2002 Acura TL Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Acura TL, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Transmission18747.8%
- Airbags4110.5%
- Powertrain (other)3910.0%
- Brakes215.4%
- Driver assistance174.3%
- Engine133.3%
- Electrical123.1%
- Visibility112.8%
- Body & structure82.0%
- Tires & wheels82.0%
- Suspension71.8%
- Exterior lighting61.5%
- Seat belts61.5%
- Other / unspecified51.3%
- Steering41.0%
- Interior & seats30.8%
- Heating & air conditioning20.5%
- Fuel system10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH FAILED TO INITIATE GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.
MY 2002 ACURA TL WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHICH HAS ONLY 59,851 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT IT FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER 6 YEARS AGO, AND SINCE THEN I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN ABOUT 11,000 MILES. THE WELL-KNOWN 2002 TL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DESIGN FLAW IS NOW CAUSING BIG SUDDEN JERKS AND THE CAR SHOOTING FORWARD, THUS CREATING A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE TO ME AND THE GENERIC PUBLIC. INITIALLY A REP AT ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS (1-800-382-2238 OPTION 4) TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED ACURA DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KEARNY MESA ACURA, PAID $130 FOR A WRITTEN DIAGNOSIS, AND FAXED IT TO ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS. THE REP SAID AS THE CAR HAD ONLY 59,851 MILES ON IT, HE WOULD TAKE MY CASE TO HIS MANAGEMENT. BUT MY REQUEST FOR HELP FROM ACURA WAS LATER DENIED, CITING THEIR EXTENDED 109,000 MILES AND 7 YEAR 9 MONTH WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. I WONDER WHY ACURA CANNOT MAN UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THEIR FAULTY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON 2002 TL MODELS. HOW CAN ACURA USE AN ARBITRARILY-SET WARRANTY EXPIRATION DATE TO IGNORE THE HUGE SAFETY PROBLEMS ON THEIR CARS?
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The high pressure power steering hose on my car is leaking. Issues with Air bags
The "SRS" dashboard red light illuminated and stays on. On May 19, 2029 Acura "Replaced Driver S/B." Acura Dealer and Manufacturer are both telling me that my "Inflator" and "Airbag Module" is not covered again since there has been no recall by Acura or NHTSA. Please advise me as to warranty a second time at no cost to me?
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Slipping , shift feels like it’s losing power and jerks and sputter . Check engine lights is on now . Throwing a P0730 code .. transmission fluid level are where is supposed to be and clean
My car has been automatically shutting off while driving. Bringing my car to a halt, not a full on stop but to the point my wheels lock up. Sort of like im slamming on my brake but I can't press my brake. I lose power steering, the entire car shuts off. Then I have to try and restart it, but it won't turn over. Sometimes its just for a few minutes. Other times Im stranded for hours. A few times its been days. After it dies and i turn the key off and then back on but not over ill have power. I have a kid and we've been stranded on an on ramp with cars going 60 all around us. The car just randomly shut off in the middle of the road. There's a lot of traffic around these parts and we were stuck, not even being able to get out of the vehicle with the cars going on each side of us. Ive done some research and ive seen thousands of other complaints about this issue since 2002. Ive had 3 different mechanics try to figure out what the issue was. Have had my car at the shop for weeks at a time. A few times even the mechanics couldn't get it started, and it had to sit for 3 days before it would start up again. The check engine light is on and all 3 different mechanics have fixed everything thats came up. After this started happening ive had to replace brakes and rotors several times. My car started shifting way to late. And feels like its starting to slip. This is a safety hazzard. Especially in larger cities.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car has been automatically shutting off while driving. Bringing my car to a halt, not a full on stop but to the point my wheels lock up. Sort of like im slamming on my brake but I can't press my brake. I lose power steering, the entire car shuts off. Then I have to try and restart it, but it won't turn over. Sometimes its just for a few minutes. Other times Im stranded for hours. A few times its been days. After it dies and i turn the key off and then back on but not over ill have power. I have a kid and we've been stranded on an on ramp with cars going 60 all around us. The car just randomly shut off in the middle of the road. There's a lot of traffic around these parts and we were stuck, not even being able to get out of the vehicle with the cars going on each side of us. Ive done some research and ive seen thousands of other complaints about this issue since 2002. Ive had 3 different mechanics try to figure out what the issue was. Have had my car at the shop for weeks at a time. A few times even the mechanics couldn't get it started, and it had to sit for 3 days before it would start up again. The check engine light is on and all 3 different mechanics have fixed everything thats came up. After this started happening ive had to replace brakes and rotors several times. My car started shifting way to late. And feels like its starting to slip. This is a safety hazzard. Especially in larger cities.
WE GOT AN APRIL 2019 LETTER FOR AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL WHICH CAME TOO LATE! MY CAR WAS TOTALED IN A ACCIDENT IN WHICH BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IT DID CAUSE HURTFUL PRESSURE ON MY GRANDSON'S CHEST WITH AN EMERGENCY BILL OVER $500 AND 2 DAYS OF LOSSES WAGES. OK FOR WHICH WE HAD NO COMPENSATION. CAR WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY STREET IN WHICH THE OTHER PARTY WAS TICKETED ON AN ILLEGAL U TURN.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL: PROBLEMS OCCUR ON REGULAR ROADS, LOCAL AREAS, CITIES. THE CAR'S WINDOW, THE LEFT PASSENGER SIDE BEHIND THE DRIVER, IS FAIL. IT DOESN'T GO UP OR DOWN ANY MORE. IT BEGAN COUPLE YEARS AGO, AND WE HAD TO TO PAY FOR THE CAR REPAIR PERSON TO PULL IT UP ONLY. YET, IT IS AUTOMATICALLY PULLED DOWN AGAIN AND LEAVES A SPACE THAT CAN'T NOT PROTECT PASSENGERS INSIDE. AIR, HEAT, ANY WEATHER PROBLEM OR ANY CONSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTS INJECTING/FLOWING FREELY IN/OUT. OTHER PROBLEM IS "VSA" AND "TRIANGLE" LIGHTS ON. IT STARTED FROM LAST YEAR WHEN I HAD ITS TIRES REPLACED. MECHANICS DOUBLE CHECKED AND CONFIRMED ME THAT THIS CAR WAS TOO SENSITIVE TO DO ANY TIRE JOB. ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE TRIED TO RESET THE SENSOR SYSTEM, IT STILL HAS THE PROBLEM.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARS HAD BEEN SLIPPING AND SLOW TO CHANGE OVER WITH A SUDDEN JERK OR LUNGE. THE RPMS WOULD RACE INTERMITTENTLY ONCE THE GEARS CHANGED AND THE ENGINE AND EMISSIONS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (RIVERTOWN HONDA, 4260 KENOWA AVE SW, GRANDVILLE, MI 49418, (616) 667-4500) CLEARED THE CODES, BUT THE CODES RETURNED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WITHIN 48 HRS. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE DEALER COULD PROVIDE A SOLUTION AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE BACK AGAIN WITH NO SPECIFIC REPAIR SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
AUTOMATIC/MANUALLY SHIFTS, MANUAL GEARS D4 SHIFT STUCK IN GEAR AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL AND ENGINE PROBLEMS. TRANSMISSION FAILURE OCCURED.
TAKATA RECALL
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW BUTTON FAILED TO OPERATE. HINSHAW'S ACURA (5955 20TH ST E, FIFE, WA 98424, (253) 922-8830) WAS INFORMED OF THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,672.
CAR WILL NO LONGER FUNCTION PROPERLY/ POOR DRIVING.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW BUTTON FAILED TO OPERATE. HINSHAW'S ACURA (5955 20TH ST E, FIFE, WA 98424, (253) 922-8830) WAS INFORMED OF THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,672.
TAKATA RECALL: PROBLEMS OCCUR ON REGULAR ROADS, LOCAL AREAS, CITIES. THE CAR'S WINDOW, THE LEFT PASSENGER SIDE BEHIND THE DRIVER, IS FAIL. IT DOESN'T GO UP OR DOWN ANY MORE. IT BEGAN COUPLE YEARS AGO, AND WE HAD TO TO PAY FOR THE CAR REPAIR PERSON TO PULL IT UP ONLY. YET, IT IS AUTOMATICALLY PULLED DOWN AGAIN AND LEAVES A SPACE THAT CAN'T NOT PROTECT PASSENGERS INSIDE. AIR, HEAT, ANY WEATHER PROBLEM OR ANY CONSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTS INJECTING/FLOWING FREELY IN/OUT. OTHER PROBLEM IS "VSA" AND "TRIANGLE" LIGHTS ON. IT STARTED FROM LAST YEAR WHEN I HAD ITS TIRES REPLACED. MECHANICS DOUBLE CHECKED AND CONFIRMED ME THAT THIS CAR WAS TOO SENSITIVE TO DO ANY TIRE JOB. ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE TRIED TO RESET THE SENSOR SYSTEM, IT STILL HAS THE PROBLEM.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE GOT AN APRIL 2019 LETTER FOR AN IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL WHICH CAME TOO LATE! MY CAR WAS TOTALED IN A ACCIDENT IN WHICH BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IT DID CAUSE HURTFUL PRESSURE ON MY GRANDSON'S CHEST WITH AN EMERGENCY BILL OVER $500 AND 2 DAYS OF LOSSES WAGES. OK FOR WHICH WE HAD NO COMPENSATION. CAR WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY STREET IN WHICH THE OTHER PARTY WAS TICKETED ON AN ILLEGAL U TURN.
TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN JUNE OF 2014. I WAS PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN. AS I WAS DRIVING A SUBURBAN (BELIEVE) TURNED IN FRONT OF ME. TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BUT DIDN'T QUITE MAKE IT. I HIT THE SIDE OR BACK OF HIS VEHICLE . I FELT LIKE I HIT A BRICK WALL WITH MY FACE. THAT WAS MY FACE HITTING THE AIR BAG.I WAS ON THE SERVICE ROAD LEAVING THE MALL. I DON'T THINK THE DATE I WROTE IN ON THIS FORM IS CORRECT. I'M NOT SURE OF THE DAY.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD 4 BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE960AS POLE POSITION SIZE 215/50R17 TIRES INSTALLED IN MAY OF 2008 ON MY 2002 ACURA TL TYPE S VEHICLE. TWO SEPARATE DEFECTS. 1. I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE ONE TIRE IN JANUARY OF 2010. I REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE TIRE UNDER ROAD HAZARD INSURANCE DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE SIDEWALL. 2. ON FEBRUARY 3, 2011 I HAD A CATASTROPHIC TIRE FAILURE ON INTERSTATE 64 IN ST. LOUIS. THE TIRE DIDN'T JUST BLOW OUT, IT HAD FULL TREAD SEPARATION. THE HIGHWAY WAS CLEAR OF ALL SNOW AND SLUSH IN THE LOCATION WHERE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. MY ESTIMATED SPEED WAS 50 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 9 DEGREES ABOVE ZERO. I WAS NOT IN A TURN, AND DID NOT HIT ANY ROAD HAZARDS. THE TIRES ON MY VEHICLE WERE INFLATED PROPERLY. THE SHOP REPORTED THAT THE OTHER TIRES HAD VERY EVEN TIRE WEAR, SUGGESTING THAT THE WHEELS WERE ALIGNED PROPERLY, THE SUSPENSION WAS OPERATING PROPERLY, AND THE TIRES WERE INFLATED PROPERLY. THE RESULTING DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE LEFT REAR ALLOY WHEEL, THE DEFECTIVE TIRE, AND THE NEED FOR A WHEEL ALIGNMENT DUE TO THE CAR RIDING ON THE ALLOY WHEEL. I CONTACTED BRIDGESTONE, AND WAS GIVEN THE RUNAROUND. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT BRIDGESTONE DID NOT WANT TO HELP ME IN ANY WAY. THE BRIDGESTONE LAWYER TOLD ME ON FEBRUARY 4, 2011, THAT THEY HAD ALREADY LOOKED AT THE TIRE. I CONTACTED THE SHOP, AND BRIDGESTONE DID NOT LOOK AT THE TIRE. I INFORMED THE LAWYER THAT THEY COULD FIND THE REST OF MY TIRE ON TOP OF A SNOW BANK ON I-64 BETWEEN KINGSHIGHWAY AND GRAND AVENUE. THE TREAD WAS INTACT, AND IN ONE PIECE. SHE DID NOT SEEM INTERESTED IN SEEING THE TREAD, SUGGESTING THAT BRIDGESTONE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEMS ON THEIR OWN, AND NEED A GOVERNMENT WATCH DOG TO FORCE THEM TO LOOK INTO DEFECTS. THE BLOWOUT THAT I EXPERIENCED WOULD HAVE LIKELY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON A FRONT WHEEL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THESE TIRES ASAP, AS THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
ONE OF THE TIRES HAS A SIDEWALL BUBBLE. I LOOKED AROUND ON THE INTERNET AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH KUMHO TIRES. I WENT TO THE DEALER WE PURCHASED THE TIRES FROM AND THEY SAID THAT I WAS THE 4TH PERSON THERE THAT DAY WITH KUHMO TIRES THAT HAD SIDEWALL BUBBLES. ALSO, THE TIRES ARE WEARING OUT MUCH FASTER THEN THEY SHOULD BE. LUCKILY I CHECK OUR FAMILY TIRES ONCE A MONTH. IF SOMEONE DOES NOT CHECK THEM THESE SIDEWALL BUBBLES COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE AN INVESTIGATION AND RECALL OF THESE KUHMO ECSTA ASX TIRES. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE COLLAPSED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, WHICH FRACTURED THE AXLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BOTH COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
MY ACURA WENT IN FOR THE AIR-BAG RECALL, AND THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN NOTICE THE REAR BEAM OF THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WAS ROTTED (HAD A HOLE IN IT). HE SAID IT WOULD COST ME AROUND $2480. TO REPLACE IT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT HONDA MOTOR HAD PUT IT AC DRAINPIPE TO DIRECTS WATER ON IT CAUSING IT TO RUST. HONDA MOTOR NEED TO STEP-UP TO THE PLATE AND HAVE A RECALL ON THIS PART. I ALSO HAS A COMPLAINT ON MY 2002 HONDA ACCORD. HONDA NEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME, THE AC DRAINPIPE DRIPPED WATER ON THE 1999 - 2002 MODEL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY ACURA TL'S LIGHTS WORK AND THEN DON'T WORK ALL OF A SUDDEN. THE RIGHT HEAD LIGHT WILL GO OUT, AND THEN WHEN I TRY TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS AND TURN THEM BACK ON THE LEFT LIGHT WILL GO OUT AND THE RIGHT WILL COME BACK ON, AND BACK AND FORTH UNTIL THEY BOTH GO OUT AND WON'T COME BACK ON UNTIL I LEAVE THE LIGHTS OFF FOR ABOUT 15 TO 20 MINUTES. ANOTHER THING I'M CONCERNED ABOUT IS MY HORN, IT WORKS AT CERTAIN ANGLES BUT DOESN'T WORK MOST OF THE TIME AND WHEN IT IS ALIGNED STRAIGHT. I WAS ON IH-35 AND AN 18 WHEELER WAS CHANGING INTO MY LANE AND WHEN I TRIED TO HONK MY HORN TO LET HIM KNOW I WAS RIGHT NEXT TO HIM IT WOULDN'T WORK. IF IT WASN'T FOR NO CARS BEING NEXT TO ME I WOULD HAVE CRASHED TO THE CARS NEXT TO ME OR THE 18 WHEELER WOULD HAVE CRUSHED MY CAR WITH MY SELF AND MY KIDS IN IT. ANOTHER THING IS THAT THE HORN IS ALSO A PROBLEM TO A 2001 ACURA TL MY FRIEND HAD AND I HAVE ASKED OTHER PEOPLE THAT I HAVE SEEN THAT HAVE THE SAME GENERATION AS MY ACURA TL THAT IF THERE HORN WORKS AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I REALLY THINK THAT IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN SIMPLY BECAUSE IF SOMEONE WOULD BE IN THE SAME SITUATION AS I WAS IT COULD EASILY BE AN ACCIDENT. IF IT ISN'T A SAFETY CONCERN THEN WHAT WOULD BE THE REASON FOR THE INSPECTION NOT TO PASS IF THEY DON'T WORK... *TR
MY HEADLIGHT KEEPS BLOWING OUT , AT 100.00 DOLLARS EVERYTIME I REPLACE THE LIGHT IT LAST ABOUT 3 WKS AND THEN BLOWS OUT AGAIN , THE OTHER HEADLIGHT FLICKERS OFF AND ON, THIS IS RIDICULOUS . THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN ITS GOING TO GO OUT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ACURA TL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V260000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. *TR
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. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The high pressure power steering hose on my car is leaking. Issues with Air bags
