://www.hondatransmissionsettlement.com/php/login.php
 
There was a lawsuit settlement pertaining to your issue as well as other Honda vehicles. Just input you VIN NUMBER and it will tell you if your vehicle is included.
(Though it is MUCH more important to go to an Acura dealership for further evaluation of your vehicle).
 
I would carefully drive your TL to the dealership or get it towed to be on the safe side.

#9 of 111 Re: 1999 3.2TL just stopped when driving - tranny? [u151208] by shiva70

Jul 10, 2008 (2:31 am)

Replying to: u151208 (Jul 09, 2008 10:47 pm)
My dealer did not say anything about replacing tranny for free, in fact, he said, acura does not like dealers opening tranny w/o good cause, and he said opening up tranny and checking is a 8hr / 1000 $ deal.
 
Loooks like I have to get to a dealer !

#10 of 111 Re: 1999 3.2TL just stopped when driving - tranny? [shiva70] by u151208

Jul 10, 2008 (7:37 am)

Replying to: shiva70 (Jul 10, 2008 2:31 am)
Did you go to the Acura servicing dept? Your experience was indeed symptoms of your transmission about to go out. If thats not good cause then I don't know what to tell you. Go somewhere else
Acura is obligated to replace that, but they will first determine if it is indeed due to the defect of course. Sometimes it could be due to negligence. But you do not have many miles. For a 99 thats pretty good. In fact I had about 89k miles on my TL when the tranny went out on me.
When I was on the freeway my tranny stopped working. The transmission seemed to automatically shift from 5th to 2nd gear going 80 miles an hour. YIKES! I pulled over feeling my engine was still running strong but it seemed like my transmission was not in gear but I had it in drive. Tapping on the gas only revved up my RPMS. I shifted it to park, then back to drive, then it was back to normal. Luckily for me the Acura Dealership (servicing) was 4 blocks away. I told the servicing dept. about what happened and they were 90% sure it had to do with the defect. The total cost to the work was over $4k, but I didn't have to pay anything. It took them 3 days to complete the job (order a transmission without a defect of course and the labor) and they gave me a nice 08 TL loaner... Anyway I hope I was of help. Did you check the VIN NUMBER website?

Messages Page 1 of 11

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement