2000 Acura TL Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 2000 Acura TL report automatic transmission problems far more than anything else, most often in the mid-90,000 to 130,000-mile range — harsh or delayed shifts, jerking between 2nd and 3rd gear, unexpected downshifts, and in some cases a loss of drive. A second common theme is the SRS (air bag) warning light coming on, sometimes tied to the passenger seat sensor, plus a group of complaints about the self-dimming rearview mirror darkening or leaking. Many transmission complaints reference a 2004 recall campaign (04V176000) and the extended warranty that followed it, with owners saying symptoms returned after the recall work.

1. 1
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission harsh shifting, slipping and sudden downshifts

   • 101 complaints (41%)
   • median 110,500 mi at 8.8 yrs old (74 state mileage)
   • 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $4,000 (median of 8 quotes)
   • filed 2000–2021

   Owners describe hard or delayed shifts, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear, jerking or bucking at moderate speeds, hesitation when engaging reverse or drive, and occasionally a sudden downshift at highway speed with the check engine and TCS lights coming on. Several say the dealer diagnosed an internal transmission failure and quoted a replacement, either under the extended warranty or at their own cost. A number report the same symptoms returning after the 2004 recall remedy (an oil jet/cooler line kit) or after a replacement transmission. Mostly reported between roughly 90,000 and 130,000 miles, though some appear as early as 25,000-50,000 miles.

   Recall 04V17600011 related service bulletins

   What to check: Ask for service records showing whether recall 04V176000 was performed and whether the transmission or fluid was serviced afterward. On a test drive, watch for delayed or harsh engagement into reverse and drive and for jerking on the 2nd-3rd shift.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Transmission in my 2000 Acura TL will without warning drop to a lower gear locking up the drive train and send the vehicle into a skid. It happens so fast and with no brake lights a following vehicle could easily rear end my vehicle. This is a known problem with the transmission and Acura should be required to fix at no cost. Someone will lose their life.”

   NHTSA complaint #10343084, filed 2010-07, 113,000 miles

   “This car had been recalled due to a transmission issue in 2004. Early 2012, a shifting delay happened first for about one month. Then, transmission jerked between 2nd gear and 3rd gear and its getting worse. I went back to Acura, they said the transmission is broker and should be dead anytime. They suggested me to replace to it, which costs me 3500 dollars.”

   NHTSA complaint #10447975, filed 2012-02, 84,000 miles
2. 2
   Air bags

   Air bag (SRS) warning light on

   • 51 complaints (20%)
   • median 104,000 mi at 11.9 yrs old (19 state mileage)
   • 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2000–2024

   Complaints describe the SRS light coming on and staying on, or coming on intermittently when the passenger shifts in the seat, with owners saying dealers sometimes cleared the light without a lasting fix. Some owners connect it to the passenger seat weight sensor (OPDS) and note that the light means the air bags may not deploy correctly. Others mention slow or unusual air bag deployment in a collision and difficulty getting recall parts. Spread fairly evenly from about 50,000 to 200,000 miles.

   Recall 20V026000Recall 20V027000Recall 02V0800002 related service bulletins

   What to check: With the key on, confirm the SRS light comes on and then goes out after the bulb check, and have any stored SRS codes read. Ask whether the open air bag inflator recalls (20V026000 / 20V027000) have been completed for this vehicle.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Srs light comes on when passenger raises up from seat back. Dealer does not repair but just turns light off, which will come back on shortly. Didn't seem to be much of a problem until service advisor said air bags do not work properly when light is on. If that is the case, it seems it should be fixed instead of covered up.”

   NHTSA complaint #10215338, filed 2008-01, 50,000 miles

   “Air bag light came on intermittently. Dealer serviced the vehicle. Then, consumer rear ended a vehicle at 50 MPH. A recall letter was later received by the consumer on the air bag module. Nhtsa recall 02v080000.”

   NHTSA complaint #10097602, filed 2004-10, 74,800 miles
3. 3
   Electrical system

   Key can be removed without shifting to Park

   • 15 complaints (6%)
   • median 85,100 mi at 10.0 yrs old (12 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2003–2015

   Complaints describe being able to turn the ignition off and pull the key out while the shifter is still in Drive, so the car can roll. Some owners also report the car stalling or failing to start and being able to start it by wiggling the key. Several say a dealer told them their vehicle was not covered by the ignition interlock recall, or that unrelated electrical faults appeared alongside it. Reported from roughly 85,000 to 160,000 miles, on vehicles of various ages.

   Recall 05V025000

   What to check: Park on level ground, leave the shifter in Drive, and try turning the key off and removing it — it should not come out unless the transmission is in Park. Ask whether recall 05V025000 applies to this VIN and was completed.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Able to turn off the vehicle and remove the key without the car being in park. This is a big safety concern since I have two teenage drivers! I see there is a recall of some 2000 Acura tls for the interlock operation of the ignition switch but my VIN number is not included, yet I have this problem. The dealer and Acura customer care say that my car is not covered under the recall. Why?”

   NHTSA complaint #10526329, filed 2013-07, 85,000 miles

   “My key can be pulled from the ignition without first putting the shifter in park. If the emergency brake isn't applied the car can roll but cannot be steered. It is dangerous. Acura and honda have a number of recalls for this issue, including some 2000 TL vins but apparently doesn't include my VIN under the recall. The description of the recall exactly matches my symptoms and it is a serious safety issue and a very expensive repair. Onset date and mileage are approximate. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10490951, filed 2013-01, 80,000 miles
4. 4
   Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

   Rearview mirror darkens or leaks fluid

   • 25 complaints (10%)
   • median 81,500 mi at 8.8 yrs old (18 state mileage)
   • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1999–2016

   Owners report the auto-dimming interior mirror turning dark grey or black and blocking rear vision, sometimes leaving only a small clear area. Others describe the mirror leaking a dark liquid that stained or melted the console and shifter area beneath it, often noticed after the car sat in heat. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 145,000 miles, several after hot-weather parking.

   What to check: Look at the interior mirror for dark blotches, distortion, or residue on the console below it, and check that the mirror still dims evenly when you cover the forward sensor.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Yesterday, 8/18/13, our auto darkening rear view mirror leaked a black liquid that melted the plastic console under it. The liquid could not have been on the console for more than 45 minutes as the rear view mirror went from being clear when we arrived to a shopping center, to a distorted view when we were leaving. Searching google, ??2000 Acura TL rear view mirror leak,?? I found many instances of this happening to others. I also found that the substance is toxic (perhaps as many as 6 compounds including mercury). …”

   NHTSA complaint #10536226, filed 2013-08, 29,500 miles

   “The contact owns 2000 Acura TL. The vehicle was traveling at an unknown speed rate. The contact observed that the interior rear mirror was covered three quarters with a black residue. The authorized dealer was notified of the defect. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. The failure mileage was 90,000. The current mileage 150,000.”

   NHTSA complaint #10313320, filed 2010-02, 90,000 miles

Buying note. The 2000 TL is an older car where the automatic transmission is the main thing to verify: confirm the 2004 recall and any later transmission service in the records, and test drive carefully for shift quality. Also check the SRS light, the interior mirror, and the ignition key interlock, and confirm which open recalls (air bag inflators, ignition switch) still apply to the VIN.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.