VEHICAL SLIPS OUT OF GEARS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY ALSO FEELS LIKE THE CAR WHEELS OR MAYBE EVEN THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP WHILE ON THE HWY . A VERY BAD JERK , IT SEEMS LIKE THE GEARS ARE LOCKING UP FOR A QUICK SECOND AFTER THE JERK IT WILL PROCEED ON . THE JERKS. THESE JERKS ARE STARTING TO DAMAGE MY SUSPENSION AND ALSO MY GEARS.. THERE WAS ASAFETY RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSOION GEARS .I HAVE TAKEN MY VHICAL TO ACURA OF CERRITTOS AND THEY REFUSED TO INSPECT AND NOTIFY ME OF MY VEHICAL TRANSMISSION GEARS STATUS THEY SAID THERE WAS A OIL LINE THAT WAS ADDED BUT THEY CANT SHOW ME WHERE THE WORK WAS DONE. WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICAL HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP ACURA OF CERRITOS THIS TRANSMISSION GEARS STARTED LOCKING UP SO BAD THAT THE JERKS INJURED ME MY GIRLFRIEND AND 3 OF OUR KIDS AND DAMAGED MY STEERING AND SUSPENSION. PLEASE HELP
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 2002 ACURA TL TYPE S WITH ONLY 80,000 MILES ON IT. THE DRIVERS SEAT HAS BECOME LOOSE FROM THE MOUNTS AND ROCKS LIKE IT LOOSE FROM THE SUPPORTS. I HAVE LOOKED AT THE FRAME OF THE SEAT AND IT APPEARS THE WELDED FRAME HAS COME LOOSE ON ONE OF THE CORNERS. I HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE AS A WELDER AND CAN SEE THAT THE WELDED AREA WAS NOT VERY GOOD CAUSING IT TO SEPARATE... *TR
DT: THE CONSUMER FILED A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT ON THE SRS OF THE AIRBAG, ODI 10137149 . THE CONSUMER REFUSED TO ADD THIS INFORMATION TO HER PREVIOUS COMPLAINT AND WISHED TO FILE A SEPARATE COMPLAINT ON THE SAME VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR THAT WENT TO THE HEATER, THE AIR CONDITIONER, AND WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE WIRES MELTED. THE CONSUMER DID NOT SEE FLAMES, BUT FELT THERE WAS A FIRE. THE CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED HONDA MANUFACTURER, WHO WAS SUPPOSE TO CALL THE CONSUMER BACK. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS AT THIS TIME. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2008, THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ON MY 2002 ACURA 3.2TL CEASED TO OPERATE WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING. AN ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM REVEALED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS, WHICH CONNECTS TO THE A/C BLOWER MOTOR, HAD SEVERELY "MELTED" TO THE RECEPTACLE THAT IT PLUGS INTO ON THE BLOWER. IT APPEARED AS IF THOUGH A SHORT HAD OCCURED WHICH CAUSED THE WIRES AND CONNECTOR TO MELT. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS MAY CAUSE AN UNECESSARY FIRE WITHIN THE VEHICLE WHILE IT'S BEING OPERATED. TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, I PURCHASED A NEW BLOWER MOTOR AND HARNESS FROM MY LOCAL ACURA DEALER AND REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. BOTH OF THE DEFECTIVE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR EXAMINATION. DIGITAL PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE AS WELL. *TR
DT: THE CONSUMER FILED A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT ON THE SRS OF THE AIRBAG, ODI 10137149 . THE CONSUMER REFUSED TO ADD THIS INFORMATION TO HER PREVIOUS COMPLAINT AND WISHED TO FILE A SEPARATE COMPLAINT ON THE SAME VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR THAT WENT TO THE HEATER, THE AIR CONDITIONER, AND WITH THE WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE WIRES MELTED. THE CONSUMER DID NOT SEE FLAMES, BUT FELT THERE WAS A FIRE. THE CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE WAS TOLD IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED HONDA MANUFACTURER, WHO WAS SUPPOSE TO CALL THE CONSUMER BACK. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS AT THIS TIME. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE SHUTDOWN WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVING PERFORMANCE WAS SLUGGISH AND PROVIDED LITTLE TO NO ACCELERATION. THE RPM INDICATOR WOULD RACE TO 3000K+RPMS WHENEVER THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED. THE AUTO BEGAN TO HESITATE AND LURCH VIOLENTLY. SHORTLTY AFTER, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE TCS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE GEAR INDICATOR (WHICH WAS ON D5 AT THE TIME) BEGAN TO BLINK. *SCC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .