2005 Acura TL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 9%of 388 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Acura TL, 9% of the 388 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving my car out of nowhere it lost power this the third time it happens. Its really scary because the last time I had my baby with me and that happened. I had to park and turn off the car also when I reverse it takes long to change gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11302152, filed 2020-01, 158,000 miles“I left my car to get my phone while car was parked on the driveway with the engine running, transmission in parking and door on the driver side open. Less than 2 minutes later when I returned my car was gone. Looking around, I saw my car at least 30 yards downhill from the driveway lodged against an f450 truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10584673, filed 2014-04, 114,110 miles“Takata recall - my drive is flashing which is to do with my transmission and I'm having wiring problems also. Also I have no bright headlights they just completely stopped working and it's a wiring problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11131743, filed 2018-09, 167,000 miles“I was backing out of a spot, as I usually do, the car took longer than usual to shift from park into drive (about 3-4 sec). Drove normally for about a half-mile, stopped at a red light, went to accelerate, and then the transmission wouldn't come out of 1st gear and revved super high. Pulled over, then drove to my mechanic about a half-mile back at about 8-10 MPH with my caution lights on. He took it for a test drive and said it seemed fine (I.e. The transmission didn't slip), but what I explained to him sounded like the onset of transmission failure). …”
NHTSA complaint #11288699, filed 2019-12, 162,000 miles“I was driving on the highway (684south), and my car's automatic transmission failed on my 2005 Acura TL. As I stepped on the accelerator, the car had no motion. I pulled over immediately, and I called aaa to tow my car. The company that towed my car had inspected my car the following day and informed me that I was in need of a new transmission. I had then called aamco in mahopac, ny, that specializes in transmissions, to get a second opinion. …”
NHTSA complaint #10249912, filed 2008-11, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10051940Jan 26, 2013Acura: clutch pedal pops, squeaks, or clicks.
- 10026204Jul 18, 2008Acura: 6 speed manual transmission grinds when shifting into 3rd gear, pops out of 3rd gear, or is hard to shift into 3rd gear. Transmission has a faulty 3rd gear synchronizer or…
- 10018865Dec 16, 2005Transmission grinds at shifts, skip shifting.
- 10014766Jan 1, 2005P1706 a/t switch short or open.
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 2005 Acura TL
156 complaintsAir bags
144 complaintsOther or unknown
66 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsTires
20 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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