2003 Acura TL Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 4%of 391 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Acura TL, 4% of the 391 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“On monday february 4, 2007 I was driving my 2003 Acura TL type s and came to a stop and heard a weird noise coming from under the hood. Once traffic began to proceed the car simply would not move from first gear. I manage to pull over and let it sit for about 1-2 min. And it went into gear although sluggish. Once on the road again I proceeded about 3 miles when the car would not engage in any gear at all. I was right in front if the honda store when the second failure happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #10217325, filed 2008-02, 72,535 miles“Multiple issues over a 2.5 year period with a new 2003 Acura 3.2 TL type s. I have had a transmission replaced after receiving a safety recall. Secondly, the car has had an idling issue for 2.5 years that was just recently resolved with the replacement of an engine control valve. Third, the A/C was not working properly and the compressor was replaced. Fourth, the idle air control system was bad and had to be replaced. Fifth, and most worrisome, is that I have had white smoke come from under my hood on 3 separate occasions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10143146, filed 2005-11, 3 miles“Upon a normal recall invitation for the air bag inflator ( per manufacturer requirement) a separate normal inspection was done to vehicle. The mechanic found the front and right front motor mounts have collapsed. I know several other owners of honda and Acura of the same year and SUV models with the same failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10412828, filed 2011-07, 73,000 miles“Engine started idling at about 3000 RPM unexpectedly, could not make it stop. It was hard to control the vehicle when it would not go under 3000 RPM. Fortunately it stopped after about 10 minutes. Took to dealer, found problem was idle control mechanism on top of engine, it was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10262543, filed 2009-03, 99,300 miles“Burning smell emanating from exhaust area into cabin at 9800 miles. Terrible - can smell it on the outside from 25 feet away. The stench inside the back seat of the cabin is enough to make you gag. Car is only 100 miles overdue for an oil change (3100 miles) running manufacturer recommended oil weight. Car has had trouble since I bought it - but mostly external until now (peeling paint).”
NHTSA complaint #10054436, filed 2004-01, 9,750 milesRelated recalls
- 02V226000Aug 28, 2002On certain minivans, sedans, coupes, and sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, a timing belt tensioner pulley on the water pump is misaligned and…Covers: Acura TL 2003, Honda Accord 2002, Odyssey 2002 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10144045Aug 9, 2018Dealer message - Today, Acura is notifying dealers of a voluntary noncompliance recall for a small number of Acura vehicles due to an error on the replacement (service part)…
- 10021343Mar 16, 2007Rough idle, stalls at stops, and dtc's p0172 or p0175 appear when inspected.
- 10016279May 16, 2005Alternator condition (no or low output) dealer visit request.
- 10016260May 16, 2005Cranks won't start, immobilizer light flashes.
- 10014776Jan 16, 2005Alternator condition.
- 10014554Nov 16, 2004Alternator condition no or low output.
- 10014095Aug 16, 2004Engine coolant leak.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 4% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 1% |
| 2003 | 14 | 4% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% |
| 1999 | 12 | 8% |
| 1998 | 9 | 45% |
| 1997 | 1 | 4% |
| 1996 | 4 | 15% |
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 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsTires
10 complaintsBrakes
9 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 27, 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