2003 Acura TL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 246about this part
- Share
- 63%of 391 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,334miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 246 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Acura TL, 63% of the 391 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,334 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.
“On september 26 . 2018 my Acura TL 2003 is tcs on. Cel on. D5 blinking. After that I have obd ii scanner (actron cp9680) they have 5 code. I search the google this code means my transmisson is dead. This car now little sharking. But repair cost is more than $2.000. I also search for Acura & honda forums. Many same cases. But now 2018 . But my is 2003 who got the transmission recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11132318, filed 2018-09, 50 miles“I am having trouble with my transmission slipping between 2nd and 3rd gears. When I bought the car new in 2003, I got a letter from Acura informing me that they were going to warrantee the transmission for an extra 12 months and 12,000 miles because they were having trouble with them. Now that I am, Acura refuses to help me with repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10839159, filed 2016-03, 139,000 miles“'tamara recall' before taking off the car had trouble going into gear. Once the car was in motion it began to have a hard shift then once I gained speed of 45 on the highway it wouldn't accelerate any more it actually started to slow down so I pulled off the road I put the car in park and heard a fast clicking noise turned the car off turned it back on tried put it in gear and it wouldn't move”
NHTSA complaint #11080166, filed 2018-03, 215,000 miles“2003 Acura t.l was in motion when the vehicle started slipping on 2nd gear. Then when vehicle was stationary it would not move in reverse gear. As I was on highway the car started jerking out of control, I could not accelerate, vehicle barely wanted to move so I put it in #2 gear so it work catch and I was able to drive to safety without anyone getting hurt. Very frightening and dangerous. Problem must be addressed immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #11311313, filed 2020-02, 167,000 miles“Upon driving on a freeway going around 50 MPH my transmission suddenly pulled my car to a quick slowing down motion as if being moved from gear down to first or second. Luckily, there were no vehicles behind me as I was in a far right line. It is an older vehicle however it is a recurring issue it appears as there was a recall on it already before. …”
NHTSA complaint #10554790, filed 2013-12, 161,200 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
- 10195036May 28, 2021Service Bulletin - Case v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Case No. BC 424169 (Third Clutch Transmission Settlement - $25 Credit Vouchers).
- 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.
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 2003 Acura TL
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 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 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