2002 Acura TL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 224about this part
- Share
- 67%of 333 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,370miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 224 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Acura TL, 67% of the 333 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,370 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.. …”
NHTSA complaint #11002901, filed 2017-07, 250,000 miles“While driving the car there was a noticable shudder, the d5 light started flashing and it had problems upshifting between gears. This is a known defect for this car's tranmission, (I now know). I contacted accure and was told it was out of warrenty and they would be of no assistance. Very disappointed as I loved this car...”
NHTSA complaint #10458680, filed 2012-05, 104,530 miles“My car started locking up on me while driving, I would accelerate and it would act as if it was in neutral, and at times I couldn't even reverse. The car will drive then jerk me forward then lock up while I would drive. I called Acura and they told me I would have to pay 5,000 dollars for a new transmission and they would not cover my transmission problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10345183, filed 2010-07, 99,860 miles“I car shifted from 4th gear to 2nd gear abruptly, causing the car to hesitate almost resulting in the car behind me to collide into me from behind. I have notice numerous times the car dropping from 3rd to 2nd gear for no apparent reason.”
NHTSA complaint #10507452, filed 2013-04, 198,000 miles“Transmission is starting to go out. Very hard shifts into 2nd gear, the car will jerk while down shifting around 40mph. Now the d5 light is blinking. Flatirons Acura took my car for a 6mile drive and then handed me the keys back and said to drive it until it fails. Every time my family is riding in that car our lives are at stake.”
NHTSA complaint #10211984, filed 2007-12, 74,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V176000Apr 15, 2004On some mini vans, sport utility and passenger vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft…Covers: Acura TL 2000–2004, CL 2001–2003, Honda Odyssey 2002–2004 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10117865Aug 30, 2017Service bulletin - You are required to install a remanufactured A/T (automatic transmission) and torque converter on any vehicle with an internal failure that calls for A/T…
- 10024664Feb 5, 2008Warranty extension: 3.2 tl and 3.2 cl automatic transmission.
- 10018044Sep 1, 2005Don't invite problems doing 2nd gear inspection. Acura servicenews.
- 10016261May 16, 2005Canon a75 digital camera replacement.
- 10014766Jan 1, 2005P1706 a/t switch short or open.
- 10013911Oct 1, 2004A/t solenoid replacement criteria.
- 10013909Oct 1, 2004How to remove a stubborn atf filler bolt.
- 10013905Oct 1, 2004How to replenish atf on vehicles with a/t oil jet kits.
- 10013746Sep 16, 2004Automatic transmission fluid (atf) filler plug stuck in case. Acura tech summary line for dealer distribution.
- 10013745Sep 16, 2004Automatic transmission solenoid replacement criteria. Acura tech line summary for dealer distribution.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 27 | 21% |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 10 | 16% |
| 2009 | 5 | 12% |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 19 | 8% |
| 2005 | 36 | 9% |
| 2004 | 56 | 10% |
| 2003 | 246 | 63% |
| 2002 | 224 | 67% |
| 2001 | 103 | 69% |
| 2000 | 111 | 45% |
| 1999 | 37 | 24% |
| 1998 | 2 | 10% |
| 1997 | 3 | 13% |
| 1996 | 4 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2002 Acura TL
42 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Acura TL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology