2003 Acura TL Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 2%of 391 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Acura TL, 2% of the 391 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was applying the brake due to stopped traffic ahead of my car. As I did so, the car accelerated rather than slowed down. My car contacted the left rear of the car in front of mine, and as I tried to straighten out the car, it again accelerated. Veered to the right, and struck the stone wall of the bridge on the shoulder of the highway. According to the police report, there was a malfunction with the throttle mechanism. Officers witnessed, when starting the vehicle, the RPM indicator quickly rise to approximately 5,000/5,500 without any pressure applied on the gas pedal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10487907, filed 2012-12, 97,000 miles“Took delivery of new Acura 2003 3.2tl type s on may 10, 2002. With about 7,000 miles on vehicle started to notice slight shimmy / shutter when applying brakes...greater impact at speeds 40 - 70mph. This indicates warped brake rotors. Finally insisted that dealer address issue. Dealer first offered to turn rotors; I declined and asked that they contact honda for replacement of rotors. Honda agreed on, good-will one time basis. Furture warranty coverage will be by turning rotors. Rotors and brake pads replaced at 9,675 miles. I have been told that the cause is owner distinctive driving habits. …”
NHTSA complaint #10018858, filed 2003-05, 9,675 miles“Brake light comes on and I was told by the dealer that it was caused by a sticky float in the master cylinder reservoir that had to be replaced with anew design that would eliminate the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10207090, filed 2007-10, 76,000 miles“Yaw rate sensor for the vehicle stability assist (vds) system may be improperly mounted. This can cause either of the front wheel brakes to be suddenly and firmly applied without warning for up to one second. A possible result is lost of control or rear end collision (brake lights are not activated). Improperly mounted sensor will also cause the vds to deactivate until engine restart, activate vsa system indicator warning light on the tachometer face, and set a yaw rate sensor diagnostic trouble code. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043222, filed 2003-10, 5 miles“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Acura TL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v182000 (air bags). The contact stated that the brake light illuminated and the brakes squeaked. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11289629, filed 2019-12Related service bulletins
- 10014061Nov 16, 2002Troubleshooting abs or tcs diagnostic trouble code 51 and/or 53.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 4 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 6 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 13 | 5% |
| 2005 | 9 | 2% |
| 2004 | 16 | 3% |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% |
| 2002 | 21 | 6% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 5% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 1 | 5% |
| 1997 | 2 | 9% |
| 1996 | 5 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2003 Acura TL
246 complaintsAir bags
50 complaintsVehicle speed control
20 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsTires
10 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsEquipment
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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